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Aerospace engineer
Aeronautical engineer
Aerospace engineers design, test, build and maintain aeroplanes, spacecraft and satellites.
Average salary (a year)
£27000.0
Starter
£60000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
occasionally
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
University
You could do a degree in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like
electrical or electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing or product engineering, physics or applied physics, software engineering or mathematics
Postgraduate study
You may be able to do a master's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering if you've studied for a degree in a related subject, such as engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could do A levels, a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.
Subjects include
maths, physics and design and technology, mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, electrical engineering
You would then take further training to become a fully qualified engineer.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
    Apprenticeship
    You could do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to begin your career in the aerospace industry. Apprenticeships include
    Aerospace Engineer, Aerospace Software Engineer, Electro-Mechanical Engineer, Materials Science Technologist
    You'll combine workplace learning with study for a degree at university.
    Entry requirements
    You'll usually need:
    • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
    More Information
    equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
    apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
    guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
    Work
    You might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
    Direct Application
    You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.
    More Information
    Professional And Industry Bodies
    You can join the Royal Aeronautical Society for professional development, career resources and to make industry contacts.
    Further Information
    You can find out more about working in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace.
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      Knowledge of engineering science and technology
      Maths knowledge
      Design skills and knowledge
      To be thorough and pay attention to detail
      Knowledge of physics
      Analytical thinking skills
      Excellent verbal communication skills
      Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    As an aerospace engineer, you could
    build and test prototypes using computer aided design (CAD) software, analyse test results to improve aircraft structures and aerodynamics, research new types of fuel and ways to reduce engine emissions, manage projects and supervise a team of engineers and technicians, develop new instruments and software for spacecraft, plan and supervise maintenance programmes
    Working environment
    You could work in a factory, in an office, on an aircraft or in an aircraft hangar.
    You may need to wear protective clothing.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    With experience, you could specialise in a particular field like
    aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, space technology, air accident investigation
    You could also become a project manager, consultant aerospace engineer, or move into technical sales.
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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