Engineering & Manufacturing

Aerospace Engineer

Designs aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.

Content last reviewed: August 2026

An aerospace engineer designs, analyzes, and tests components or systems for aircraft or spacecraft, work that requires precise attention to weight, safety, and performance under extreme conditions. A typical day includes running aerodynamic or structural simulations, reviewing test data, and collaborating with other engineers on how different systems (propulsion, structures, controls) interact.

Projects tend to be long-term and highly regulated, aerospace programs can span years, with extensive testing, documentation, and certification requirements at every stage.

Core tasks

✓Designing and analyzing aircraft or spacecraft components
✓Running aerodynamic, structural, or thermal simulations
✓Reviewing and analyzing test data
✓Ensuring designs meet strict safety and regulatory standards
✓Collaborating across propulsion, structures, and controls teams
✓Preparing detailed technical documentation

Tools & skills used

Aerospace-specific simulation and analysis softwareApplied aerodynamics and structural analysisSystems engineering and integrationRegulatory and certification knowledgePrecision and rigor in documentationCollaboration across highly specialized teams

Typical entry paths

→Aerospace Engineering is the direct major

Common misconceptions

Projects move slowly by design, extensive testing and certification requirements exist because failure risks are extremely high.
It's a highly specialized field, most aerospace engineers focus deeply on one system (like propulsion or structures) rather than the whole vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Aerospace Engineer do?

Designs aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.

What are the core tasks of a Aerospace Engineer?

Day to day, this typically includes: Designing and analyzing aircraft or spacecraft components; Running aerodynamic, structural, or thermal simulations; Reviewing and analyzing test data.

What tools or skills does a Aerospace Engineer use?

Common tools and skills for this role include Aerospace-specific simulation and analysis software, Applied aerodynamics and structural analysis, Systems engineering and integration, Regulatory and certification knowledge.

How do people typically become a Aerospace Engineer?

Aerospace Engineering is the direct major.

What's a common misconception about being a Aerospace Engineer?

Projects move slowly by design, extensive testing and certification requirements exist because failure risks are extremely high.

What college majors lead to becoming a Aerospace Engineer?

Majors that commonly lead here include Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering. A major shapes what you study, it isn't a guarantee of landing this specific role.

This describes what the role typically involves day to day. It's not a guarantee of hiring, salary, or advancement, actual responsibilities vary by employer, industry, and location. See our disclaimer.