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Matthew
Student
Avon, Ohio
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What is in the daily life of an aerospace engineer like?
Hey all, I've looking in majoring in mechanical engineering in college, but I'm also looking to have a concentration or a minor in aerospace. My friend's father is an aerospace engineer and he has told me much about what he does, but I was hoping to get multiple answers.
Thanks! #aerospace-engineering #aerospace
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2 answers
Skyler LaBuff
NASA Johnson Space Center - ISS ETHOS Technical Area Lead (Manager) and Instructor, Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT)
31
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Houston, Texas
Updated
Skyler’s Answer
Hi Matthew!
I put this in my "career stories" section, so here is my role in as an aerospace engineer at NASA JSC:
I am passionate about supporting NASA and our exploration goals in LEO and beyond. Being a small part of our nations' human spaceflight program through my role in International Space Station Operations has been the greatest joy I could hope for in a career. As an ETHOS Instructor, I train Astronauts, Cosmonauts, Flight Controllers, and Flight Directors on the ISS Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, Internal Thermal Control Systems, and all aspects of the crew and ground response to any potential spacecraft emergency. As a supervisor on the Integrated Mission Operations Contract II (IMOC II), I am responsible for hiring the best and brightest future leaders of human spaceflight ground operations.
Let me know if you want more details, or check out some of my other answers for more context. Best wishes!
Skyler
Thanks for the great response, what did you major in college, are there any schools you would recommend?
Matthew
I majored in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. By living in Texas it made college costs much more affordable to go to a top program within my state. For you, I can tell you that we have a number of folks on-site at NASA JSC from The Ohio State University, they have solid engineering programs (and a GREAT football team). Best advice, go to the school with the program that you want that you can BEST afford, not the best PROGRAM in the nation. Make the most of wherever you go and you'll be competitive after graduation, and you won't be loaded down with as much debt.
Skyler LaBuff
Ok thank you, I have been between two schools with similar programs, but one is much cheaper than the other. All this helped greatly, and again, thank you for everything.
Matthew
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Matthew,
Daily Life of an Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers are involved in the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Their daily life involves a variety of tasks and responsibilities that contribute to the advancement of aerospace technology.
Design and Development Aerospace engineers spend a significant amount of time designing and developing various aerospace systems. This involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans for aircraft, spacecraft, or missile components. They work on aerodynamic design, propulsion systems, control systems, and overall structural integrity. Engineers may collaborate with other professionals such as materials scientists and manufacturing engineers to ensure that the designs are feasible and can be produced efficiently.
Testing and Evaluation Another crucial aspect of an aerospace engineer’s daily routine is testing and evaluating aerospace systems. This can involve conducting simulations using specialized software to assess the performance of different components under various conditions. Additionally, engineers may oversee physical testing of prototypes in wind tunnels or on test flights to gather data on how well the designs perform in real-world scenarios.
Research and Innovation Aerospace engineers often engage in research to explore new technologies and concepts that can enhance aerospace systems. This may involve staying updated on the latest advancements in materials science, propulsion technologies, avionics, or space exploration. Research activities can also include investigating ways to improve fuel efficiency, reduce environmental impact, or enhance safety features in aerospace vehicles.
Collaboration and Communication Effective collaboration is essential for aerospace engineers as they frequently work in multidisciplinary teams. They communicate with other engineers, project managers, technicians, and clients to ensure that everyone is aligned with project goals and timelines. Clear communication is vital for successful project execution and problem-solving.
Regulatory Compliance Aerospace engineers must adhere to strict regulatory standards set by aviation authorities or government agencies. They need to stay informed about these regulations and ensure that their designs and developments comply with all relevant requirements for safety, performance, and environmental impact.
Project Management In many cases, aerospace engineers are involved in project management activities. This includes overseeing budgets, timelines, resource allocation, and risk assessment for aerospace projects. They may also be responsible for coordinating the efforts of different teams working on a particular project.
Continuing Education Given the rapid pace of technological advancements in the aerospace industry, aerospace engineers often engage in continuing education to stay current with new developments. This may involve attending professional development courses, workshops, or pursuing advanced degrees in specialized areas of aerospace engineering.
In summary, the daily life of an aerospace engineer is dynamic and multifaceted, involving a combination of design work, testing activities, research endeavors, collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, adherence to regulatory standards, project management responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to stay abreast of industry innovations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) - NASA provides comprehensive information on aerospace engineering through its research publications, technical reports, and educational resources.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) - AIAA is a professional society that offers valuable insights into the field of aerospace engineering through its conferences, journals, and industry events.
Boeing Company - As a leading aerospace manufacturer, Boeing’s technical publications and industry insights offer authoritative perspectives on the daily life of aerospace engineers.
These sources were utilized to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing information about the daily life of an aerospace engineer.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, "About James Constantine," "What I Do At Work," paying close attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective performance studying.
GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY, AMEN,
James Constantine Frangos.
Daily Life of an Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers are involved in the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Their daily life involves a variety of tasks and responsibilities that contribute to the advancement of aerospace technology.
Design and Development Aerospace engineers spend a significant amount of time designing and developing various aerospace systems. This involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans for aircraft, spacecraft, or missile components. They work on aerodynamic design, propulsion systems, control systems, and overall structural integrity. Engineers may collaborate with other professionals such as materials scientists and manufacturing engineers to ensure that the designs are feasible and can be produced efficiently.
Testing and Evaluation Another crucial aspect of an aerospace engineer’s daily routine is testing and evaluating aerospace systems. This can involve conducting simulations using specialized software to assess the performance of different components under various conditions. Additionally, engineers may oversee physical testing of prototypes in wind tunnels or on test flights to gather data on how well the designs perform in real-world scenarios.
Research and Innovation Aerospace engineers often engage in research to explore new technologies and concepts that can enhance aerospace systems. This may involve staying updated on the latest advancements in materials science, propulsion technologies, avionics, or space exploration. Research activities can also include investigating ways to improve fuel efficiency, reduce environmental impact, or enhance safety features in aerospace vehicles.
Collaboration and Communication Effective collaboration is essential for aerospace engineers as they frequently work in multidisciplinary teams. They communicate with other engineers, project managers, technicians, and clients to ensure that everyone is aligned with project goals and timelines. Clear communication is vital for successful project execution and problem-solving.
Regulatory Compliance Aerospace engineers must adhere to strict regulatory standards set by aviation authorities or government agencies. They need to stay informed about these regulations and ensure that their designs and developments comply with all relevant requirements for safety, performance, and environmental impact.
Project Management In many cases, aerospace engineers are involved in project management activities. This includes overseeing budgets, timelines, resource allocation, and risk assessment for aerospace projects. They may also be responsible for coordinating the efforts of different teams working on a particular project.
Continuing Education Given the rapid pace of technological advancements in the aerospace industry, aerospace engineers often engage in continuing education to stay current with new developments. This may involve attending professional development courses, workshops, or pursuing advanced degrees in specialized areas of aerospace engineering.
In summary, the daily life of an aerospace engineer is dynamic and multifaceted, involving a combination of design work, testing activities, research endeavors, collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, adherence to regulatory standards, project management responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to stay abreast of industry innovations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) - NASA provides comprehensive information on aerospace engineering through its research publications, technical reports, and educational resources.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) - AIAA is a professional society that offers valuable insights into the field of aerospace engineering through its conferences, journals, and industry events.
Boeing Company - As a leading aerospace manufacturer, Boeing’s technical publications and industry insights offer authoritative perspectives on the daily life of aerospace engineers.
These sources were utilized to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing information about the daily life of an aerospace engineer.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, "About James Constantine," "What I Do At Work," paying close attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective performance studying.
GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY, AMEN,
James Constantine Frangos.