Aerospace engineering involves the design, testing, and production of
aircraft, missiles, rockets, and spacecraft. An aerospace engineer's work
is important to commercial aviation, national defense and the exploration
of space. In college, aerospace engineers take courses in structural design,
aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight dynamics of aircraft and spacecraft,
and programming. Aerospace engineers often specialize in one area such
as structural design, instrumentation, propulsion, guidance and control
systems or materials science. In many colleges, the aerospace program
grew out of the mechanical engineering department. As a result, the programs
can be quite similar. Working in the aerospace/aeronautical industry does
not require that an engineer have an aerospace degree. Other disciplines
in engineering, mathematics, science, and computers are an integral part
of the team.
Is a Professional Engineer (PE) or other license
required?
A PE license is not required, but is worthwhile.
Also, a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) to the FAA is helpful
in the commercial/civilian aviation.
Aerospace engineering involves the design, testing, and production of
aircraft, missiles, rockets, and spacecraft. An aerospace engineer's work
is important to commercial aviation, national defense and the exploration
of space. In college, aerospace engineers take courses in structural design,
aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight dynamics of aircraft and spacecraft,
and programming. Aerospace engineers often specialize in one area such
as structural design, instrumentation, propulsion, guidance and control
systems or materials science. In many colleges, the aerospace program
grew out of the mechanical engineering department. As a result, the programs
can be quite similar. Working in the aerospace/aeronautical industry does
not require that an engineer have an aerospace degree. Other disciplines
in engineering, mathematics, science, and computers are an integral part
of the team.