Explore
Aircraft & spacecraft systems
Aerospace Engineer
Extraordinary work, concentrated in a handful of places.
Typical pay
$85k-$155k
How you get in
ABET bachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering
Outlook
Strong; defense spending and commercial space both growing
Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft and propulsion systems. The work is genuinely remarkable and geographically concentrated, and much of it requires US citizenship and a security clearance.
A day in the life
- 8:00aReview analysis results from overnight simulation runs
- 9:30aStructural or aerodynamic modeling
- 11:30aDesign review with systems engineering
- 1:00pLunch
- 2:00pTest planning and requirements verification
- 4:00pDocumentation — heavily regulated and thorough
How to get in
Aerospace engineering degree
Duration
4-5 years
Cost
$40,000-$200,000
Credential
BS in aerospace engineering (ABET-accredited)
- Complete an ABET-accredited aerospace or mechanical engineering degree
- Join design-build-fly or rocketry teams — these matter for hiring
- Intern with a manufacturer, defense contractor or NASA center
- Expect to relocate to where the industry is concentrated
Mechanical engineering into aerospace
Duration
4-6 years
Cost
$40,000-$180,000
Credential
BS in mechanical engineering
- Complete a mechanical engineering degree, which is more broadly employable
- Take aerospace electives in aerodynamics, propulsion and structures
- Enter the industry through structures, thermal or manufacturing roles
- Keeps other industries open if aerospace programs contract
Military and clearance route
Duration
4-10 years
Cost
$0-$180,000
Credential
Degree plus security clearance
- Serve in a technical military role, or complete a degree
- Obtain a security clearance, which is a substantial hiring advantage
- Cleared engineers are in persistent short supply
- Defense contractors will often sponsor clearances for strong candidates
What people love
- · Genuinely extraordinary engineering problems
- · Strong pay and job stability
- · Defense funding provides consistency
- · Commercial space has expanded opportunities considerably
What wears people down
- · Jobs concentrated in a few states
- · Most roles require citizenship and clearance
- · Slow development cycles and heavy documentation
- · Program cancellations cause layoffs