Aerospace engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a degree in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like:

• electrical or electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering
• manufacturing or product engineering
• physics or applied physics
• software engineering or mathematics

Postgraduate study

You may be able to do a master's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering if you've studied for a degree in a related subject, such as engineering.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You could do a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a technician level job with an aerospace company.

Subjects include:

• mechanical engineering
• aeronautical engineering
• electrical engineering

You would then do further training to become a fully qualified engineer.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to begin your career in the aerospace industry. Apprenticeships include:

• Aerospace Engineer
• Aerospace Software Engineer
• Electro-Mechanical Engineer
• Materials Science Technologist

Some employers may offer other types of engineering apprenticeships, for example, a Power and Propulsion Gas Turbine Engineer Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

You'll combine workplace learning with study for a degree at university.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

DirectApplication

You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of physics
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• operations analysis skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• science skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Aerospace engineers design, test, build and maintain aeroplanes, spacecraft and satellites.

As an aerospace engineer, you could:

• build and test prototypes using computer aided design (CAD) software
• analyse test results to improve aircraft structures and aerodynamics
• research new types of fuel and ways to reduce engine emissions
• manage projects and supervise a team of engineers and technicians
• develop new instruments and software for spacecraft
• plan and supervise maintenance programmes

Location : You could work in a factory, in an office, on an aircraft or in an aircraft hangar.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £27,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could specialise in a particular field like:

• aerodynamics
• fuel efficiency
• space technology
• air accident investigation

You could also become a project manager, consultant aerospace engineer, or move into technical sales.