Online Programs in Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers are the people responsible for designing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, along with developing and testing them, including supervision and their production. Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft while astronautical engineers work with spacecraft only. Aerospace engineers formulate new engineering science for use in space exploration, defense systems and aviation.
Many aerospace engineers specialize in production methods, structural design, communication and instrumentation, guidance, control and navigation or other areas. They may devote themselves to a specific aerospace product type including military fighter jets, rockets and missiles, spacecraft, commercial aircraft or helicopters. Some aerospace engineers become experts in control and guidance systems, aerodynamics, acoustics, thermodynamics, propulsion, or celestial mechanics. They are often responsible for developing new technologies for space exploration, defense systems, and aviation using computer-aided design software, advanced electronic optics, lasers, and robotics.
Most entry-level engineering jobs require a bachelor's degree in engineering such as civil, mechanical, electronics, or electrical engineering. Aerospace engineers often function in related branches such as mechanical engineering, which gives them flexibility and better employment prospects. Engineering programs normally involve life sciences, mathematics, general engineering, laboratory or computer class and other courses. Many development and research programs and engineering faculty positions require graduate training.
The expected employment growth for aerospace engineers is slower than average but as the scope and number of military aerospace projects increases, this will generate new aerospace engineering jobs although increased efficiency could limit the number of new positions in the production and design of commercial aircraft. The employment outlook through 2014 for aerospace engineers appears favorable. For many years, the aerospace engineering degrees granted declined but this has now reversed. There is a demand for new graduates to replace those leaving this line of work or to replace retiring aerospace engineers. There are also job openings created by aerospace engineers transferring to other professional or management positions. Motor vehicle manufacturing and other industries, which are not normally associated with aerospace engineering, will create more employment opportunities. They need an aerospace engineer's skills and expertise for jobs such as designing vehicles t! hat have increased fuel efficiency due to lower air resistance.
Many aerospace engineers accept employment in aerospace parts and product manufacturing. A small percent of aerospace engineers accept positions with federal government agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the U.S. Department of Defense. The majority work in control instruments, electrometrical, architectural engineering, navigational, scientific development and research manufacturing.