style="font-size: 30px;">How To Become an Aerospace Engineer

Becoming an aerospace engineer is a dream that many individuals with a passion for aviation and space exploration share. This career path offers a thrilling journey into the world of aerospace, where you can contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies and explore the boundaries of human knowledge.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to become an aerospace engineer, from choosing the right educational path to landing your dream job in the industry.

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers are trained to operate, research, and design aircraft that operate within or beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Here, they develop cutting-edge technology to help incorporate different methods to assist the pilots or passengers on board the air-crafts, space-crafts, space-stations, missiles and satellites. They primarily indulge in concepts such as aerodynamics, thermodynamics, robotics, avionics, propulsion, material science, etc., to verify if the device or vehicle is free of problems prior to launch.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc. However, the cut-off margin varies with the selection process of different colleges. Only a science qualification is viable to pursue a degree in science.
2. Should procure a valid score in entrance exams such as JEE-Main, KIITEE, SRMJEE, CEE, HITSEE, CET, etc., Different colleges offer their own entrance exams if you don’t have a satisfactory score in JEE or other competitive exams – colleges like NMIMS, Symbiosis International University, XUB, Andhra University, LPU, etc. Every state offers their own entrance exam as well.
3. One must earn a degree in B.Sc/B.Tech or a Diploma to become an Aerospace Engineer. This is a basic qualification you must require to enroll in this line of work.
4. An M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and better learning.

Tasks to perform

• Devise different models in mathematics or alternative methods to analyze, upgrade, assess according to the requirements of the customer.
• Conduct different operations on different test models or prototypes in diverse conditions to determine their functionality and durability.
• Constructing designs with accordance to the wishes of the customer, conforming to the regulations of the environment.
• Investigate the reports of customers with problems pertaining to aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
• Provide technical reports or other methods such as manuals, guidebooks, reference manuals, etc., for helping those involved with the production or the use of aircrafts or aerospace vehicles.

Knowledge Required

• Development and Manufacturing — Comprehension of raw materials, production methods, quality management, prices and other strategies to optimize the successful produce and delivery of products.
• Apprehension in Physics — Insight in forecasting of basic phenomenon, laws, their cross - functional and applications for interpreting fluid, substance, and airborne mechanics, and structural, electronic, atomic, and micro structures and processes.
• Computer Application - Understanding the prospects and functioning of circuit boards, processing units, circuits, electrical devices, computer equipment, plus applications and programming.
• Science and Innovation - Creation of realistic and analytical development of science & technology. This involves the application of principles, methods, processes and machinery to the fabrication and manufacturing of different products and services.
• Craftsmanship — Knowledge of the product design, equipment and concepts used in the development of engineering plans, blueprints, drawings and models.

Skills Required

• Mathematical Rationality — Solving mathematical problems or formulas by using properly devised mathematical tools or reasoning.
• Perceptual Pace – Recognizing and interpreting information quickly through comparison and contrast of different theories, evidences and hypotheses presented.
• Selective Attentiveness — Focus on key tasks that require utmost priority over a period of time without being liable to interruptions or distractions.
• Visual Recognition — Being able to determine the image or the presentation of a device after being moved or rearranged.
• Distinguishing Colors — Recognizing or telling apart different colors and shades.
• Innovation — Developing new and genuine ideas about solving a specific subject or concerns regarding a problem.
• Verbal Competence – Addressing ideas and notions with clarity.

Job roles offered

Once you procure the required qualifications for becoming an Aerospace Engineer, a myriad of options are open to you. There are multiple projects you can undertake throughout this line of work, and there are many other fields you can branch out to as well.

• CAD Technician: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technicians, have electronic proposals for instruments, computers, large-scale buildings, vehicles, etc., constructed using software programs. Such specialists are given an initial understanding of what the concept would look like and encourage them to work on it via the support of digital projections of the final product.
• Corporate Research: Corporate research is a form of resource that helps people gather information about specific companies in accordance to their interests. The main purpose of corporate research is to give an impartial statement on the welfare of the company, with intricate details of the earnings of the company and the competition they face. This helps provide potential investors or people willing to buy shares understand the company’s requirements with utmost transparency.
• Space-craft Design: Space-crafts are machines or vehicles that allows flight out of the Earth’s orbit, enabling one to travel into space. Aerospace engineers design the space-craft based on various studies and research through primary and secondary sources. The space-craft’s ability to withstand extreme low and high temperatures through exiting and entering earth’s atmosphere
• Maintenance Engineer: A Maintenance engineers’ line of work mainly consists of the application of notions to find out the functioning of certain components by ensuring that the equipment offered is reliable, durable and is in ample supply to help achieve higher efficiency. With an increasing demand for different kinds of machines in this era, maintenance engineers are in high demand.
• Astronaut: Astronauts are given various positions in the space stations that differ from their specified job roles. Pilots are often assigned the job of directing the spaceship, and ensuring overall success of the inter-planetary travel. Crewmates are assigned to check the functionality of supplies, updating computer software and maintaining communication with the HQ.

Career Opportunities

Aerospace engineers can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:

• HAL(Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
• Bhramos Aerospace
• Indian Airforce and Navy
• Catia
• Ansys
• Mercedes Benz Aerospace
• GKN Aerospace
• Air India
• DRDO(Defense Research and development Organization)
• Boeing
• GE Aerospace
• ISRO(Indian Space Research Organization)

Colleges offering courses

• Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
• BMS College of engineering, Bangalore
• Indian Institute of technology, Kharagpur
• Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
• SRM institute of Science & Technology, Chennai
• RV college of Engineering, Bangalore
• MS Ramaiah Institute of Applied Sciences, Bangalore
• Amity School of Engineering, Noida
• Rajalakshmi Engineering College , Chennai
• Shanmugha Arts Science Technology Research and Academy, Thanjavur

Aeronautical Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer

Aeronautical engineering and Aerospace engineering are two closely related fields that both deal with the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. While they share commonalities, they also have distinct focuses and areas of expertise. You can decide if you want to become an Aeronautical engineer or become an Aerospace engineer .

Aspect	Aeronautical Engineer	Aerospace Engineer
Primary Focus	Focuses on aircraft design and related systems.	Focuses on both aircraft and spacecraft design, including spacecraft.
Scope	Primarily concerned with designing, testing, and maintaining aircraft.	Covers a broader range of aerospace vehicles, including spacecraft.
Areas of Expertise	Expertise in aerodynamics, aircraft structures, propulsion, and safety.	Expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion, spacecraft systems, and navigation.
Job Opportunities	Typically work in aviation industries (commercial and defense) and related research institutions.	Employed in aviation, space exploration, satellite technology, and defense aerospace companies.
Research Emphasis	Research may focus on improving aircraft performance and efficiency.	Research often extends to spacecraft, satellite technology, and space exploration advancements.
Examples	Designing commercial airplanes, optimizing fighter jets, and improving passenger safety.	Designing spacecraft for missions to Mars, developing satellite systems, and exploring new propulsion methods.

Conclusion

Becoming an aerospace engineer is a rewarding and challenging journey. It requires dedication, education, practical experience, and networking. By following these steps, you can embark on a career in aerospace engineering and contribute to the advancement of technology that will take humanity to new heights.

Choosing your career path can be challenging, especially when you're torn between two exciting options like aeronautical and aerospace engineering.

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