Industry background
Aerospace engineers develop the technologies used in aviation, defence and space exploration. The two key areas of the field are ‘design’ and ‘hands-on’. You might be involved in the development of environmentally friendly aircraft or even space tourism vehicles, such as the Virgin Galactic rocket. You may also be involved in the development of components for airliners, helicopters, fighter jets, satellites or missile systems.
What’s involved?
Aerospace engineers working on the manufacturing side of the industry build airframes and the other components that make up an aircraft such as avionics, engines and landing gear. Those in maintenance can travel the world inspecting, servicing and repairing aircraft to rigorous international safety standards. Finally, those involved in the design side of the industry lead the development of new, more fuel-efficient craft and more effective safety solutions.
Challenges of the future
Safety has always been one of the key issues affecting the work of aeronautical engineers since the industry was born, and the high levels of media coverage given to incidents involving aircraft mean it can be one of the most demanding industries to work in. Increasing awareness of the carbon cost of flights means engineers are constantly being driven to find ways to make planes more environmentally friendly, whilst exploring potential new fuels for future craft.
With space tourism expected to grow as an industry, and more ambitious space projects planned for the next half-century, these concerns apply to all aerospace engineers, whether they are designing passenger jets for airlines or satellites and space probes. Just as many of the technological advances of the last century were driven by research from space programs, we expect many more everyday essentials to be born out of the research of the future.
Career opportunities
Recently, a decline in demand for aerospace engineers has affected the number of graduates applying for work in the sector. This does, however, mean that there are more opportunities for promising candidates as there is now less competition for roles, and the opportunities for progression when with an employer are very strong. It is expected that large numbers of engineers will be retiring within the next decade, creating a skills gap that companies will need to fill with well-trained, quickly-promoted graduates.
The big players
Airbus, Rolls-Royce, ESA, Smiths Aerospace, Messier-Dowty
Industry specific events
Click here to find out about IMechE events relating to Aerospace.