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What is an Aerospace Engineer?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

The aerospace engineer is a highly skilled professional that functions within the development of missiles, spacecraft, and aircraft used for travel and the transport of goods from one location to another. Within the broad range of aerospace engineers, there are also subgroups of engineers who focus on specific areas of aeronautic research and development.

An aeronautical engineer is a type of aerospace engineer that focuses on the development and production of airborne vehicles that are designed for passenger transport, as well as the transport of goods from one location to another. This particular field of expertise would involve everything from small single airplanes to large jets that make it possible for hundreds of passengers to fly from one city to another. Aeronautics also involve the design and construction of airborne vehicles that are used for military purposes as well. Thus, the aerospace engineer with a focus on aeronautics may be involved in the process of developing newer and faster forms of aircraft that will be used for military defenses of a nation or group of nations.

Some areospace engineers help design manned spacecraft.
Some areospace engineers help design manned spacecraft.

Another specialized type of aerospace engineer is the astronautical engineer. Engineers working in this field are concerned with the development and construction of devices that are considered suitable for space travel and exploration. Within this range of expertise, an aerospace engineer will be involved in the structural design of the various systems that are part of satellites, probe ships, and space shuttles. Because of the fact that many of these devices are launched for permanent placement in outer space, an aerospace engineer working in this type of aeronautic field will include equipment and software within the design of most devices. Provisions are made for designs and functions that allow remote access to data, creation of devices that allow remote repair to the vessel and any of the support systems, such as tracking equipment, cameras, and radio frequency equipment that is used to send and receive signals.

Aerospace technology put a man on the Moon.
Aerospace technology put a man on the Moon.

An aerospace engineer will possess an extensive educational background in the field of aeronautics, often with a focus in one sector of the field. Along with graduate degrees obtained through accredited university programs, it is not unusual for an aerospace engineer to take advantage of continuing education opportunities through seminars and workshops, thus keeping his or her level of knowledge current and up to date.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AllTheScience, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AllTheScience, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Some areospace engineers help design manned spacecraft.
      By: Mechanik
      Some areospace engineers help design manned spacecraft.
    • Aerospace technology put a man on the Moon.
      By: Yuri Arcurs
      Aerospace technology put a man on the Moon.
    • Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci engineered several aircraft concepts, like helicopters, that would become viable centuries later.
      By: janaka Dharmasena
      Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci engineered several aircraft concepts, like helicopters, that would become viable centuries later.
    • An aerospace engineer might be tasked with converting old military aircraft for civilian use.
      By: vlabo
      An aerospace engineer might be tasked with converting old military aircraft for civilian use.
    • The aerospace engineers at Boeing who designed the 747 had to factor numerous economic and safety issues into their design.
      By: hallucion_7
      The aerospace engineers at Boeing who designed the 747 had to factor numerous economic and safety issues into their design.
    • An aerospace engineer who works for a company that builds light aircraft may be tasked with designing a new crop duster model.
      By: Sly
      An aerospace engineer who works for a company that builds light aircraft may be tasked with designing a new crop duster model.
    • Aeronautical engineers who work for defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which built the stealthy F-22 Raptor, must usually pass background checks.
      By: dreamnikon
      Aeronautical engineers who work for defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which built the stealthy F-22 Raptor, must usually pass background checks.
    • Aerospace engineers drew from knowledge gained from the X-15, X-20, and X-24 programs when designing the space shuttle.
      By: Mike Brown
      Aerospace engineers drew from knowledge gained from the X-15, X-20, and X-24 programs when designing the space shuttle.
    • Aerospace engineers had to program the avionics on the F-16 to hinder movement, as the aircraft can turn so tightly that the G-forces could harm its pilot.
      By: McCarthys_PhotoWorks
      Aerospace engineers had to program the avionics on the F-16 to hinder movement, as the aircraft can turn so tightly that the G-forces could harm its pilot.
    • Though small, non-rigid airships like those seen at sporting events have dominated the lighter than air market since the 1930s, several firms are currently designing a new generation of large, rigid airships.
      By: itsallgood
      Though small, non-rigid airships like those seen at sporting events have dominated the lighter than air market since the 1930s, several firms are currently designing a new generation of large, rigid airships.