What can you do with an aeronautical or aerospace engineering degree?

An aeronautical designer will need to use the research that has been conducted in order to design new machinery and mechanical parts according to the size specification and design requirements proposed by the client. 

An aeronautical designer requires knowledge of design software and careful attention to detail to ensure that each mechanical part is able to function properly.  

The design as a whole must comply to the findings of research to ensure that the vehicle is able to function optimally, and the materials must be as cost-effective as possible to ensure that the budget of the project is being managed well. 

Becoming an aeronautical maintenance technician will involve testing machinery, diagnosing any problems, and repairing or replacing specific parts as needed. Some aeronautical maintenance technicians may specialise in a specific area of the aircraft or a specific part such as the engine, hydraulics, or electrical system. Others work more generally. 

As well as a degree, aeronautical maintenance technicians will need to be formally accredited by the governing body of their country or region, for example, the US Federal Aviation Administration. This confirms that a technician is fully qualified and capable of maintaining certain mechanical parts or certain aircrafts. 

Consultancy is a broad business-related career path; aeronautical consultancy is a very specific niche within this. Aeronautical consultants offer their expertise to provide business solutions to an aerospace or aeronautical engineering company.  

This may include assessing business practice, materials and construction procedures, performing safety audits and recommending alternatives to improve the profitability, safety and efficiency of a company and the machinery they produce. 

Aeronautical consultants need to be authorised by an accredited consultancy firm which ensures their knowledge of the machinery, the aeronautical market, and the best business procedures. 

An aeronautical or aerospace engineering degree opens the door to many career options. These include the careers mentioned above or others such as: 

• Aeronautical testing – executing reliability tests to ensure that each machine being produce is working as it should 

• Teaching 

• Part specialists – the design, testing and repair of a specific part such as fixed wings, rotary wings, software and rocket engines 

• Engineering management 

• Airline operation 

What is aeronautical and aerospace engineering?

Aeronautical and aerospace engineering looks at the design and production of machinery that is capable of flight. These may include airplanes, jets, helicopters, satellites, spacecraft, military vehicles, drones, and missiles. 

What is the difference between aeronautical and aerospace engineering?

Courses for aeronautical and aerospace engineering are usually very similar. The only real difference is that aeronautical engineering tends to focus on machinery that flies within the earth’s atmosphere such as airplanes, missiles, and helicopters. Aerospace engineering focuses more on vehicles that are designed to leave the atmosphere such as rockets and satellites. 

What is the expected salary for someone with an aeronautical or aerospace engineering degree?

The expected salary for an aeronautical or aerospace engineer can vary depending on the country you are working in, the specific role you are working in, and the company that is employing you. According to Indeed, the average salary for an aeronautical or aerospace engineer in the UK is around £40,000. 

Which university is best for aeronautical and aerospace engineering?

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, the best university to study aeronautical engineering is Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This is followed by Stanford University and Delft University of Technology. 

What do aeronautical or aerospace engineers do?

Aeronautical or aerospace engineer’s jobs may include researching, designing, building, testing, or repairing aircraft and machinery. Depending on their role, they may be working in one sector, on one type of vehicle or even with one specific part of a piece of machinery. Alternatively, they may also work more generally. 

What companies offer aeronautical or aerospace engineering jobs?

There are many companies that offer aerospace or aeronautical engineering jobs including: 

• NASA 

• SpaceX 

• Boeing 

• British Airways 

• Northrop Grumman 

• Airbus 

• Rolls Royce 

• Royal Airforce 

• Ministry of Defence 

• Collins Aerospace 

How do I become an aeronautical or aerospace engineer?

According to Indeed, a bachelor’s degree is a great place to start. An internship while studying may also be a good idea as it will give the student work experience which they can put on their CV. A graduate degree is also advantageous, but not a strict requirement. 

After graduating, students will need to apply to entry-level positions or apprenticeships where they will work under supervision for a number of years. If they are unable to find an apprenticeship or employment, they may choose to apply for a job in a related field, for instance working as an aerospace or aeronautical technician. 

It is important to note that if graduates want to work within a government agency such as NASA or the UK ministry of defence, they will need legal citizenship in that country. Also, some roles may ask for official accreditation from a regional governing body. This could become increasingly important as the graduate advances in their career. 

Is aeronautical or aerospace engineering a good career?

Aeronautical and aerospace engineering can lead to a fulfilling and profitable career within some excellent companies. It can, therefore, be considered a great career option.