Department of Aerospace Engineering

Careers

Who are Aerospace Engineers?

Aerospace engineering is more than just aerospace.  It integrates may disciplines with spin offs into many other industries.

Rooted in the aircraft and spacecraft, it pushes the frontiers of science and engineering and fuels humankind's spirit of imagination and exploration.

Aerospace engineers are involved in all aspects of aeronautics (working with aircraft) and astronautics (working with spacecraft). They conduct research, and design and develop vehicles and systems for atmospheric and space environments.

These engineers often specialize in one of many areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, fluids, structures, guidance & control, and computation.

If it moves throught the air, aerospace engineers study and design it --- from golf balls to jet skis, from weather balloons to wind generators, from bicycles to automobiles and yes, you'll study airplanes and rockets too.  We even study the air --- wind and weather-driven phenomena like tornadoes, hurricanes, and (of course) Cyclones!

Careers in Aerospace Engineering

The field of aerospace technology offers a wide range of employment opportunities to those with the proper educational background. An aerospace team is made up of engineers, scientists, and technicians. Positions are available through the private sector as well as within the U. S. government.

Examples of major engineering roles in the aerospace industry include the following:

  • analysis
  • design
  • materials and processes
  • systems engineering
  • software development
  • manufacturing
  • flight research
  • field service

What Education will I Need?

Generally, a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering is required to work as an aerospace engineer.

Successful aerospace engineers have the proper educational background, possess good communication skills, and are committed to being a part of a team.