Introduction
Aeronautic engineers are professionals engaged in product development and technical research in the aerospace field. They are responsible for the design and development of aviation engine fuel systems.
What’s more, people in some regions regard aerospace engineers and aeronautical engineers as the same kind of people. As the development of flight and machine/spacecraft crossed the sky, engineering also extended to the field of spacecraft. Therefore, when aerospace engineers share research in many areas, the emphasis on aerospace engineering may be somewhat different.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of aeronautic engineers include;
- They plan, design, test, and maintain all types of aircraft as well as missiles or space vehicles.
- They are responsible for the designing of civil or military satellites and weapon systems.
- Are engaged in the research and development of aircraft to solve weaknesses or improve performance.
- Design and test prototypes or models, and then evaluate the results to ensure they adhere to engineering principles and quality standards.
- Participate in flight test items such as take-off speed and rate, landing performance, etc.
- Often cleverly use flight simulators and various other computing visualization software
- Aeronautic engineers investigate aircraft accidents.
- Analyze and design the overall aerodynamic layout of aviation aircraft, including detailed parameter design
- Undertake unconventional models and subject wind tunnel tests mainly for the type selection or aerodynamic phenomena of more complex tests,
- Use the aerodynamic design knowledge to analyze aerodynamic phenomena
- In addition to wind tunnel tests, use CFD Numerical simulation to examine the aerodynamic force of the whole machine.
Education
Firstly, to become an aeronautic engineer, you need a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited university. In some universities, the program spans five years to get a master’s degree upon completion.
Although a Bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement for a job as an aeronautical engineer, many employers prefer to hire candidates with master’s degrees. Master’s programs include more advanced coursework, as well as experience in a related internship or independent research.
Licensure is not usually required in most states in the United States. However, this may only be applicable for entry-level positions. In addition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a license that allows for outstanding levels of administration and independence can be obtained.
Salary
In the United States, the average salary for an aeronautic engineer is between $118,610. The salary range is $72,770 and $171,220.
Employment
Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of aerospace engineers will grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030 — about as fast as the average for all occupations. The growing demand for aeronautic engineers is due to new technologies being developed to improve aircraft performance and efficiency. Also, because of the need to create new types of aircraft and spacecraft, as well as new types of missiles, bombs etc.
Knowledge background
Industry knowledge background:
The industry knowledge background for aeronautic engineers includes:
- Know about aerospace vehicle structure design and structure optimization. After all, the broader the knowledge, the better.
- Master multiple professional knowledge such as structural design, electrical, power, and technology.
- Mechanism installation knowledge of the test model and basic theories required for wind tunnel operation. These include mechanical technology, measurement, and control technology, etc.
Professional knowledge background:
- Knowledge of engine structure and principles is required,
- The basic knowledge of aerodynamic design includes the application of corresponding software such as modeling and optimization; CFD foundation and mastering of the related software; aerodynamics foundation.
- Grasp the knowledge and application of mechanics, engineering manufacturing, and material-related knowledge.
Skills
Professional skills
- You must be familiar with the relevant professional knowledge of aircraft design, mechanical design, mold design, etc.
- Aeronautic engineers must be familiar with the force transmission characteristics of the aircraft facility and optimize the structure design.
- Proficiency in the use of Catia, CAD, PATRAN, UG, as well as other related design software and tools.
- Have a distinct understanding and application ability of commercial computing software fluent.
- Information searchability: good at using information collection and retrieval technology.
- Able to capture industry development trends, and keep abreast of relevant industry trends.
General skills:
The general skills for aeronautic engineers are;
- Excellent professional skills
- Independent working ability
- Strong logical thinking
- Strong sense of responsibility and professionalism
- Have a strong hands-on ability
- Good discovering difficulties and being able to solve problems effectively.
- Computer: All kinds of software to aid design and application.
- Test skills — that is to be able to use various test equipment proficiently, to find out the reasons for various problems in the test, and to effectively solve them.
- Able to effectively evaluate test results.
- Logical thinking ability, rigorous work attitude, and cultivate this rigid way of thinking through work and courses.
