Job description: Aerospace engineers
The desire to fly has been with people since ancient times. However, what was still an unattainable dream back then is now a reality - thanks to inventive engineers. In this article, we take a look at the job of an aerospace engineer - a profession without which safe air travel, whether in the air or in space, would not be possible.
What is aerospace engineering?
Aerospace engineering is part of the engineering sciences. Like automotive engineering, it is one of the specialist areas of mechanical engineering and is therefore one of the most demanding fields of application. Technical, scientific and economic aspects are of great importance here, as aerospace engineering deals with the development and operation of aircraft such as airplanes, spacecraft, satellites and other missiles.
What does an aerospace engineer do?
Who hasn't heard of Launoy and Bienvenue, Otto Lilienthal or the Wright brothers; clever minds who were involved in aviation in their time - some more, some less successful. Nowadays, they would most likely be working as aerospace engineers, as this profession largely involves tasks that these gentlemen also undertook during their work.
Of course, the construction of airplanes, space probes, helicopters or satellites, nowadays with specially designed CAD programs, comes first, but that is by no means all. The aerospace engineer's area of responsibility also includes
- Development and research: as an aerospace engineer, you develop aircraft or spacecraft that are as light and aerodynamic as possible, design engines and research ways to save fuel, for example.
- Optimization of existing aircraft: The further development of airworthy devices plays a major role, as things such as safety, environmental protection and technical innovations in particular must not be neglected, even with older aircraft.
- Project documentation: The construction of an aircraft or spacecraft must be documented in detail - as an engineer, this includes recording all details and particulars during the project.
- Production planning and simulation: Once a flying object has been designed, it must of course be checked for any faults or deficiencies in order to ensure maximum passenger safety.
- Maintenance of aircraft: Existing aircraft must be serviced time and again. This is also one of the tasks of an aerospace engineer.
- Planning infrastructure and air traffic control systems: Air traffic must also be accurately planned and thoroughly structured. This area could become even more important in the future, especially with aircraft such as air cabs.
Due to the ever-increasing demands on aircraft and spacecraft in terms of their weight, environmental compatibility, aerodynamics and safety, aerospace engineers bear a great deal of responsibility.
What skills does an aerospace engineer need to have?
The main tasks of an aerospace engineer can vary depending on the field of activity, but candidates for such a position must always have a high level of understanding of mathematics, chemistry, computer science and physics. Ecological and meteorological knowledge has also become an integral part of the job description with regard to climate change and its effects.
Technical skills and analytical abilities are just as much a part of the aerospace engineering profession as professional communication and presentation skills. As engineers in this field usually work in an international environment and in teams, a sound knowledge of English and strong teamwork skills are essential.
How do you become an aerospace engineer?
As a rule, candidates must have completed a university degree in aerospace technology or aerospace engineering, either as a regular or dual course of study. A Master's degree is recommended for anyone who wants to take on more responsibility in their career. As this course is one of the most demanding, the failure rate here is correspondingly high at 45 - 60%, depending on the graduating class.
Conclusion:
Aerospace engineers are indispensable these days. Ongoing technological progress and rising expectations make the job profile more challenging than most, but the profession of aerospace engineer offers excellent prospects for the future. The demand for more technically sophisticated aircraft, be it airplanes or spacecraft, is constantly increasing and there are numerous further and advanced training courses in this specialist field.
