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Aeronautical engineer
Aeronautical engineers apply science and technology to their work on aircraft, missiles, satellites and space vehicles. They usually specialise in one area, e.g. research, design, manufacture or maintenance.
Also known as:
- Aerospace engineer
- Aircraft engineer
Work activities
Aeronautical engineers apply the principles of science and their knowledge of aerodynamics, avionics and mechanical engineering to the research, design, construction and maintenance of all types of aircraft, missiles, radar, space vehicles and satellites. Aeronautical engineers usually specialise in one area, for example, research, design, manufacture or maintenance. Aeronautical engineers who work in research, solve problems by finding new or improved ways to do things.
There are two main types of research work: advanced research or applied research. Advanced research is an understanding of and the ability to develop and use physical processes and physics laws. This usually takes place in a controlled environment, for example, a university research centre. In applied research, aeronautical engineers use their knowledge, usually taken from the advanced research, to solve a particular problem. They may be trying to improve safety, or reduce fuel consumption, noise or air pollution.
Aeronautical engineers usually do this work in a design environment, either in industry or at a university research centre. Aeronautical engineers who specialise in design may work on anything from a small part to a whole aircraft engine. They use computer aided design (CAD) technology, which allows them to create a computer model of the part. Engineers can use the computer model to calculate the weight of parts and the loads they must bear. Designing an aircraft, missile or satellite is a whole team effort, which brings together each individual engineer’s skills and expertise. Testing, evaluating and adapting products are important processes to ensure safety and efficiency standards are met. Some aeronautical engineers oversee manufacturing and production work. They plan and put into practice production processes, taking into account quality, safety and efficiency. They may lead teams of engineering technicians as they put together or modify parts. Aeronautical engineers are often responsible for meeting deadlines and ensuring that the work is completed within a budget. Aeronautical engineers also monitor and supervise aircraft maintenance teams, ensuring that aircraft are safe and working fully. Work takes place in a variety of environments, such as an office or factory. Some aeronautical engineers may travel to other sites, laboratories or aircraft hangars to test or inspect aircraft.
Personal qualities and skills
As an aeronautical engineer, you need:
- An analytical, logical approach to solving problems, combined with creativity and imagination.
- To read and interpret engineering diagrams.
- To work within budgets.
- An understanding of engineering licence regulations.
- To work well on your own and as part of a team.
- The ability to encourage other people’s ideas.
- To be flexible and able to compromise.
- Strong communication skills to explain complex engineering information to people from non-technical backgrounds.
- Good English and technical skills to write reports.
- Organisational skills to plan your own time, to co-ordinate resources and ensure deadlines are met.
- A willingness to take on responsibility and to lead and motivate others.
- Excellent IT skills as a lot of engineering work involves using computers.
- To be good at maths.
- To be willing to keep up to date with advances in technology in this fast-changing field.
- An interest in aviation is generally useful. Foreign language skills may also be useful if, for example, working on international projects.
The main skills gaps for the industry are:
- Materials requirement planning.
- Computer aided engineering (CAE).
- Assembly line/production robotics.
- CNC machine operation.
- Electronics.
Pay and opportunities
Salaries for aeronautical engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities. Aeronautical engineers earn in the range of £27,000, rising to £60,000 with experience.
Most aeronautical engineers work around 37-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, you may need to start early, finish late or do some weekend work, especially as deadlines approach.
Employers are aircraft manufacturers, defence companies, component manufacturers, airlines, the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence. Some aeronautical engineers apply their knowledge of aerodynamics in other areas, for example, in companies that make vehicles such as cars, trains and hovercraft. You can also work in the communications industry, dealing with satellites, or in construction, dealing with high, wind-blown structures.
Opportunities for aeronautical engineers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK. The Bristol area is a major location for aeronautical engineering. Opportunities to work in transport equipment manufacture are highest in the North West, South West and East of England.
Self-employment opportunities occur for aeronautical engineers to work independently as freelance consultants.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.
Entry routes and training
Aeronautical engineers typically hold a university degree, although a foundation degree or HND can offer a route into this career path. Course titles include aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering and avionics.
Aeronautical engineers also enter with degrees and HNDs in other engineering disciplines, especially mechanical and electronics engineering. The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) can provide details of colleges and universities offering relevant courses.
A number of apprenticeships offer a way into this career path via workplace training:
- Aerospace engineer (level 6 / degree)
- Aerospace software engineer (level 6 / degree)
As well as training on the job, you will work towards a relevant degree to support your work.
Some graduates join graduate training schemes, which offer structured training and learning. Depending on their level of entry, engineers can gain Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) professional status. Both are highly regarded by employers throughout industry. To register as a CEng or an IEng, you must join a relevant, professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council, such as The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). To become a CEng or an IEng, you need to demonstrate the appropriate competence and commitment.
Depending on their qualification, engineers can progress by taking on more responsibility for the management of engineering projects and teams of engineers. Some engineers choose to become self-employed or take contract work on a freelance basis.
Qualifications
To enter a degree course in aeronautical engineering, the usual requirement is:
- Two to three A-levels.
- GCSEs at grades 9-4 in two to three other subjects.
Alternatives to A levels include:
- Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
To begin a degree apprenticeship, you’ll need two relevant A-levels plus GCSEs in English and maths and potentially other relevant subjects.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges. Numerous institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, in aerospace/aeronautical related subjects, by part-time study or distance learning.
