Aeronautical engineer

An aeronautical, or aerospace, engineer applies scientific and technological principles to research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of civil and military aircraft, missiles, weapons systems, satellites and space vehicles. They also work on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems.
The role is focused on enhancing high-quality flight safety and standards as well as reducing system costs. Increasingly, the role addresses the environmental impact of air travel. Aeronautical engineering offers a wide range of roles in research, design, development, testing, manufacture and maintenance. Many engineers specialise in a particular area such as propulsion, computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics or materials and structures. The aerospace industry is well established in the UK, and constant expansion in air travel means that large numbers of aeronautical engineers are needed.

Typical work activities

Typical work activities vary according to the role, specialism and employer. Tasks typically include:

• applying the principles of science and technology to create aircraft, components and support equipment;
• researching and developing design specifications;
• undertaking systematic manufacturing, involving the assembly and modification of components;
• supervising the assembly of airframes and the installation of engines, instruments and other equipment;
• participating in flight test programmes to measure take-off distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capacities;
• resolving issues that arise during the design, development and testing processes;
• maintaining aircraft for full operation including making regular inspections, maintenance and servicing;
• measuring and improving the performance of aircraft, components and systems;
• modifying designs to improve safety features or minimise fuel consumption and pollution;
• developing repair procedures as well as working out and managing schedules for repair and maintenance;
• investigating aircraft accidents;
• collating information, interpreting data and publishing the results of specific projects in technical report form;
• using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create designs and plans;
• storing paperwork for approved data (drawings, technical instructions, assessments and calculations);
• working with teams, suppliers, clients and managers to agree budgets, timescales and specifications;
• project managing, including scheduling resources and staff and managing budgets;
• communicating technical and regulatory advice to clients, teams, suppliers and other professionals within the aerospace industry and presenting data to groups and individuals.

• Range of typical starting salaries: £20,000 - £25,000.
• Range of typical salaries for aeronautical engineers with experience: £28,000-£40,000.
• Range of typical salaries at senior levels: £45,000 - £65,000.
• Higher starting salaries may be offered to those with Masters or research qualifications. Larger, more renowned employers may offer higher salaries.
• Working hours are mainly nine to five, but extra hours may be required to complete projects to deadlines. Aeronautical engineers may work on an 'on-call' consultation basis dealing with such issues as a change in the priority of repairs or in case of an emergency investigation.
• Work is undertaken in offices, factory production hangars or aeronautical laboratories. You may have to travel to sites and other industrial companies in order to inspect or test aircraft.
• Design work in a laboratory will involve the use of sophisticated computer visualisation tools and software.
  The work is often undertaken as part of a team with other colleagues and departments. There is heavy reliance on research.
• Self-employment opportunities are limited.
• Working at the forefront of technology makes long career breaks difficult as professionals need to keep up to date with industry developments.
• Jobs are widely available in a number of locations in the UK and abroad. The UK has a very advanced aerospace industry, which is at the forefront of technological and scientific development.
• Women have the same opportunities as men. Only a small percentage of women, however, are working as aeronautical engineers. Organisations such as The Women's Engineering Society (WES) , Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE) , Portia (Gateway into Science, Engineering and Technology for all women)  and The UKRC  offer support and access to initiatives relevant to women engineers.
• The work of aeronautical engineers requires dedication and enthusiasm. It may vary in content from day to day and can be stressful when deadlines approach. The work must be precise, as the consequences of human error can be serious.
• Travel within a working day and absence from home at night are sometimes necessary due to visits to aircraft workshops or hangars to inspect aircraft that require modifications or repairs. Overseas travel may be required to attend courses and conferences on aeronautical engineering.