To become an aerospace design engineer, one needs a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with strong math and science foundations. Joining professional engineering and aerospace organizations and undertaking internships can help gain experience and work connections. Strong computer skills, conceptual and three-dimensional visualization skills, and problem-solving skills are also important.
Aerospace design engineers specialize in designing space vehicles, military and commercial aircraft, and related components. To become an aerospace design engineer, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline. While studying to become an aerospace design engineer, you typically take courses in areas such as aerodynamics, structures, stability and control, propulsion, and performance. To successfully learn these technical areas, you need to have a strong foundation in math and science. Taking advanced college-level math and science courses while still in high school will help position you for acceptance into an aerospace engineering program.
In many engineering programs, the first term begins with calculus; therefore, acceptance into a program typically requires successful completion of high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Entry also often requires completion of courses such as physics, chemistry, and biology during high school. Strong grades in English, history and social studies are also important for admission.
When selecting a college program to become an aerospace design engineer, it can be important to consider whether you want to design spacecraft or aircraft. Some programs focus more on aeronautical engineering or aircraft development, and others focus more on astronautical engineering or spacecraft development. Other aerospace engineering programs will specialize in the study of both. It may be important to ask about internships to ensure the degree program offers them. Undertaking an internship with a government agency or aerospace company while in college will help you become a design engineer, providing you with experience and possibly work connections.
It’s also a good idea to join professional engineering and aerospace organizations. Many professional organizations provide student chapters that can provide information about the field, research assistance, educational opportunities, and mentoring or networking opportunities. Some even offer scholarship opportunities. Chapters of such organizations can usually be found at colleges and universities that offer aerospace engineering programs. If you live in the United States, some examples of engineering organizations you can join to further your goal of becoming an aerospace engineer include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Society of Mechanical Engineering.
Design engineers use a variety of software and computer applications to design aircraft and space hardware, so a strong aptitude for computers is important. Good conceptual and three-dimensional visualization skills are helpful when becoming a design engineer. Strong creative, analytical and problem-solving skills will also help you in a career as a design engineer. Written and oral communication skills will help you produce technical design documents, work in team environments, and much more.
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