Aeronautical engineer : Career development

The aerospace industry offers a range of career development opportunities. Aeronautical engineers may choose to pursue opportunities in specialist engineering roles, project management, procurement and planning, teaching and consultancy.

The aerospace industry has a strong track record of investing in its workforce through funding and supporting employee training as well as encouraging membership of relevant engineering institutions such as the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)  or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) .

Professional registration demonstrates your commitment to the field and recognises your skills and experience. There are three types of registration. Engineering technicians (EngTech) are professional technicians with supervisory or technical responsibility who solve practical engineering problems. Incorporated engineers (IEng) manage and maintain technology applications and may be involved with engineering development, construction and operation. Chartered engineer (CEng) status adds impressive credentials to your CV demonstrating a commitment to your career and a desire to work at the top tier of the engineering profession. Chartered engineers develop solutions to engineering problems using new technologies, advanced designs and design methods. Registering demonstrates that you have reached the benchmark set by the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) .

Much of the work involved in aeronautical engineering is cutting edge. Therefore, it is essential for aeronautical engineers to continuously develop themselves personally and professionally. The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) provides conferences, training courses and specialist groups to help with continuing professional development (CPD) within the sector.