What Is an Aerospace Engineer?

Aerospace Engineers design, build, test, and analyze aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and propulsion systems. They work at the intersection of physics, mathematics, materials science, and advanced engineering to push the boundaries of flight—both in the atmosphere and beyond it.

The field is divided into two major branches:

• Aeronautical Engineering — aircraft and atmospheric flight

• Astronautical Engineering — spacecraft and orbital/deep space systems

Aerospace engineers work for organizations like NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, ULA, the U.S. military, airlines, research labs, and government agencies.

Their work requires analytical thinking, problem-solving, strong technical foundations, and the ability to model complex systems using engineering software and simulations.

How to Start Your Journey in Aerospace Engineering

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

Most positions require:

• A bachelor’s degree (minimum) in aerospace engineering or a related STEM field

• Strong skills in math, physics, and computer science

• Ability to obtain security clearance for some roles (DoD projects)

• Hands-on project or lab experience

2. Choose your degree pathway

Most students begin with:

• Aerospace Engineering (BS)

• Mechanical Engineering (BS) with aerospace focus

• Electrical or Computer Engineering (for avionics or guidance systems)

• Physics or Materials Science (for propulsion and high-temp materials)

Nearly all major aerospace companies accept these degrees.

3. Take key coursework

Core aerospace topics include:

• Aerodynamics

• Propulsion (jet engines, rockets)

• Orbital mechanics

• Flight dynamics & controls

• Structures and materials

• Thermodynamics & fluid mechanics

• Avionics and embedded systems

• Systems engineering

• CAD modeling & simulation

4. Get involved in student engineering teams

Highly recommended for resumes:

• Rocket teams (AIAA, SEDS, collegiate high-power)

• UAV/drone teams

• Space design competitions (NASA, ESA)

• FSAE teams (for mechanical focus)

• Satellite CubeSat teams

These give real engineering experience and impress employers.

5. Gain internships or co-ops

Internships with aerospace companies are crucial for:

• Practical engineering experience

• Exposure to manufacturing, testing, and design cycles

• Networking and future job offers

Most students intern with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop, Honeywell, Raytheon, or NASA centers.

6. Pursue advanced degrees (optional but beneficial)

Master’s degrees are common for students specializing in:

• Aerodynamics

• Propulsion

• Controls

• Space systems

• Hypersonics

• Materials and structures

PhDs are typically for research or academic tracks.

Career Pathways Within Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering is highly diverse. Most students specialize into one of these major fields:

Aerodynamics Engineer

Focuses on airflow behavior around aircraft and spacecraft.

Responsibilities include:

• Modeling lift, drag, and pressure distribution

• Designing wings, control surfaces, and airframes

• Running CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations

• Supporting wind tunnel tests

• Improving aircraft efficiency and performance

Propulsion Engineer

Works with jet engines, turbomachinery, and rocket engines.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing combustion chambers, turbopumps, nozzles

• Modeling thrust, fuel flow, and efficiency

• Testing engine components and analyzing performance

• Working with cryogenic systems (liquid oxygen, hydrogen)

• Developing new engine cycles (Raptor, BE-4, RS-25 modernization)

Structures & Materials Engineer

Ensures aircraft and spacecraft can withstand loads, temperature, and stress.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing strong but lightweight structures

• Testing composites, alloys, and high-temp materials

• Running FEA (Finite Element Analysis) simulations

• Conducting fatigue and vibration testing

• Supporting manufacturing and quality processes

Avionics & Guidance Engineer

Focuses on electronic systems, navigation, and control.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing flight computers, sensors, guidance systems

• Developing autopilot logic and control algorithms

• Integrating avionics with propulsion and structural systems

• Supporting launch vehicle GNC (Guidance, Navigation, Control)

Systems Engineer

Manages integration of all subsystems into a single functional vehicle.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compatibility between propulsion, structures, avionics, and controls

• Requirements writing and verification

• Risk assessment and design reviews

• Mission planning and trade studies

• Overseeing tests, integration, and launch readiness

Systems engineers are the “big-picture thinkers” of the aerospace world.

Test Engineer (Flight, Structural, Propulsion)

Responsible for validating designs through rigorous testing.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing test procedures and hardware

• Instrumentation and data acquisition

• Running hot-fire tests, structural load tests, and wind tunnel experiments

• Supporting flight tests and telemetry analysis

• Ensuring safety and reliability

Spacecraft & Satellite Engineer

Focuses on orbital systems, space vehicles, and satellite payloads.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing spacecraft buses, power systems, and thermal control

• Developing communication systems, antennas, and sensors

• Planning mission orbits and trajectories

• Supporting integration, environmental testing, and launch operations

Top Schools for Aerospace Engineering and How to Get Involved

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona & Prescott)

Strong programs in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and space systems. ERAU offers access to labs, wind tunnels, rocket teams, and industry pipelines.

• MIT

One of the most advanced aerospace engineering and research programs in the world.

• Georgia Tech

Top-tier school for aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion, and space systems.

• Purdue University

Known for producing astronauts and aerospace leaders; strong rocket/space programs.

• University of Michigan

Highly respected aerospace engineering department with strong research capabilities.

• Caltech / JPL

Premier school for space science, propulsion, and robotics (competitive but elite).

• University of Colorado Boulder

Top school for space systems, satellites, and orbital mechanics.

Tip: Join AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics) early for networking and project opportunities.

Trends & Opportunities in Aerospace Engineering

• Growth in commercial spaceflight (SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab)

• Need for engineers in hypersonic systems and national defense

• Demand for electric propulsion, hybrid-electric aircraft, and green technologies

• Expansion of the satellite and Earth observation industry

• Increased opportunities in autonomous flight, UAVs, and advanced air mobility

• Development of deep-space missions, lunar infrastructure, and Mars technologies

• Rising use of AI-driven design, simulation, and predictive modeling

Final Thoughts

Aerospace engineering is one of the most challenging and exciting STEM fields in the world. Whether designing the next-generation fighter jet, engineering reusable rockets, building life-support systems for Mars missions, or creating environmentally efficient aircraft, aerospace engineers shape humanity’s future in the air and space.

If you want to be on the front lines of innovation, pushing the limits of physics and engineering—this is one of the most impactful careers you can choose.