Aeronautical Engineer

Aeronautical engineers apply scientific and technological principles to the design, construction and maintenance of aircraft, missiles and satellites.

The Work

You could be:

• doing innovative research on new designs for airliners, helicopters, fighter jets or space vehicles


• applying your knowledge of aerodynamics, electronics and mechanical engineering to new or existing products and components


• investigating the use of new materials or improving existing ones


• modifying designs to improve safety or to reduce fuel consumption or pollution
• supervising the assembly of a new aircraft


• overseeing flight testing to ensure that aircraft, missiles and satellites are safe, reliable and value for money


• planning and managing the manufacture of aircraft and components


• specialising in research, design, testing, manufacture or maintenance.

Conditions

• You might work in a design laboratory and spend a lot of time working at a computer.


• You might work in production, in a factory where conditions can be noisy and where there can be the risk of accidents from equipment.


• In many cases you would work normal hours, but in factory work you may need to be on call outside normal working hours or to work shifts.
• You might have to travel to visit factories or experimental sites in other areas, possibly abroad.

Getting In

• You normally need a degree in aeronautical engineering, aerospace systems, avionics or a similar subject. Other subjects such as electrical or electronic or mechanical engineering may be accepted.


• For entry to an aeronautical degree course you usually need 4-5 Highers including Maths and Physics or Technological Studies plus English at Standard grade or Higher.


• It can help to have a postgraduate qualification.
• Relevant vacation work experience is helpful and may be essential.


• You may be able to qualify by other training routes.


• You need good computer skills including computer-aided design (CAD).


• Certain colour vision conditions may affect entry to careers in this branch of engineering.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• a strong interest in aviation


• a responsible, scientific and analytical approach
• technical ability


• creativity to solve problems and develop new ideas


• good report writing skills


• communication skills to explain complex and technical information, sometimes to non-technical partners.

• pay close attention to detail


• work to deadlines


• work in a team and support other people's ideas
• work within a budget.

• self-motivated
• well organised and able to manage your time.

Training

• After gaining your degree, and some further training with an employer, you can register with the Engineering Council as a professional engineer - either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).


• For IEng you need either a recognised Bachelors degree or a recognised Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) plus further study to Bachelors degree level.


• For CEng you need a recognised Bachelors degree with Honours plus a recognised Masters degree (or equivalent), or a recognised integrated Master of Engineering (MEng) degree.


• If you do not have the above qualifications, you may still be able to achieve IEng or CEng by other approved routes. You can check alternative routes with the Engineering Council or with the appropriate professional engineering institution.


• You must keep up to date with changes in technology.
• You are advised to work towards professional membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) or another engineering institution.

Getting On

• If you qualify first as IEng, you can progress to CEng after further training and experience. This can open up a wider range of opportunities.


• You could move into project management or planning.


• You might move into marketing, sales or general management.
• You could work in academic research or teaching in a college or university.
• You might become a consultant, offering specialist engineering services.


• You might work abroad - this is a global industry.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

• The UK's aircraft and aerospace industry is a world leader at the forefront of scientific and technological developments. It employs a highly skilled workforce of over 250,000 people. It pushes boundaries not only in the aero-industry but also in motor sport, electronics and communication. (RAeS website, May 2009.)


• The Engineering Council sets and maintains the standards of the engineering profession in the UK. It does so through 36 professional engineering institutions which are Licensed Members of the Engineering Council.


• The Enginuity website has more information at http://www.enginuity.org.uk/

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.