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What is the average day of an aerospace engineer look like?
10th grader who is trying to get more information on careers to help my decision on what I should be when I am an adult. #aerospaceengineer
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Victor’s Answer
Everyone will have a different response to this question, its like asking what is the best thing that happened to you today.
The best part of being an aerospace engineer is that everyday can be unique and different.
I am an aerospace engineer who focuses on testing the structure loads of airplanes. On any given day I may be in a control room working with other engineers (structures, flying qualities, propulsion, etc). Another day i may be coding mathematical theories to analyze the data that we collected during a mission. Another day I am presenting a technical paper to colleagues on some unique findings.
No matter what passion/career you go after remember that YOU can decide what you can accomplish on a given day.
Write down a list of why you would want to become an aerospace engineer.
The best part of being an aerospace engineer is that everyday can be unique and different.
I am an aerospace engineer who focuses on testing the structure loads of airplanes. On any given day I may be in a control room working with other engineers (structures, flying qualities, propulsion, etc). Another day i may be coding mathematical theories to analyze the data that we collected during a mission. Another day I am presenting a technical paper to colleagues on some unique findings.
No matter what passion/career you go after remember that YOU can decide what you can accomplish on a given day.
Victor recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Robert’s Answer
It varies depending on what your focus is within the vast aviation industry. Working at an airline is primarily focused on repairs and modifications and alterations and otherwise keeping aircraft in operation and efficient. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn design and maintenance Engineering as well as engine testing and interior and fire Engineering. At a company like Boeing you will get lots of opportunities to design specific parts or pieces of the aircraft. There is also a large part of aviation devoted to supporting the "aftermarket" similar to NAPA or AutoZone for cars. These companies do everything from full/part repairs to overhaul to new part design and manufacturing. Things like FAA PMA and TSO, standard parts and commercial parts also fall into this area of the industry. Lastly there is the regulatory side with the FAA where you conduct design approval and oversight of the industry and even specific companies. There are certification offices (ACOs) around the country and there are policy experts based in Washington DC devoted to aviation safety. There are also international opportunities for a select few.
This short write-up is hopefully helpful but certainly not all inclusive. Apologies to any part of the industry I did not give a full review on.
Find a mentor at local aviation company. The FAA offices also provide outreach at various parts of the year and even work with local schools and colleges to offer STEM support of co-op / internship opportunities.
This short write-up is hopefully helpful but certainly not all inclusive. Apologies to any part of the industry I did not give a full review on.
Robert recommends the following next steps: