Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Aerospace Engineers
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
What does a Aerospace Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- βHealth Insurance
- βDental Insurance
- βVision Insurance
- βMental Health Support
- βWellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- β401(k) Retirement Plan
- βEmployer Match (typically 3-6%)
- βProfit Sharing
- βStock Options
- βPerformance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- βPaid Time Off (15-25 days)
- βPaid Sick Leave
- βFlexible Work Arrangements
- βRemote Work Options
- βParental Leave
Professional Development
- βTuition Reimbursement
- βProfessional Certifications
- βConference Attendance
- βTraining Programs
- βMentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Current Employment
10-Year Outlook
Employment Projections
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- β’Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
Skills Overview
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Critical Thinking
advancedReading Comprehension
advancedScience
intermediateMathematics
intermediateOperations Analysis
intermediateSpeaking
intermediateWriting
intermediateComplex Problem Solving
advancedActive Listening
basicJudgment and Decision Making
basicHighly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
- βSpeaking
- βWriting
- βComplex Problem Solving
Mid Career
- βMathematics
- βCritical Thinking
- βReading Comprehension
- βScience
Senior Level
- β Mathematics
- β Critical Thinking
- β Reading Comprehension
- β Science
- β Operations Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- β’Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- β’Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- β’Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- β’Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Aerospace Engineers
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
The MathWorks MATLAB
π₯ Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
π₯ Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
π₯ Hot TechMicrosoft Access
π₯ Hot TechC
π₯ Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
π₯ Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Studio
π₯ Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
π₯ Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
π₯ Hot TechSAP software
π₯ Hot TechC#
π₯ Hot TechC++
π₯ Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
π Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- β’Vendor-specific software certifications
- β’Industry-recognized technology credentials
- β’Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- β’LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- β’Coursera - University-level programs
- β’Udemy - Practical skills training
π‘ Technology Skill Development Tips
- β’Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- β’Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- β’Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- β’Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
π‘Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- β’Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- β’Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- β’Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- β’Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
π΄Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
π΄Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
π΄Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
π΄Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
π΄Evaluate and approve selection of vendors by studying past performance or new advertisements.
π΄Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
π΄Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.
π΄Design new or modify existing aerospace systems to reduce polluting emissions, such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, or smoke emissions.
π‘Design or engineer filtration systems that reduce harmful emissions.
π‘π‘ Key Takeaways
- β’Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- β’44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- β’Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What education is required?
Education Required
Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience Required
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Job Training
Significant preparation with related work experience