How much does an Aerospace Engineer make? Salary and Attributions

As an aerospace engineer, you will research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of:

• Civilian and military aircraft.
• Missiles.
• Weapon systems.
• Satellites.
• Space vehicles.

Work is also carried out on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems. At some companies, you may be known as an aeronautical engineer.

You'll be concerned about improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing system costs. It will require the use of advanced technologies to meet customer needs.

Types of aerospace engineer

You can specialize in a specific area, such as:

• aerodynamics;
• avionics;
• materials and structures;
• propulsion;
• systems integration.

Responsibilities

Your tasks as an aerospace engineer can vary depending on your area of ​​expertise and employer, but you can:

• Apply the principles of science and technology to create aircraft, components and support equipment.
• Supervise cell assembly and installation of engines, instruments and other equipment.
• Participate in flight test programs to measure takeoff distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, maneuverability and landing ability.
• Resolve issues that arise during the design, development, and testing processes.
• Keep aircraft in operation, including regular inspections, maintenance and repairs.
• Measure and improve the performance of aircraft, components and systems.
• Modify designs to improve safety features or minimize fuel consumption and pollution.
• Investigate aircraft accidents.
• Interleave information, interpret data and publish the results of specific projects in the form of a technical report.
• Communicates with technical and regulatory advice from customers, teams, suppliers and other professionals in the aerospace industry.

Wage

The salary of aerospace engineers is BRL 9,895 per month, on average. This amount ranges from R$7,206 to R$15,967, depending on your level of experience.

Bigger, more reputable employers often offer higher salaries. Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Work hours

Working hours are generally business hours, but extra hours may be required to complete projects. You may need to work on a survey basis, dealing with issues such as a change in repair priority or in case of an emergency investigation.

Working on the cutting edge of technology makes long career breaks difficult, as you need to keep up with industry developments. Self-employment opportunities are limited.

Qualifications

Aeronautical or aerospace engineering courses are available in several regions. Employers may accept other relevant courses such as:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• electrical and electronic engineering
• Mathematics
• mechanical Engineering
• Physics / Applied Physics
• Production engineering

Many large aerospace companies offer postgraduate training schemes. To become an aerospace engineer, however, you will need to have other qualifications that may be supported by your employer.

A master's degree in aeronautical/aerospace engineering can be useful if your bachelor's degree is from a different field.