Aeronautical engineer
Job description
Aeronautical engineering involves the application of specialist scientific knowledge to designing and developing aeroplanes, space shuttles, missiles and other flying machines.
Aeronautical engineers are responsible for the creation of newer, safer and more energy-efficient, economical methods for travel. They work at the forefront of developing technology for everything from aeroplanes and helicopters to missiles, satellites and spacecraft. The work involves meeting the ever-increasing global travel demands by applying engineering principles to design, develop and maintain highly sophisticated technologies for use in aviation, defence systems and space exploration.
They ensure that aircraft, spacecraft and missiles meet safety requirements by creating new and more environmentally friendly designs and manufacturing methods. Aeronautical engineers can specialise in a number of areas including: structural design; flight mechanics and control systems; aerodynamics; instrumentation and communication; and manufacturing and maintenance.
Work activities
- Designing the body of aircraft – including shape testing, manufacturing materials selection, strength and structural modelling.
- Studying and modelling the performance of an aircraft for stability and control, developing automated control systems and testing of aircraft.
- Studying the aerodynamic forces of moving aircraft, examining machine profile for reduction of drag.
- Designing and improving performance of aircraft components and systems.
- Supervising the construction of aircraft in line with safety and design requirements.
Work conditions
Travel: may be required to make site visits to aircraft workshops or hangars during the working day. Overseas travel to conferences and for training maybe necessary or encouraged.
Working hours: mainly 9 to 5, though can involve extra hours depending on project deadlines.
Location: mainly in cities, and especially airport locations.
Opportunities for self-employment: quite limited.
Typical employers
- Aircraft component manufacturing companies
- Irish Air Corps
- Airline operators.
Career development
Promotion to senior engineer level is possible and, with more experience, to principal engineer level and beyond.
Entry requirements and training
Specific degree subjects required
Bachelor of engineering in aeronautical engineering (University of Limerick) the only degree course in aeronautical engineering on offer in the Republic of Ireland.
Postgraduate study
Engineers who graduate from 2013 and who wish to become chartered engineers will need to hold an accredited masters degree (Level 9), or equivalent. Level 8 bachelor degrees will, from 2013, satisfy the requirements for Institution of Engineers of Ireland (IEI) membership only. Training in advanced topics in aeronautical engineering at masters level is available.
Skills and qualities
- Sound mathematical and technical skills including physics.
- Ability to think methodically, to design, plan and manage projects.
- Ability to maintain an overview of entire projects while continuing to attend to detailed technicalities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Negotiating, supervisory and leadership skills combined with the ability to delegate.
Further information
Website carrying job advertisements
Professional bodies
Institution of Engineers Ireland
Federation of Aerospace Enterprises in Ireland (FAEI)
Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)
Royal Aeronautical Society
Further sources of information
Everything Aerospace e-magazine
Shannon: a location for aviation-related industries
Royal Aeronautical Society Careers