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Occupation Information

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Aerospace Engineer
( Engineer (Aerospace), Aeronautical Engineer )

Duties and Tasks
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
Related Industries
Labour Market
Related Jobs
Earnings
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Further Information
State Specific Information

Occupation Video




	Performing a routine inspection of a plane

Aerospace engineers perform and supervise the design, development, manufacture and maintenance work of all types of flight vehicles. This may include military and civilian aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, launch vehicles, spacecraft, satellites and control and guidance systems.

Duties and Tasks

Aerospace engineers may perform the following tasks:

plan and design aircraft, aircraft parts and support equipment by preparing drawings and making mathematical calculations, often aided by computer systems
design modifications to systems such as fuel or airconditioning and outline installation procedures
conduct tests to measure the performance of an aircraft or part, or to make sure that design specifications and airworthiness requirements are met
supervise the assembly of airframes and the installation of engines, instruments and other equipment (e.g. when installing extra fuel tanks, decide where the tanks are to be placed and check that the support structure of the aircraft is strong enough to carry the extra weight)
investigate failed engines or other aviation components
develop procedures for the repair of aviation components
work out and manage schedules for repairs and maintenance
assess mechanical systems, flight characteristics and aircraft performance
participate in flight test programs to measure take-off distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capacities
evaluate new and used aircraft and advise the potential purchaser
if working for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, make sure of the airworthiness of Australian aircraft by assessing the manufacturer's information and the aircraft's structure, electrical and avionics instruments and power plants.

Quick Facts

Learning Area	Mathematics Physics
Work Demand	Including full use of hands/fingers Including mainly indoor work Including reading or writing
Work Field	Engineering and Technical
Work Interest	Analytic or Scientific Practical or Mechanical
Skill Level	Professional Jobs

Work Conditions

In Australia, the majority of aerospace engineering work involves aircraft modification and assessment of damage. However, there is also a significant industry engaged in manufacture under licence.