What Do They Do?
The term "aerospace" refers to the earth's atmosphere as well as the space beyond. Aerospace engineers design and develop high-speed transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, missiles, and space habitats. They are also concerned with the flow of air, water, and plasma around these vehicles. Although the field primarily began with air flight and space exploration, an amazing number of aerospace products have become common household items, such as microwave ovens and Velcro. Now aerospace engineers address problems closer to earth in the areas of mass transportation, environmental pollution, and medical science.
Examples of Work Projects
- Performing wind tunnel testing for commercial aircraft
- Designing the separation system for the Space Shuttle
- Evaluating range requirements for Air Force air-to-air weapons systems
- Working for an automobile company to improve the aerodynamics on vehicles
- Acting as a technical consultant for "Trek"
Various Job Titles
- Project Manager
- Air Frame Stress Analyst
- Mechanical Designer
- Technical Support for In-Service Aircraft
Job Outlook
Some Employers of Aerospace Engineers
- Aircraft industry – companies that make engines, communication systems, electronic devices
- Governmental Agencies – such as Department of Defense or National Aeronautical Space Administration
- Companies under government contract to produce equipment
- Communications equipment manufacturers
- Commercial airline companies
- Research companies
- Automobile companies
Major Areas of Specialization
- Materials
- Structural Dynamics
- Airfoil and Wing Design
- Fluid Mechanics
- Spacecraft Dynamics & Control
- Combustion
Interests Related to the Field
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Astronomy
- Space exploration
- Aircraft and piloting
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