InTrans / Apr 16, 2010
Aerospace engineer
Go! Magazine
posted on April 16, 2010
Description
At NASA, aerospace engineers design, test, and supervise the manufacture of aircrafts, spacecrafts, and missiles. Because aerospace technology is such a broad industry, engineers specialize in either aeronautical or astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineers work with planes and other aircrafts, and astronautical engineers work with spacecrafts. Aerospace engineers in both fields specialize in areas like:
- Structural design
- Navigation
- Instrumentation
- Communication
Working as an aerospace engineer, you might design a satellite launcher, test the latest environmentally-friendly turbine, or create the latest technologically-advanced fighter planes. While NASA is the primary employer in the aerospace technology industry, there are a number of private companies that need aerospace engineers, including United Technologies and Boeing.
Education
In high school, you should take 4 years of math and science. As an engineering professional, you’ll often use computers to create simulations for testing, so coursework in computer science is helpful. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science, life science, computer science, or mathematics. Earning a graduate degree in 1 of the above fields will greatly increase your chances of getting a good job. If you want to work at NASA, they often require at least 1 year of professional experience in a related field. Internships during college are a good way to gain experience.
Salary
After graduation from a four year college, you can expect to make between $53,000 and $64,000 per year. After you have worked in the field for several years and gained experience, you could potentially earn upwards of $133,000 per year.
By Bennett Stone, Go! Staff Writer