Aerospace engineering is a dynamic field that combines cutting-edge technology and scientific principles to push the boundaries of human exploration in air and space.
Aerospace engineers apply principles of physics, mathematics and engineering to create innovative solutions for aviation and space exploration challenges.
Considering launching a career in aerospace engineering? This dynamic, ever-evolving field pushes the boundaries of human potential. If you like to question the known and work on the fringe of what’s possible, aerospace engineering could be the right degree path for you.
Understanding Aerospace Engineering
In 1958, the term “aerospace” was first defined, unifying the concepts of atmospheric and space flight into a single discipline. Modern aerospace engineering continues to push the boundaries of human exploration, contributing to advancements in transportation, communications, defense and scientific research.
[Visual Aid idea: Good place for a cool picture of something in orbit, like a satellite or outside of a spacecraft, showing the vastness of space with the complexity of engineering]
Aerospace engineering is a specialized field focusing on the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft. It encompasses two primary branches: aeronautical engineering, focusing on vehicles operating within Earth’s atmosphere, and astronautical engineering, dealing with spacecraft and technologies for space exploration.
While aerospace engineering shares some commonalities with mechanical engineering, it has distinct characteristics. Aerospace engineering specifically deals with flight mechanics, aerospace physiology and navigation principles. The field requires a unique combination of physics, mathematics and engineering principles to solve complex challenges in both atmospheric and space flight.
What Does an Aerospace Engineer Do?
Aerospace engineers perform a diverse range of tasks focused on designing, developing, and maintaining aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. The primary focus of aerospace engineering specifically deals with flight mechanics, aerospace physiology and navigation principles, including designing aerospace and aviation products, running flight simulations for performance and safety, establishing operating standards for aerospace products and developing and testing prototypes.
Aerospace engineers can work in commercial aviation, military and defense and the space industry. Aerospace engineers work in diverse settings too, including aerospace manufacturing companies, research laboratories, government agencies and universities.
The role of an aerospace engineer continues to evolve with technological advancement, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new challenges across these various sectors. In the field of aerospace engineering, the sky is certainly not the limit, and neither are the unique career opportunities within it.
What is the Difference Between Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering?
Aeronautical Engineering: This branch deals with vehicles that operate within earth’s atmosphere, such as airplanes, helicopters and drones. Aeronautical engineers work on improving flight performance, safety and efficiency of atmospheric vehicles.
Astronautical Engineering: Also known as astronautics or rocket science, this branch focuses on spacecraft and technologies for space exploration beyond earth’s atmosphere. It involves the development of satellites, space probes and launch vehicles.
Essential Skills for Pursuing Aerospace Engineering
What does it take to cut it in the field of aerospace engineering? While it is undeniable that success in aerospace engineering requires an in-depth understanding of complex mathematics, physics and computational software expertise, you will find that there are many diverse technical and soft skills critical for the education and experiential requirements to be a successful aerospace engineer.
Educational Requirements
| Formal Education | Why is this required? |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering | Minimum Requirement |
| Master’s degree in aerospace engineering | Preferred for advancement |
| Ph.D. in aerospace engineering | Required for research and academic positions |
Technical Skills
| Mathematical and Scientific Proficiency | Engineering Fundamentals | Computing and Software Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced mathematics including calculus and trigonometry | Systems engineering knowledge | Programming languages (Python, C++, Java) |
| Physics and aerodynamics principles | Structural analysis capabilities | CAD and SolidWorks proficiency |
| Structural analysis capabilities | Mechanical systems understanding | Simulation software experience |
| Computational skills for complex problem-solving | Control systems expertise | Design tools and modeling software |
The combination of these skills, along with ongoing professional development, enables aerospace engineers to succeed in this dynamic and challenging field. Continuous learning is essential, with many professionals pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to enhance their career prospects and keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies in the aerospace industry.
How Much Do Aerospace Engineers Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace engineers earn a median annual wage of $130,720, with projected job growth of 6% from 2022 to 2032, driven by advancements in aircraft redesign, satellite technology, and drone applications. Salaries vary based on factors such as geographic location, specialization, industry sector, and education level.
- Starting salaries range from $69,000 to $76,293 for engineers with less than one year of experience.
- Early career professionals (1-4 years) earn approximately $85,250 annually.
- Mid-level engineers (5-7 years) make $131,746 on average.
- Senior engineers (7+ years) earn around $160,000 or higher.
- Leadership positions can exceed $200,000 annually.
How to Build a Career in Aerospace Engineering?
The path to becoming an aerospace engineer typically begins with formal education and continues through professional development and specialization. Aspiring aerospace engineers require a strong foundation in mathematics, physics and engineering principles.
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions. A master’s degree not only provides immediate salary benefits but also opens doors to more challenging and rewarding positions throughout an aerospace engineering career. Further, advanced specialized certifications can also increase earning potential.
The Importance of Advanced Degrees in Aerospace Engineering.
Advanced degrees, particularly master’s, lead to higher compensation. Specialized certifications can also vastly increase earning potential.
Your Path to Becoming an Aerospace Engineer with UCF Online
Ready to launch your career in aerospace engineering? By providing the necessary talent and brainpower to fuel industry partners such as Lockheed Martin, Siemens and NASA, UCF is fulfilling a demand for critical, high-value jobs across the state. As a key contributor to talent in the industry, UCF Online’s aerospace engineering program is poised to provide not only top-of-the-line education for your career but also the real-time experience and connections to be able to make a meaningful impact in your field.
UCF’s online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program is ranked among the top nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The curriculum covers advanced mathematics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems and space environment studies, providing students with comprehensive knowledge in key aerospace engineering domains.
The program’s flexibility allows students to study from anywhere while accessing world-renowned professors and maintaining the same quality education as the on-campus program. UCF’s Career Services supports students with online workshops, resume building, and interview preparation, preparing graduates for roles such as aerospace engineer, compliance officer, and spacecraft designer, with median salaries exceeding $118,000 annually.