Who's an Aerospace Engineer?
Ever wondered what makes an aircraft take-off and soar the skies? Or how we managed to make our way to outer space? You’re probably thinking of pilots and astronauts, but there’s a hidden hero you need to credit for this amazing possibility – the aerospace engineer! They are the reason we are able to perform these amazing feats.
Aerospace engineers design and build machines like aeroplanes, helicopters, rockets, missiles and satellites to help us explore the skies. They work with some of the best, most cutting-edge technology. Sounds like the perfect career? Get to know it better in the upcoming sections!
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you need?
Analytical and Data Skills
Analytical and data skills involve the ability to evaluate information, interpret data, and draw insights to solve problems or make informed decisions. These skills require critical thinking, logical reasoning, and proficiency in working with data sets, often using tools like Excel, SQL, or statistical software. This skill set helps you break down complex problems, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. In the workplace, strong analytical and data skills allow you to provide insights that guide strategies, optimise processes, and drive innovation. They are essential for roles involving research, business analysis, marketing, finance, and operations. build this skill
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail means being careful and noticing small things that others might miss. It involves checking your work carefully for mistakes, following instructions exactly, and making sure everything is done correctly. This skill helps you do accurate work and avoid errors. In jobs, attention to detail is important for tasks like writing reports, managing data, or following safety rules. build this skill
Communication Skills
Communication skills are the ability to clearly express ideas, information, and feelings, both verbally and in writing, so others can easily understand. This includes listening effectively, using the right tone, and being aware of non-verbal cues like body language. These skills help you explain your thoughts clearly, build relationships, and work better in teams. Good communication is important in almost every job, from customer service to leadership roles, because it ensures that tasks are understood and done correctly, and it helps prevent misunderstandings. build this skill
Creative Skills
Creative skills involve the ability to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems. These skills include imagination, design thinking, artistic abilities, and the capacity to develop fresh concepts or approaches in different fields, from writing and art to problem-solving in business. Creative skills help you come up with original ideas, improve processes, and develop unique solutions in the workplace. In roles like marketing, design, or product development, creativity is essential for staying competitive and bringing new perspectives to projects or challenges. build this skillHow do you make it to the top ranks?
Intern
As an intern, you would perform simple routine tasks under the close supervision of your seniors. You will learn how to record data, operate and use test equipment and design software. You will work with various departments such as research, design, development, testing, marketing and manufacturing.
Junior Aerospace Engineer
At this level, you will learn to develop new technologies to be used in aviation, defence systems and spacecraft. You will work under the guidance of seniors and specialise in designing different types of aerospace products.
Senior Aerospace Engineer
You will evaluate a junior aerospace engineer’s work and determine if the design complies with engineering principles, customer requirements and environmental regulations. You would also take on the responsibility of ensuring that each project meets the required quality standards and timelines. You will also research and develop design specifications.
Manager
You would lead a team of engineers and oversee their work. You would also take part in flight-testing programmes to measure takeoff distance, rate of climb, stall speed and more. You will supervise the assembly of airframes and installation of engines, instruments and other equipment. Your juniors will look up to you, so mentoring them will also be your responsibility.
Chief Aerospace Engineer
You will come up with strategic and tactical initiatives while ensuring that your teams properly understand the regulatory and commercial requirements. You will also curate technology and product roadmaps related to fuel distribution and aerial refuelling products. You will head testing, design, evaluation, installation and operations.
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Pursuing your career locally VS abroad
If you study aerospace engineering in India, you will gain a better understanding of the market and slowly build a network to secure a job. There is a good demand for aerospace engineers in India’s top airline companies.
Aerospace engineering is a four-year undergraduate programme you can pursue from universities such as Amity University, Bhagwant University, Sandip University, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras and others. The average fee for this course can be anywhere between INR 50,000 to 8,00,000.
While a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering is enough to land you a job, you can always excel in the field by opting for a postgraduate degree or PhD.
It is difficult to find a job as an aerospace engineer abroad with an Indian degree. However, graduating from an aerospace engineering course outside the country will improve your chances of landing a job abroad. You could also study a Masters or Ph D in aerospace engineering abroad to improve your job prospects. While pursuing your masters, build a good network and look for a suitable job to manage your finances.
Studying aerospace engineering abroad would help you gain the skills and knowledge required to establish a strong foot in the field. It will develop your creativity and eye for detail along with your project management and design skills. By the end of your course, you will have a lot of practical and theoretical knowledge. Pursuing aerospace engineering abroad would cost an average fee of INR 20,00,000 to 60,00,000, depending on the university and country you choose. The US has some great courses in aerospace engineering. You can pursue aerospace engineering from the Imperial College of London, Princeton University USA, Harvard University and others.
How much would you get paid?
The exact amount will depend on where you work, your qualifications, and the organisation you work for. However, we can give you a fair idea of how much you could earn as an aerospace engineer.
What are your career options?
CAD (Computer-aided Design)
A CAD technician uses CAD software to create technical drawings and plans. You would work closely with architects and design engineers to understand the design requirements and turn them into technical drawings in 2D and 3D models. The models you curate will be used to estimate the project’s cost, manufacturing and installation. Your primary job would involve planning the aircraft’s design and providing detailed and accurate drawings for it. CAD technicians also opt to work in manufacturing and construction industries.
Aircraft Maintenance
An aircraft technician is involved in the repair and maintenance of all types of aircraft, including planes, helicopters, blimps and balloons. As an aircraft technician, your primary job involves diagnosing electrical and mechanical issues in an aircraft, and removing defective and worn out parts. You are also responsible for maintaining the aircraft’s electrical systems.
Aircraft Engineering
As an aircraft engineer, you would be involved in designing and testing aircraft. You would ensure that the aircraft is well maintained and all safety procedures are followed. You would test new equipment and ensure that old ones are maintained. You would also run tests on new designs, and create and interpret test data for the same.
Flight Testing
As a flight test engineer, you would be responsible for testing aircraft and their systems. You would develop plans for upcoming testing, conduct flight tests on a ground level and on board. On the basis of the test results, you would work towards resolving issues, if any. You would also conduct checks on the architecture, design, maintenance, operations and systems of aircraft.
Technical Communication
As a technical communicator, you would be the link between the flight crew and ground experts. You need to know everything about the functioning of aircraft and work collaboratively with various departments. The job also involves curating classroom training guides, white papers, data sheets, journals, user manuals and others. Your job profile may involve being a technical writer, API writer, technical content developer, technical illustrator, content specialist or content manager.
Pilot
As an airline pilot, you would be responsible for operating a plane’s engine to navigate and fly the vessel. You would check hydraulic and engine systems for pre-flight, safety-monitoring fuel consumption and aircraft systems in-flight. Having an aerospace engineering degree gives you an edge over others as you understand the technical and design nuances of the aircraft.
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