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Aeronautical Engineer

Tasks may include:

• studying aircraft defects and recommending repairs or modifications
• designing modifications and repairs to aircraft
• designing equipment or tools to repair or maintain aircraft
• creating instructions on how to use, maintain and calibrate equipment
• discussing designs and data with colleagues, aircraft engineering tradespeople, aircraft manufacturers and airline owners
• creating records such as drawings, technical instructions, assessments and calculations
• overseeing modifications to aircraft
• taking responsibility for all approved data
• giving technical and regulatory advice to professionals within the aerospace industry.

Skills and knowledge

Aeronautical engineers need to have:

• knowledge of aircraft structures and engine systems
• a good understanding of aerodynamics and thermodynamics
• knowledge of design techniques and engineering principles
• an understanding of mechanics and the metals and alloys used in aircraft
• knowledge of civil aviation laws and regulations
• the ability to explain complicated ideas in simple language for report writing or to express design plans to aircraft engineers and technicians
• analytical and problem solving skills
• mathematical and computer-aided design (CAD) skills.

Career progression

Aeronautical engineering is highly specialised so most people remain in the aviation industry. They may move into supervisory or management roles, oversee a team of engineers or become self-employed consultants working on a wide range of projects.