What is aerospace engineering, and what is the future of its graduates, salaries, and fields of work?

Aerospace engineering is one of the most recent branches of engineering that deals with flying vehicles, and its appearance dates back to the nineteenth century with the first experiments in energy-powered flight.

In this article ... we will talk about space engineering, its specializations and its future, and about space engineers, their fields of work and their salaries.

Aircraft Engine

First of all, what are the disciplines of space engineering?

Two specializations have emerged with the advancement of technology, and they are:

1- Aeronautical engineering: includes the design of aircraft that are lighter and heavier than air, fixed-wing aircraft, jets and helicopters (vehicles that fly within the Earth's atmosphere).

2- Astronautical engineering: This includes the design of spacecraft and satellites (vehicles that fly outside the Earth's atmosphere).

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

What are the fields of work of aerospace engineers?

Design of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles.

Test prototypes to ensure that they work according to design and plan.

Design of components and subsections, such as engines, airframes, wings, landing gear and control systems.

Conducting and writing characteristics of both destructive and non-destructive experiences of functionality, strength, reliability and long-term durability of aircraft and their parts.

What are the requirements for space engineering?

Requires (at least) a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

However, those who provide engineering services and consultations also need a professional engineer certificate, and promotion to management often requires a master's degree.

Engineers need continuous education and training to keep pace with technological developments, materials, hardware, and computer programs ...

And above all:

Requires deep skills and understanding in the fields of physics, mathematics, aerodynamics and materials science.

The aerospace engineer must also be familiar with advanced materials such as metal alloys, ceramics, polymers and composites, in order to predict the performance of designs and their failure conditions prior to their construction.

Aeronautics engineers must study spacecraft propulsion systems

These include solid and liquid fuel rockets, and ion engines

They must also be familiar with life support systems to provide air, food, and water, control temperature, and treat waste.


It is important to mention:

Aviation engineers are relying more and more on Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems to quickly and easily formulate and modify designs and 3D visualizations of the finished parts and fixtures.

Computer simulations are necessary to hypothetically test engines, wings, control systems, and even aircraft and spacecraft in all the possible conditions they might encounter.

It has significantly reduced the risk of pilot testing and the cost of failed trials.

Where do aerospace engineers work?

Aerospace engineers work in professional offices and may visit from time to time manufacturing and testing facilities, and a few space engineers have been selected to work on the International Space Station.

What is the salary of aerospace engineer?

According to Payroll, as of July 2014 ...

The salary of a newly graduated aviation engineer with a bachelor's degree ranges between ($ 52,572 -) (73,535).

The salary of a mid-level engineer with a master's degree and 5 to 10 years of experience ranges between $ (73.823 - 114.990).

The salary for an engineer with a master's degree or doctorate and more than 15 years experience ranges from $ 93,660 - 147,582.

Many experienced space engineers with advanced degrees are promoted to management positions.

What is the future of aerospace engineering?

The BLS projected that employment of aerospace engineers will grow by 7% between 2012 and 2022, which is slower than the average for all occupations.

There should be many opportunities for highly qualified applicants, especially those who are always up to date with the latest technological developments.

In the end ... we refer to some recent developments in space engineering:

Several innovations in space are making their way into automotive technology

Such as thermoelectric generators, which use heat to generate electricity, and hydrogen fuel cells, which mix hydrogen gas with oxygen to generate electricity, heat and water.