Aeronautical engineer: Job description and activities
Job description
An aeronautical engineer applies scientific and technological principles to research, design, maintain, test and develop the performance of civil and military aircraft, missiles, weapons systems, satellites and space vehicles.
The role is focused on enhancing high-quality flight safety and standards, as well as reducing system costs and, increasingly, the environmental impact of air travel. Aeronautical engineering offers a wide range of roles. Most engineers specialise in a particular area, such as research, design, testing, manufacture or maintenance. The aerospace industry is well established in the UK, and constant expansion in air travel means that there are many roles available.
Typical work activities
Typical work activities vary according to the role and employer, with most aeronautical engineers specialising in a specific area. Within each specialism, tasks typically involve:
- undertaking blue sky research or applied research - blue sky research involves developing and using fundamental physical processes and physics laws in a controlled environment; applied research concerns the application of blue sky research and is undertaken in a design environment, industry or university research centre;
- investigating the use of new materials, or improving existing materials used;
- applying the principles of science and technology to the creative design of aircraft components and support equipment and researching and developing design specifications;
- undertaking systematic manufacturing, involving the assembly and modification of components;
- supervising the assembly of airframes and the installation of engines, instruments and other equipment;
- participating in flight test programmes to measure take-off distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capacities;
- resolving issues that arise during the design, development and testing processes;
- maintaining aircraft for full operation, involving regular inspections, maintenance and servicing;
- measuring and improving the performance of aircraft, components and systems and modifying designs to improve safety features or minimise fuel consumption and pollution;
- developing repair procedures, working out and managing schedules for repair and maintenance;
- investigating aircraft accidents;
- collating information, interpreting data and publishing the results of specific projects in technical report form;
- storing paperwork for approved data (drawings, technical instructions, assessments and calculations);
- working with teams, suppliers, clients and managers to agree budgets, timescales and specifications;
- project managing, including scheduling resources and staff and managing budgets;
- communicating technical and regulatory advice to clients, teams, suppliers and other professionals within the aerospace industry and presenting data to groups and individuals.
AGCAS
Written by Helen Reed, The Nottingham Trent University
