An aerospace, or aeronautical engineer applies scientific and technological principles to research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of:
civil and military aircraft
missiles
weapons systems
satellites
space vehicles
They also work on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems.
The role is focused on improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing system costs and using advancing technologies to meet customer needs. Increasingly, the role addresses the environmental impact of air travel.
You can specialise in a particular area such as propulsion, avionics, systems integration, aerodynamics or materials and structures. The aerospace industry is well established in the UK with jobs available in UK-owned and international aerospace companies.
Typical Work Activities
Specific tasks vary according to the role, specialist area and employer but they may include:
applying the principles of science and technology to create aircraft, components and support equipment
researching and developing design specifications
participating in flight test programs to measure take-off distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capacities
