Aerospace engineer
Design and build a range of different aircraft – are you ready for take-off?
Also known as: aircraft engineer, aeronautical engineer
About the job
A day in the life – Aerospace engineer
What it's like
Are you someone who loves aircraft, and is good at creating things? If so, a career as an aerospace engineer could be love at first flight!
As an aerospace engineer, you’ll be the mastermind behind the design, development and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. The job involves everything from creating airplanes and helicopters to designing rockets and satellites. In some roles, you’ll even get the chance to work with space exploration vehicles!
Safety is top priority when it comes to aircraft. As an aerospace engineer, you’ll play a key role in making sure everything you build is safe and ready for people to use. You’ll also get involved in project planning meetings, helping estimate costs and timescales. After a project is finished, you may write technical reports or manuals and give presentations about your creation.
Your tasks might include:
designing and refining parts or systems for aircraft, spacecraft or satellite systems
using specialist software to create virtual models
troubleshooting and solving technical problems that come up in the design or testing stages
working closely with other engineers and attending team meetings
analysing data from test results, simulations or real-life operations to assess how well systems and parts are performing
writing detailed reports to explain design decisions, test results and any issues you found
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
design and optimise aircraft engines to improve their fuel efficiency
research and help to develop alternative green fuels, such as biofuels or hydrogen
create lightweight materials that improve an aircraft’s efficiency
Hours
You’ll usually work between 35 and 40 hours per week.
If you're working in a maintenance-based role, you'll likely work a mixture of day and night shifts.
Aerospace engineers who build components tend to work 9AM to 5PM.
Environment
Depending on the project, you could spend time in a few different areas, such as:
in an office: planning and designing projects
in a lab: testing aircraft components
in an aircraft hangar: maintaining and fixing planes
visiting test sites and field locations, evaluating and maintaining aircraft
Travel
You may have to travel to inspect or test aircraft at different sites.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- aircraft maintenance
- airworthiness
- aerospace engineering
- security check (sc)
- safety management systems
- physics
- corrective maintenance
- planned maintenance
- finite element methods
- composite materials
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Want to work in the design and production area of aerospace engineering? Most aerospace engineers in this field have a degree. Although, it’s possible to use an HND to get into an entry-level aerospace role. You can then work your way up to become an aerospace engineer.
See yourself in a maintenance-based aerospace engineering role? All you need to get started is an EASA/UK Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence. Most apprenticeships will help you secure this Licence.
University
These undergraduate subjects can help you get straight into a career as an aerospace engineer:
Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechatronics
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get an entry-level job in aerospace. They can also allow you to progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Aircraft Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Mechatronics
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Power Distribution or Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job, but you'll also go to college or uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Doing an apprenticeship is an extremely useful way to get into maintenance-based aerospace engineer roles.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an aerospace engineer. Search for engineering opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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