Aerospace engineer

Bucks Skills Hub; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading skills development organization in the UK is seeking aerospace engineers to design, build, and maintain aircraft systems. Responsibilities include developing navigation and communication systems, researching fuel efficiency, and using CAD for design. Candidates should have a degree in aerospace engineering and skills in analytical thinking, design, and engineering technologies.

Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace engineering or relevant field.
• Experience in design, testing, and analysis.
• Capability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop navigation, communication, or weapons systems.
• Research fuel-efficient parts for aircraft.
• Use CAD software for design.

Skills

Knowledge of engineering science and technology

Maths knowledge

Design skills and knowledge

Thoroughness and attention to detail

Science skills

Analytical thinking skills

Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software

Knowledge of physics

Competence with main software packages

Education

Aerospace engineering degree or equivalent

HNC or HND in Mechanical/Aeronautical/Electrical Engineering

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C)

Job description

Aerospace engineers design, build and maintain planes, spacecraft and satellites.

Day-to-day tasks

• develop navigation, communications or weapons systems
• research ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuselage and engines
• use CAD software for design
• test prototypes
• collect and analyse test data
• plan and supervise the fitting of aircraft and components
• sign off projects under strict industry regulations
• schedule and supervise maintenance
• write technical reports and estimate project costs and timescales

Working environment

Where you could work

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

Working hours

37 to 40 hours per week

When you could work

Skills you'll need

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• science skills
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of physics
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become one

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• working towards this role

College

You can do a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a job with an aerospace company. Subjects include:Level 4 HNC Diploma in Mechanical Engineering; Level 5 HND Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering; Level 5 HND Diploma in Electrical Engineering

• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

You could do an engineering higher or degree apprenticeship. Relevant apprenticeships for working in the aerospace industry include:aerospace engineer; electro-mechanical engineer; materials science technologist; materials process engineer; power and propulsion gas turbine engineer

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
• You can apply for jobs directly if you've got qualifications and experience, for example from working in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.
• You may be able to join a company as an engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Career path and progression

• With experience, you could specialise in a particular field like:aerodynamics; fuel efficiency; space technology; investigating air accidents
• You could also move up to become a project manager or consultant aerospace engineer.

More information

You can find out more about this career from:

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