Aerospace engineer

You could do a degree or postgraduate course in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like:

• electrical or electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering
• manufacturing or product engineering
• physics or applied physics
• astronautics and space engineering
• software engineering or mathematics

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do A levels, a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.

Subjects include:

• maths, physics and design and technology
• mechanical engineering
• aeronautical engineering
• electrical engineering

You would then take further training to become a fully qualified engineer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to begin your career in the aerospace industry. Apprenticeships include:

• Aerospace Engineer
• Space Systems Engineer
• Aerospace Software Engineer
• Electro-Mechanical Engineer
• Materials Science Technologist

You'll combine workplace learning with study for a degree at university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.

Career Tips

You can try out virtual work experiences in different aviation industry jobs, including aircraft maintenance.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Royal Aeronautical Society for professional development, career resources and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can find out more about working in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace and Neon .

You can learn about careers in the space industry through SpaceCareers.uk.

As an aerospace engineer, you could:

• build and test prototypes using computer aided design (CAD) software
• analyse test results to improve aircraft structures and aerodynamics
• research new types of fuel and ways to reduce engine emissions
• manage projects and supervise a team of engineers and technicians
• develop new instruments and software for spacecraft
• plan and supervise maintenance programmes

You could work in a factory, in an office, on an aircraft or in an aircraft hangar.

You may need to wear protective clothing.