Aerospace engineer
Design and build aeroplanes, helicopters, spacecraft, satellites, missiles and rockets to make them safe and efficient.
Also known as: aircraft engineer, aeronautical engineer
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About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£519
Entry level
£1,154
Experienced
Monthly
£2,250
Entry level
£5,000
Experienced
Yearly
£27,000
Entry level
£60,000
Experienced
9,600
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life – Aerospace engineer
What it's like
You would design and build aeroplanes, helicopters, spacecraft, satellites, missiles and rockets.
You'd design, build and maintain the aircraft and the parts and instruments that go inside them. You'd make them safe and efficient for people to use.
You'd plan and organise projects to improve:
Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters
Space vehicles and satellites
Missiles and weapons
Flight simulators
Flight components and instruments
You could focus on research and development, testing, or production and maintenance.
You would:
Develop avionic systems like navigation instruments and communications
Research ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuselage and engines
Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to draw up project designs
Carry out ground- and flight-testing programmes on prototypes
Collect and analyse test data
Plan and supervise the assembly and fitting of aircraft and components
Sign off projects under strict licensing regulations
Schedule and supervise line (airport) and base (hangar) maintenance of aircraft
You would also be involved with estimating project costs and timescales, attending meetings, writing technical reports and manuals, and giving presentations to managers and clients.
With several years' experience as an engineer, you could work on the investigation of air accidents.
You need a comprehensive understanding of engineering licence regulations and a commitment to keeping up to date. Having European language skills might be helpful, particularly if you are working on a joint international project.
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Hours
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Environment
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Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- adaptability
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Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Mathematics
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8), a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) or a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) preferably in aeronautical, aerospace or aero-mechanical studies.
Alternatively work-based qualifications, including a Modern Apprenticeship, are available.
Entry to a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) in Aircraft Engineering requires National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers; this can support entry to an Aircraft Engineer degree.
Entry to an aeronautical, aerospace or aero-mechanical degree (SCQF Level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and Highers at AAAB or above with Advanced Highers preferred.
To enter a postgraduate qualifications (SCQF Level 11) usually requires a relevant degree and experience.
If you have a degree related to engineering, for example maths, science or technologies, HNC/D and extensive aerospace experience you may be eligible to apply to the Aerospace MSc Bursary Scheme for funding towards a postgraduate degree in aerospace engineering.
Qualifications and experience that show an understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 4), Energy (SCQF Level 5) or Construction Crafts (SCQF Level 4/5) may be helpful.
Once in the job you need to work towards the Part-66 engineering licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It has three categories, A, B and C, with Category B the standard licence for many engineers.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Aerospace engineer'
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