- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- science skills
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to read English
- operations analysis skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Your day-to-day duties will depend on your role but may include:
- developing navigation, communications or weapons systems
- researching ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuselage and engines
- using CAD software for design
- testing prototypes
- collecting and analysing test data
- planning and supervising the fitting of aircraft and components
- signing off projects under strict industry regulations
- scheduling and supervising maintenance
You could work in an aircraft hangar, on an aircraft, at a client's business, in a factory or in an office.
Your working environment may be cramped.
With experience, you could specialise in a particular field like:aerodynamics; fuel efficiency; space technology; investigating air accidents
You could also move up to become a project manager or consultant aerospace engineer.
You can find out more about careers in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace.