8 Aerospace Engineer Skills To Develop (With Job Duties)

Aerospace engineers contribute to the technological advancement of air and spacecraft. People working in this field are highly trained in the technical elements of building and designing these aircraft. If you’re interested in becoming an aerospace engineer, consider developing applicable skills to prepare for this career.

In this article, we define the career, explain why specific skills are important, provide a list of aerospace engineer skills, and discuss a few potential job duties for these professionals.

What is an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers are highly technical professionals who design and construct different types of air and spacecraft in the field of aerospace engineering. They undergo extensive education, training, and certification in order to effectively and safely build aircraft that adhere to state and federal regulations. Aerospace engineers often produce crafts like missiles or spacecraft, which require specialized knowledge and skills. These professionals can provide recommendations for improvements on current equipment while producing new technology in the field. Aerospace engineers may work for a specific company to design aircraft or work more independently for private clients.

Why are aerospace engineering skills important?

Aerospace engineers contribute to the design and production of aircraft, which can have far-reaching impacts on society, so this role requires a specific set of skills. This career requires high levels of education and it’s helpful for aspiring engineers to develop applicable skills during their education. Since air and spacecraft can have various mechanical differences, it’s important for professionals to have the right set of skills to complete their tasks effectively. Having the proper skill set can equip engineers for success in creating safe, ethical and functional air and spacecraft.

8 aerospace engineer skills

Aerospace engineers work with delicate machinery on a daily basis to maximize safety. Additionally, they undergo training for this job to ensure their work is up to industry standards. Working as an aerospace engineer requires certain skills including:

1. Decision making

It’s necessary for aerospace engineers to have decision-making skills since they frequently make choices about aircraft design, which materials to use, or how to construct a certain part of the craft. Many engineers may work together on a project, requiring the team to make decisions together. It’s helpful for engineers to make an informed decision that’s backed by research and analysis. Informed decision-making can lead to a more secure and effective aircraft design.

2. Operations analysis

One aspect of an aerospace engineer’s job is to analyze the operations of an aircraft, including the processes of design, manufacturing, and testing. The ability to assess the effectiveness of operations is an important skill since it can help engineers identify areas for improvement. For example, if an aerospace engineer notices that the testing process misses a key element of the aircraft, they might develop new testing operations. These new operations might enhance the safety of the aircraft by enriching and improving the overall testing process.

3. Problem-solving

Aerospace engineers rely on problem-solving skills to develop solutions during the process of designing and building an aircraft. Problem-solving skills can equip engineers to find useful solutions and implement their ideas in a timely manner. For example, imagine the blueprint design for a new aircraft is due in two weeks. If a problem arises with the proposed design, an engineer on the project might spend time before the deadline to draw up new blueprints that demonstrate the proposed changes for the aircraft. By showing the original plans and adjusted blueprints, the engineer can prove they addressed the problem.

4. Critical thinking

As with many technical professions, critical thinking is an important skill for aerospace engineers. Since many of the aircraft they design may exit the earth’s atmosphere, it’s necessary for these professionals to plan critically when designing an aircraft. For example, an aerospace engineer might think critically to determine how to maintain the oxygen levels necessary for the number of passengers riding in the spacecraft. Critical thinking can also help engineers notice potential issues before they become urgent, which can increase safety for others involved and contribute to the effectiveness of the aircraft.

5. Analytical thinking

Similar to critical thinking, analytical thinking is another important skill for aerospace engineers. This type of thinking involves evaluating information and finding a plausible solution. Analytical thinking can contribute to the math and science aspects of this career. An engineer might mentally deconstruct elements of an aircraft into different segments in order to analyze each segment separately. By thinking analytically, the engineer might find creative solutions for a certain aspect of the craft.

6. Creativity

While many engineers rely on technical skills like math and science for this career, creativity is also a necessary skill. When designing new aircraft, creativity can help engineers find new, unique designs. Additionally, since this field changes frequently, engineers can use creative developments to stay on the cutting edge of the industry.

7. Science and math skills

Aerospace engineers use a variety of science and math skills for this career. They learn many mathematic theories while in college and apply these theories on a regular basis during their work. They also apply many different scientific principles when designing aircraft. Aerospace engineers may apply calculus and trigonometry, as well as physics and aerodynamics.

8. Computer skills

Aerospace engineers also benefit from having strong computer skills. An engineer may use the computer for a wide variety of tasks during their work. For example, aerospace engineers might use industry-specific software to draw up blueprints for new aircraft. They might store relevant data in spreadsheets or use the computer to correspond with their team. Learning how to use the computer for a variety of functions may contribute to the success of aspiring aerospace engineers.

Job duties for aerospace engineers

Aerospace engineers conduct a variety of tasks throughout the day. Each day may vary based on the status of an engineer’s projects. While the specific tasks of engineers may differ based on the types of aircraft they design, here are a few job duties of aerospace engineers:

• Design new air and spacecraft for clients or a company

• Repair and improve air and spacecraft when necessary

• Detect issues during production and testing

• Develop and implement solutions to issues

• Research and analyze information to develop cutting-edge aircraft

• Test aircraft extensively to find and resolve any issues

• Design aircraft to maximize safety

• Assemble electrical, mechanical, and technical systems within an aircraft

• Collaborate with other departments to adhere to timelines and budgets

• Follow federal and local regulations for aircraft

• Complete projects in a timely manner

• Provide technical advice to team members

• Stay updated with developments in technology, materials, and regulations.

I hope you find this article helpful.