(Newswire.net — January 28, 2021) — As technology advances and ever more enterprises look up to the stars, aerospace engineering becomes a promising major. A graduate can get profitable aerospace engineering jobs in a variety of companies, from US giants like SpaceX to less press-covered enterprises like Dragonfly Aerospace. Today, the space sector is thriving not only in the US but also in Europe and Asia. So, an aerospace engineering degree will not limit dedicated experts to a specific country. Besides, there are plenty of different career choices united by this major; they can suit any professional preference or personal inclination. Let’s now take a look at the most valued aerospace engineering jobs.
Mechanical Engineer
This could be one of the most skill-specific aerospace engineering jobs. Mechanical engineers are responsible for building aerospace components. They are to research various technological advances and look for ways to keep pushing aerospace tech and engineering forward. These experts assemble spacecraft and test it. Aerospace engineering salary may vary greatly on this position and will mostly depend on the company’s budget and the applicant’s skills.
Spacecraft Designer
No spacecraft has ever been built without a design. Spacecraft designers need to combine deep tech understanding with creativity, as they should come up with a valid 3D version of to-be-designed spacecraft. Often, spacecraft designers start as aircraft designers because previous experience in this area is always a plus. Besides, commercial air travel is already a booming industry.
Compliance Officer
Compliance officers work with existing laws and regulations to ensure aerospace engineering tech and operations comply with these laws. Ultimately, their goal is to make sure everyone is safe — not only in the air but also on the ground. This is a highly responsible job, and many aerospace engineering companies hire third-party officers to ensure everything is according to the law.
Data Processing Manager
Real-life equipment testing often results in crashes, so more and more aerospace engineering companies first run their tests through AI simulations. Data processing managers are responsible for analyzing the results of these simulations. They should also provide solutions to make any new aerospace engineering technology market-ready as soon as possible.
Flight Technicians
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Flight technician is a vast term because plenty of different technicians work with aerospace engineering companies. These experts are responsible for maintaining space and aircraft and keeping it operational. This includes not only maintenance but regular testing of equipment and control systems.
Pilot & Staff Crew
Of course, the space and aircraft industry needs pilots. This may not be the most in-demand job, but its importance can never be estimated. That is why pilots have to be physically fit and have to go through regular health exams, especially when it comes to the aerospace industry.
Mission or Payload Specialist
This is not a full-time job as both mission and payload experts act as consultants on specific aerospace engineering projects and missions. For example, a payload specialist may accompany the payload once it is launched. The same goes for mission specialists who collect data, experiment and offer valuable insight into each separate mission the company is about to tackle. Often, these positions are filled by third-party researchers.
Military Aerospace Engineer
Military aerospace engineering is a separate niche that calls for some very specific skills and experience. For example, laser-guided weapons are the result of a military aerospace engineering project. This engineering job is focused on developing new military tech and polishing up the existing one.
Drafter
Drafters work alongside designers; but, instead of coming up with a general concept, they create detailed specifications for the spacecraft. These engineering documents deal with every tiny detail of the upcoming spacecraft and serve as guides for mechanical engineers.
Technical communicator
Technical communicators bridge experts with different skills within aerospace engineering companies, making sure all staff members are on the same page. They should have a deep understanding of the technical processes within each company because their job implies making complex terms and processes understandable for everyone on board. These experts ensure adequate communication flow within a company and often create tech memos for every team member.
Personal skills required for an aerospace engineering career
While tech, engineering, and hardware skills may differ a lot from one position to another, there are certain personal skills experts in the space industry should have. The standard set for most advanced and entry-level aerospace engineering jobs is:
- Ability to work as part of an international crew
- Attention to detail
- Passion about space engineering
- Creative thinking
- Stress resilience
- Ability to work long hours
- Desire to develop and grow as an expert
With such a wide range of options, pursuing a career in one of the aerospace engineering companies is no longer a dream for the elite few. Today, plenty of enterprises offer aerospace engineering internships, and some of them are investing in educating young professionals. As long as you are passionate about space, are ready to work and improve, an aerospace career could be a viable option.