Aerospace engineering is a highly regarded profession and an understandably popular choice when it comes to deciding which career route to take. <a href="https://www.randstad.co.uk/jobs/s-engineering/ss-aerospace/"; target="_blank">Aerospace engineering jobs</a> are rewarding in numerous ways, including professional prestige. The job provides challenges and requires creativity, but the work has the potential to make lasting and exciting impacts on how people live their lives today.<br><br><h2>The role</h2>
<p>Aerospace engineers, sometimes referred to as aeronautical engineers, work on the development of civil and military aircraft, missiles and weapons systems, as well as the numerous different components that make up these complex systems. They can also work on space vehicles such as satellites. The role is highly specialist and requires the daily application of complex scientific and technological principles. Engineers will work on all aspects of development, including research, design, maintenance and performance testing and will tend to specialise in a specific area such as propulsion, systems integration, avionics, materials and structures or aerodynamics. </p>
<p>Day-to-day activity<br><br>
The specific workload of an aerospace engineer has the potential to be extremely varied and depends largely on which area chosen as a specialty. Typical tasks may include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Project management, including team management, client and stakeholder liaison and budget responsibilities</li>
<li>The research and development of a particular project’s design specifications</li>
<li>The assembly and modification, or supervision of these areas, of components through the systematic manufacturing process</li>
<li>Trouble-shooting specific unanticipated issues that arise during the design, testing processes and development</li>
<li>Applying computer-aided design (CAD) software and expertise to create designs and plans</li>
<li>Regular and on-going inspection and maintenance of aircraft, in order to ensure its fitness for purpose and safe operation</li>
<li>Measuring the performance of aircraft, including their components and systems, with a view to driving continual improvement</li>
</ul>Typical projects<br><br>
Engineers in this field will typically find themselves working on a project that is itself focussed on a specific aspect or component of an aerospace system. For example, such a project may be concerned with the improvement of fuel efficiency, environmental impacts, safety systems, or enhancing the technology to deliver increased speed or reduced weight. Engineers may also find themselves looking at wider project management activities such as reducing system costs or addressing specific client requirements through the implementation of the most up to date technology.<br><br><h3>Becoming an aerospace engineer</h3>
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Given the importance the industry places on technical expertise, it is perhaps not surprising that the right qualifications are absolutely essential in order to start a successful career in this field. A foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degrees in aerospace engineering, avionics or transport engineering is invariably required as a starting point. Employers will also look for a sound academic background in science, technology and maths subjects, as well as knowledge and experience of mechanics and manufacturing. Those interested in pursuing a career in the aerospace engineering profession are advised to become familiar with two organisations: the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), which provides information on careers in this industry, and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is responsible for licensing aerospace engineers.<br><br>Salary and pay scale<br><br>
A significant number of variants will determine an aerospace engineer’s salary, including geographic location, qualifications, the employing organisation, seniority, skills and experience, so any figures here must be taken as a guideline only. That being said, starting salaries in the aerospace engineering profession are typically between £20,000 and £25,000. This can progress quickly to between £28,000 and £40,000 as experience within the industry is gained. Senior staff, such as those given responsibility for leading on projects, are often on salaries ranging from £45,000 to £60,000.<br><br>Career development<br><br>
The aerospace industry is an important employer within the UK and is one of the country’s most well established business areas. It is estimated to employ around 300,000 people and provides a healthy and active job market as a result. A range of new aerospace engineering jobs is usually on offer as well as numerous career development opportunities such as training and mentoring. Most employment tends to be based in the south of England, but there also tend to be clusters near to major airports. In terms of a future in the industry, personal and professional development often depends on areas of specialism. Engineers can find themselves travelling the world with companies who have overseas operations and often go on to become project managers or consultant aerospace engineers.<br><br>
Taking all this into account, it is perhaps not surprising that the market for aerospace engineering jobs is competitive. With the right support and expert guidance however, such as advice from recruitment agencies like Randstad, there are numerous excellent opportunities to forge an exciting and successful career.