BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasAerospace Engineers

O*NET · 17-2011.00

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

Also called Aerodynamicist · Aerodynamics Engineer · Aeronautical Design Engineer · Aeronautical Engineer · Aeronautical Project Engineer · Aeronautical Research Engineer · Aeronautical Test Engineer · Aerospace Design Engineer
56 more

Aerospace Physiologist · Aerospace Programmable Logic Design Engineer · Aerospace Quality Engineer · Aerospace Stress Engineer · Aerospace Systems Engineer · Aircraft Design Engineer · Aircraft Designer · Aircraft Engineer · Aircraft Instrument Engineer · Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) · Aircraft Stress Analyst · Aircraft Systems Engineer · Airplane Designer · Airplane Engineer · AME · Astronautical Engineer · Aviation Consultant · Aviation Engineer · Avionics Engineer · Avionics Systems Engineer · Civil Aviation Engineer · Design Engineer · Dynamicist · Flight Analyst · Flight Controls Engineer · Flight Dynamicist · Flight Engineer · Flight Systems Test Engineer · Flight Test Engineer · Fuel Efficient Aircraft Designer · GNC Engineer · GNC Engineer (Guidance Navigation and Controls Engineer) · Helicopter Engineer · Loads and Dynamics Engineer · Military Aircraft Designer · Physical Aerodynamicist · Propeller Engineer · Propulsion Engineer · Research Aerospace Engineer · Rocket Scientist · Space Engineer · Spacecraft Engineer · Special Mission Engineer · Stress Analyst · Stress Engineer · Structural Analysis Engineer · Structural Test Engineer · Structures Engineer · Supersonic Engineer · Thermodynamicist · Thermodynamics Engineer · Transonic Engineer · Vibration Engineer · Weight Control Engineer · Weight Engineer · Wind Tunnel Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Nuclear Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative6.05
  • R Realistic5.65
  • C Conventional4.44
  • E Enterprising2.52
  • A Artistic2.35
  • S Social1.25

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree18%
  • Bachelor's Degree80%
  • Master's Degree2%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (26%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (20%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Mathematicsbasic4.05.3Level 6 looks like: Develop a mathematical model to simulate and resolve an engineering problem
  • Sciencebasic4.05.1Level 6 looks like: Analyze aerodynamic systems to determine the practicality of a design
  • Writingbasic4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Complex Problem Solving4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Operations Analysis3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Active Learningbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Speakingbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Monitoringbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
  • Systems Evaluation3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Systems Analysis3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Technology Design3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign the handle on a hand tool for easier gripping
  • Coordination3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Persuasion3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Negotiation3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Time Management3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Instructing3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Operations Monitoring2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Service Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Troubleshooting2.32.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Programming2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Management of Financial Resources2.11.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control1.50.8
  • Equipment Selection1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

10 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.4.2
  2. Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.4.2
  3. Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.4.1
  4. Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.4.1
  5. Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.4.1
  6. Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.4.0
  7. Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.3.9
  8. Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.3.7
  9. Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.3.6
  10. Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.3.5
Show the other 4
  1. Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.4.1
  2. Direct aerospace research and development programs.3.7
  3. Evaluate and approve selection of vendors by studying past performance or new advertisements.3.3
  4. Research new materials to determine quality or conformance to environmental standards.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Design4.76.4Level 7 looks like: Develop detailed plans for a high-rise office building
  • Engineering and Technology4.76.2Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
  • Mechanical4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Physics4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Computers and Electronics4.05.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Production and Processing3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.73.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Administrative2.43.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Customer and Personal Service2.42.7
  • Education and Training2.42.9
  • Chemistry2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Building and Construction2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Law and Government2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Public Safety and Security2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Communications and Media1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and Accounting1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Transportation1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Telecommunications1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Psychology1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Biology1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Geography1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Problem Sensitivity4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.15.3Level 6 looks like: Understand an instruction book on repairing Artificial Intelligence systems
  • Deductive Reasoning4.05.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.04.1
  • Mathematical Reasoning4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.05.1Level 6 looks like: Understand a lecture on advanced physics
Show all 52
  • Oral Expression4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Expression4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category Flexibility3.94.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of Ideas3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Speech Clarity3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Number Facility3.33.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Visualization3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Auditory Attention2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Speed of Closure2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Memorization2.62.6
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Depth Perception2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger Dexterity1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Trunk Strength1.60.9
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.50.6
  • Control Precision1.40.5
  • Rate Control1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.40.5
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.40.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Manual Dexterity1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers5.04.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment4.96.1Level 7 looks like: Draw the layout of a circuit board for a high-performance computer
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.94.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.64.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.55.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.54.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.44.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.45.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Getting Information4.44.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.34.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Thinking Creatively4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing and Building Teams3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.02.9
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.92.8
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.83.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.72.8
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.52.6
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.6
  • Spend Time Sitting4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.1
  • Telephone Conversations4.1
  • Contact With Others3.9
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities3.9
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General3.9

Technology

84 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (11)

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Chot
  • C++hot
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorkshot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Pythonhot
  • The MathWorks MATLABhot
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • MathWorks Simulink

Hot (16; 9 more marked hot above)

  • C#
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Java
  • Perl
  • SAP software
  • Shell script
  • UNIX
Other tools (57)
  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Ada
  • Alstom ESARAD
  • Alstom ESATAN
  • Altera Quartus II
  • Analytical Graphics STK Expert Edition
  • ANSYS simulation software
  • Collier Research HyperSizer
  • Computational fluid dynamics CFD software
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Computer-aided engineering CAE software
  • Cullimore & Ring Technologies SINDA/FLUINT
  • Cullimore & Ring Technologies Thermal Desktop
  • Dassault Systemes Abaqus
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Digital Equipment Corporation DIGITAL Fortran 90
  • ESI Group AutoSEA2
  • Fatigue analysis software
  • Finite element analysis FEA software
  • Finite element method FEM software
  • Flexible dynamics modeling software
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Grid generation software
  • Harvard Thermal TAS
  • Hewlett-Packard HP OpenVMS
  • IBM Rational ClearCase
  • IBM Rational ClearQuest
  • IBM Rational DOORS
  • IBM Rational RequisitePro
  • Image processing systems
  • K&K Associates Thermal Analysis Kit TAK
  • Maplesoft Maple
  • Mathsoft Mathcad
  • MAYA Nastran
  • MSC Software Fatigue
  • MSC Software Nastran
  • MSC Software Patran
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Network Analysis SINDA-G
  • Phoenix Integration ModelCenter
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • PTC Pro/INTRALINK
  • Southwest Research Institute NASGRO
  • Stress analysis software
  • Structure query language SQL
  • Sun Microsystems Java
  • TEAM Engineering FEMAP
  • Tecplot Focus
  • Thermal analysis software
  • Thermal design software
  • Thermal Radiation Analysis System TRASYS
  • Thermal Synthesizer System TSS
  • UGS Solid Edge
  • Universal Technical Systems TK Solver
  • Verilog
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Xilinx TMRTool

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
  2. Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
  3. Avionics Technicians
  4. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  5. Mechanical Engineers
  6. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
  7. Automotive Engineers
  8. Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  9. Mechatronics Engineers
  10. Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.