Overview
Aerospace Engineering, often considered a subdiscipline of Mechanical Engineering, is a highly specialized field that focuses on the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
The field itself can further be categorized into aeronautical engineering, which deals with vehicles that operate within the Earth’s atmosphere, and astronautical engineering, which focuses on vehicles that operate outside Earth’s atmosphere.
Over the course of academic programs and career thereafter, aerospace engineers use principles from physics, mathematics, and materials science to solve complex problems and drive innovation in propulsion, avionics, aerodynamics, and structural design while also collaborating with peers (through societies such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, AIAA) to stay updated on the latest technological advancements and industry trends.
Career Pathways
An entry – level aerospace engineer could work in technical roles such as,
- Design and Development Engineer: Work on the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft components and systems.
- Systems Engineer: Oversee the integration of different subsystems to ensure the overall functionality of aerospace projects.
- Propulsion Engineer: Specialize in the design and development of engines and propulsion systems for aircraft and spacecraft.
- Avionics Engineer: Focus on the electronic systems used in aerospace applications, including navigation, communication, and control systems.
- Research Scientist/Engineer: Conduct advanced research in aerospace technologies, often working in government labs, private research firms, or universities. Contrary to other careers, positions in research often require additional security clearances that are restricted to citizens or permanent residents of a country.
On gaining a few years of experience, the career trajectory usually evolves into roles such as,
- Project Manager: Lead aerospace projects from conception through to completion, managing teams, budgets, and timelines.
- Program Manager: Oversee multiple projects within a program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic objectives.
Schools
The top – tiers schools to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering include,
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is renowned for its pioneering research and innovation in aerospace technology. In addition to updated curriculum and practical learning, MIT offers extensive laboratory facilities and collaborative projects with NASA and leading aerospace companies.
- Stanford University
The university offers a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and offers close ties with Silicon Valley technology companies. The program includes advanced research opportunities in spacecraft design and aerodynamics.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech is home to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and provides unique research opportunities in space exploration and robotics.
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The school offers a robust aerospace engineering program with numerous research facilities and partnerships with industry leaders such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and SpaceX.
- Georgia Institute of Technology
GaTech offers a comprehensive aerospace engineering curriculum and strong industry connections, however the school is also known for its Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory that underscores the research opportunities students receive upon graduation.
- Purdue University
Purdue is noted for its extensive research facilities and emphasis on practical experience, with alumni including several astronauts.
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The school, albeit not located in a traditional aerospace location, offers a strong aerospace engineering program focusing on computational fluid dynamics and aerospace materials. Students equipped with knowledge and skills in CFD, and advanced aerospace materials could choose opportunities either in the aerospace industry itself or even venture into the automotive industry, specifically motor racing.
- Texas A&M University
Texas A&M, situated in College Station, Texas offers a broad curriculum with research opportunities in hypersonics, rotorcraft, and space systems.
- University of Texas at Austin
This school is well regarded for its research in spacecraft technology and sustainable aviation. The latter is often an area of interest given the impact of climate change and hence, students could look forward to learning of sustainable aviation fuels, advanced aerospace materials such as composites, and unconventional aircraft design to mitigate climate change.
- Virginia Tech
The school offers specialized programs in aerodynamics, propulsion, and aerospace structures with extensive laboratory facilities.
In addition to the schools mentioned above, other schools that are highly renowned include,
- University of Colorado – Boulder
- Princeton University
- Cornell University
- University of California – Los Angeles
- Pennsylvania State University
- Arizona State University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Iowa State University
- Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Rutgers University
- Syracuse University
- State University of New York (SUNY) – Buffalo
- University of Texas at Arlington