Deep Dive: Aerospace Engineering
Some aerospace engineers may work with planes, such as the engineering working on a plane’s engine n the image above from Alabama Aerospace & Aviation High School,
Aerospace engineering is a fascinating engineering subfield, using advanced technology to tackle challenges in air and space travel. In this career insight article, we’ll dive deep into the full educational pathway of aerospace engineering, potential career opportunities, and how FInE supports you on this journey.
When it comes to education, aerospace engineering spans a wide range of topics in math, physics, and specialized engineering courses to address both theoretical and practical aspects of the field. Based on degree requirements at MIT and Purdue University, students typically complete calculus I, II, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. Physics courses include mechanics and electricity & magnetism, alongside fundamental chemistry. The engineering core includes aerodynamics, propulsion, orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, and structural analysis. Finally, advanced design courses often involve spacecraft design, avionics, and computational fluid dynamics, culminating in capstone projects that simulate real-world aerospace challenges. Indeed, it’s not an easy degree by any means, but it’s very rewarding when you get to the job market.
Indeed, when it comes to career prospects, this degree allows for quite a few different though related engineering careers. Aerospace engineers design, test, and optimize aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. Aeronautical engineers focus on flight within Earth’s atmosphere, while astronautical engineers specialize in systems for outer space. Other career options include propulsion engineers, who develop engines and propulsion systems; systems engineers, who manage complex aerospace projects; and research scientists, who drive innovation in areas like hypersonic flight and autonomous drones. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for aerospace engineers is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, making this a great career field as there is solid job growth.
Considering the difficulties of this major and various situations to navigate in this career path, it’s essential to have support along the way, and FInE is here to help. Through our aerospace engineering event, participants work together in teams to develop a project that targets a complex aerospace engineering challenge, gaining practical experience and teamwork skills that look fantastic on resumes. If you want to display your learning from school, FInE offers tests in math, physics, and computer science, all vital for this field. For soft skills, FInE’s argumentative essay and prepared speaking events enhance communication, a critical aspect of presenting designs or proposals. To start a FInE chapter at your school, visit our homepage and click “Start a FInE Chapter.” By joining, you’ll connect with a network of peers and mentors, gaining access to invaluable resources and experiences. Our executive team works closely with chapter leaders to streamline operations, ensuring that members can fully benefit from FInE’s offerings.
Bibliography
"Aerospace Engineers: Occupational Outlook Handbook." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm.
"Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering." Massachusetts Institute of Technology, https://catalog.mit.edu/degree-programs/aerospace-engineering/.
"BS in Aerospace Engineering." Purdue University, https://catalog.purdue.edu/aerospace-engineering.
"Career Paths." American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, https://www.aiaa.org/career-paths.
"What Can I Do with an Aerospace Engineering Degree?" Prospects.ac.uk, https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/aerospace-engineering.
“What’s it like to Work in Aerospace Engineering?” Alabama Aerospace & Aviation High School, https://alaahs.org/blog/what-s-it-like-to-work-in-aerospace-engineering
