Occupation Summary

Aerospace Engineers

O*NET 17-2011.00

Description:

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.

Annual Wages:
$130,318.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 21.65%.
Education Level:
Bachelor's Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
STEM

  1. Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
  2. Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
  3. Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
  4. Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
  5. Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
  6. Evaluate and approve selection of vendors by studying past performance or new advertisements.
  7. Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
  8. Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.
  9. Design new or modify existing aerospace systems to reduce polluting emissions, such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, or smoke emissions.
  10. Design or engineer filtration systems that reduce harmful emissions.
  11. Evaluate biofuel performance specifications to determine feasibility for aerospace applications.
  12. Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
  13. Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
  14. Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
  15. Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
  16. Direct aerospace research and development programs.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Aerospace Engineers employed Annual Growth Rate
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 34.3 0.49
Architectural, engineering, and related services 17.1 0.54
Scientific research and development services 10.5 0.58
Electronic instrument manufacturing 5.9 0.00
Computer systems design and related services 4.7 1.26
Support activities for air transportation 2.7 0.00


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $62.65
2024 National average hourly wage $67.88
2022 National employment 63,800
2022 Texas employment 5,428
Texas projected employment by 2032 6,603
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 429




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
95.20%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
85.00%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
82.60%
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
80.60%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
77.00%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
76.40%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
67.80%
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
65.40%
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
55.40%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
55.20%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
82.40%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
80.00%
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
80.00%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
77.60%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
77.60%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
77.60%
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
77.60%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
77.60%
Operations Analysis
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
77.60%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
75.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
82.40%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
80.00%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
80.00%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
80.00%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
80.00%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
77.60%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
77.60%
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
77.60%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
77.60%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
75.00%


  • Working with Computers
    -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information
    -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Analyzing Data or Information
    -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Other Activities


  • Recognition
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
  • Working Conditions
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.



Tools

Aerospace cockpit display panels: Electronic flight instrument systems EFIS;

Aircraft engine compressors: Axial flow compressor facilities;

Aircraft flight simulators or trainers: Flight simulators;

Aircraft guidance systems: Flight management systems FMS;

Anechoic chambers: Anechoic chambers;

Compressed air gun: Impact guns;

Desktop computers: UNIX work stations;

Dynamometers: Push/pull dynamometers;

Fatigue testers: Fatigue testing machines;

Flow injection analysis equipment: Impinging jet apparatus;

Flowmeters: Flow meters; Laser Doppler velocimeters LDV; Laser velocimeters;

Force or torque sensors: Force transducers;

Frequency analyzers: Wave analyzers;

High end computer servers: Cluster computers; Parallel computers;

High vacuum combustion apparatus: Propellant combustion chambers;

High vacuum equipment: Vacuum facilities;

Interferometers: Fiber optic interferometers;

Laboratory centrifugal pumps: Laboratory centrifugal pumps;

Lasers: Argon-ion lasers; Lasers;

Load frame: Load frames;

Mainframe computers: Mainframe computers;

Mainframe console or dumb terminals: Terminal computers;

Oscilloscopes: Digital oscilloscopes;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Plotter printers: Plotters;

Polariscopes: Reflection polariscopes;

Power grinders: Centerless grinders;

Pressure indicators: Digital pressure gauges;

Pressure sensors: Electronic pressure scanners;

Profiling and duplicating milling machine: Multi-axis mills;

Scanning probe microscopes: Atomic force microscopes;

Signal generators: Signal generators; Power microwave generators;

Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter: Acoustic emissions systems;

Spectrometers: Spectrometers;

Spot welding machine: Welders;

Strain gauges: Strain gauge balances;

Surface grinding machine: Surface grinding machines;

Surface testers: Profilometers;

Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe: Lathes;

Traveling column milling machine: Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines;

Turbine engines: Axial flow turbines;

Ultrasonic examination equipment: Ultrasonic inspection equipment;

Vibration testers: Axial flow research fans; Vibration isolation tables;

Viscosimeters: Viscometers;

Voltage or current meters: Digital voltmeters DVM;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: 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 engineering CAE software; Cullimore & Ring Technologies SINDA/FLUINT; Cullimore & Ring Technologies Thermal Desktop; Dassault Systemes Abaqus; Data acquisition systems; Fatigue analysis software; Finite element analysis FEA software; Finite element method FEM software; Flexible dynamics modeling software; ESI Group AutoSEA2; Grid generation software; Harvard Thermal TAS; K&K Associates Thermal Analysis Kit TAK; Maplesoft Maple; MathWorks Simulink; MAYA Nastran; MSC Software Fatigue; MSC Software Nastran; MSC Software Patran; Network Analysis SINDA-G; Phoenix Integration ModelCenter; Southwest Research Institute NASGRO; Stress analysis software; TEAM Engineering FEMAP; Tecplot Focus; The MathWorks MATLAB; Thermal analysis software; Thermal Radiation Analysis System TRASYS; Thermal Synthesizer System TSS; Universal Technical Systems TK Solver; Wolfram Research Mathematica;

Computer aided design CAD software: Xilinx TMRTool; UGS Solid Edge; Thermal design software; PTC Creo Parametric; Mathsoft Mathcad; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Autodesk AutoCAD;

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: Computer aided manufacturing CAM software; 1CadCam Unigraphics;

Configuration management software: IBM Rational ClearCase;

Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft Access; Structure query language SQL;

Development environment software: National Instruments LabVIEW; Microsoft Visual Basic; Microsoft Visual Studio; IBM Rational ClearQuest; Ada; Digital Equipment Corporation DIGITAL Fortran 90; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; C; Verilog;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Enterprise application integration software: Extensible markup language XML;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software;

Graphics or photo imaging software: Image processing systems;

Object or component oriented development software: Python; Sun Microsystems Java; Oracle Java; Perl; C#; C++;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft Windows; Linux; Shell script; Hewlett-Packard HP OpenVMS; UNIX;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Process mapping and design software: Microsoft Visio;

Project management software: PTC Pro/INTRALINK; Microsoft Project;

Requirements analysis and system architecture software: IBM Rational DOORS; IBM Rational RequisitePro;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Aerospace Engineers include:
  • 17-3021.00 Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
  • 49-3011.00 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
  • 17-2141.02 Automotive Engineers
  • 49-2091.00 Avionics Technicians
  • 17-3024.00 Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
  • 17-2072.00 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  • 17-2121.00 Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
  • 17-3027.00 Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • 17-2141.00 Mechanical Engineers
  • 17-2199.05 Mechatronics Engineers


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit: American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
  • Technology Student Association (TSA)
  • For more information about licensure as an aerospace engineer, visit: National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
  • National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
  • For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit: ABET
  • For more information about current developments in aeronautics, visit: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
  • For a career video on aerospace engineers, visit: Aerospace Engineers
  • Aerospace Engineers

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.