Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Aeronautical Engineering Jobs?

Patrick Roland
Patrick Roland

The career of an aeronautical engineer is one of the most challenging in all of the engineering disciplines. There are many diverse aeronautical engineering jobs available in many industries, including aeronautics, aerospace and defense. From research and design to management, sales and even teaching, there are no shortage of job opportunities in this field.

Research might be the most common of all aeronautical engineering jobs. Studying facts and figures to make determinations on aeronautical physics requires many years of college study and a sharp mind for science and math. This job is utilized in the creation of airplanes, helicopters, spacecraft and even missiles.

The Lockheed SR-71, which was designed by aeronautical engineers.
The Lockheed SR-71, which was designed by aeronautical engineers.

Design and development engineers are responsible for much of the technological engineering advancements in this line of work. These aeronautical engineering jobs take the research and speculate on various aircraft, draw up blueprints and supervise actual production. These individuals are on the front line of many advancements, usually creating new and improved aeronautical advancements to better serve aircraft and spacecraft alike.

Aeronautical engineers who work for companies that build lightweight aircraft may be tasked with designing new crop dusters.
Aeronautical engineers who work for companies that build lightweight aircraft may be tasked with designing new crop dusters.

Managers also are an important element of engineering. These engineering jobs rarely require any research, design or development. Instead, these individuals are in charge of plotting out development, overseeing engineers to ensure that work is completed on time and solving various problems. A manager might not perform any of the actual engineering work but usually has a background as an aerospace engineer or an aeronautical engineer in order to have a full understanding of the industry and the needs of its workers.

Aeronautical engineers who work for defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which built the stealthy F-22 Raptor, must usually pass background checks.
Aeronautical engineers who work for defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which built the stealthy F-22 Raptor, must usually pass background checks.

Marketing and sales are a frequently overlooked part of aeronautical engineering jobs, but they are crucial to every company in the field. In some cases, marketing experts and salesmen are former engineers who are experts, but in other cases, they are marketing professionals who learn the field through their work. These individuals present the aeronautical products to potential buyers. An example would be an airplane manufacturer selling a new model to an airline.

An aeronautical engineer may specialize in developing helicopters.
An aeronautical engineer may specialize in developing helicopters.

Teaching is another popular career path in the field of aeronautical engineering. Frequently, these jobs also are filled by former engineers who have real-world experience and a mastery of the necessary skills. Coursework frequently covers physics, propulsion, thermodynamics and structure. This job is an opportunity for teachers to help shape the minds that will lead the future of aeronautics.

Discussion Comments

anon202970

Wow! I have always been wanting to work in such a career. Thanks for informing me and just sit back and relax, waiting for a new graduate in aeronautical science from Kenya in the next 15 years to come.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The Lockheed SR-71, which was designed by aeronautical engineers.
      By: SDASM Archives
      The Lockheed SR-71, which was designed by aeronautical engineers.
    • Aeronautical engineers who work for companies that build lightweight aircraft may be tasked with designing new crop dusters.
      By: Sly
      Aeronautical engineers who work for companies that build lightweight aircraft may be tasked with designing new crop dusters.
    • Aeronautical engineers who work for defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which built the stealthy F-22 Raptor, must usually pass background checks.
      By: dreamnikon
      Aeronautical engineers who work for defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which built the stealthy F-22 Raptor, must usually pass background checks.
    • An aeronautical engineer may specialize in developing helicopters.
      By: BSANI
      An aeronautical engineer may specialize in developing helicopters.
    • An aeronautical engineer may supervise the assembly of missiles.
      By: nikkytok
      An aeronautical engineer may supervise the assembly of missiles.