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Aerospace Engineer

Also known as Aeronautical Engineer.

Aerospace engineers perform and supervise the design, development, manufacture and maintenance work of all types of flight vehicles.

This may include military and civilian aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, launch vehicles, spacecraft, satellites, and control and guidance systems.

TASKS

Aerospace engineers may perform the following tasks:

plan and design aircraft, aircraft parts and support equipment by preparing drawings and making mathematical calculations, often aided by computer systems
design modifications to systems, such as fuel or air conditioning, and outline installation procedures
conduct tests to measure the performance of an aircraft or part, or to ensure design specifications and airworthiness requirements are met
supervise the assembly of airframes and the installation of engines, instruments and other equipment (for example, when installing extra fuel tanks, deciding where the tanks are to be placed and checking that the support structure of the aircraft is strong enough to carry the extra weight)
investigate failed engines or other aviation components
develop procedures for the repair of aviation components
determine and manage schedules for repairs and maintenance
assess mechanical systems, flight characteristics and aircraft performance
participate in flight test programmes to measure take-off distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capacities
evaluate new and used aircraft and advise potential purchasers based on their findings
if working for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensure the airworthiness of Australian aircraft by assessing the manufacturer's information and the aircraft's structure, electrical and avionics instruments and power plants

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy technical and engineering activities
analytical and problem-solving ability
good oral and written communication skills
practical and creative ability
able to work without supervision and accept responsibility
able to work as part of a team
normal colour vision may be required

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an aerospace engineer you usually have to complete an engineering degree at university with a major in aeronautical or aerospace engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in engineering with a major in aeronautical or aerospace engineering.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Students who have completed at least one year of a 3-year or 4-year, or two years of a 5-year or 6-year, approved university course in engineering may apply to join the Undergraduate Scheme in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) or Royal Australian Navy (RAN). If accepted, students may choose to finish their degree at their chosen institution or join the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia. Visit their website for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In Australia, the majority of aerospace engineering work involves aircraft modification and assessment of damage. However, there is also a significant industry engaged in manufacture under licence.

Career opportunities exist with aerospace companies, aircraft manufacturers, aeronautical consulting services, the RAAF and the RAN. The Department of Defence employs aeronautical engineers in Defence Research Centres across the country. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority also employs aerospace engineers to ensure compliance with design and certification standards, the functioning of associated electrical power plants and fuel systems, and overall airworthiness and flight handling in normal and emergency situations.