Oct 7
What is Aerospace Engineering: Job Opportunities & More
- Furkan Sağlam
- Oct 8
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 28
This article aims to provide a detailed guide for those who want to study Aerospace Engineering or learn the scope of this profession.
Contents
What is Aerospace Engineering?
Aeronautical and astronautical engineering is typically a four-year undergraduate program that offers both aviation and space disciplines. Including English preparatory training, some universities offer a total of five years of study. In Turkey, there are also separate departments for aeronautical engineering and aerospace engineering .
Aerospace engineering is the discipline concerned with the design, production, development, and testing of vehicles that operate within and beyond the atmosphere (space). Aeronautical engineering focuses primarily on aircraft, helicopters , and unmanned aerial vehicles, while aerospace engineering focuses on satellites, spacecraft, and rockets.
While aeronautical or astronautical engineering may be an option for students, aerospace engineering offers a comprehensive work opportunity in both aviation and space. However, it's not impossible for those with an aeronautical engineering degree to work in the space sector, and those with an aerospace engineering degree to work in the aviation sector. Because the engineering disciplines offered are generally similar, specialization in either field is entirely at the individual's discretion.
What Do Aerospace Engineers Do?
Aerospace engineers are responsible for some of humanity's most incredible achievements, such as rockets, spacesuits, aircraft, and weather forecasting systems. Engineers in this field design, plan, and test some of the world's most exciting and advanced technologies. If you choose a career in this sector, you could work on topics such as wing design (aerodynamics), engine assembly (propulsion), fuel efficiency, space technology, or air crash investigation.
However, when looking at the jobs and responsibilities in general, the following topics stand out:
Performing aerodynamic analysis and design of air/space vehicles.
Ensuring safe flight conditions through structural and material calculations.
Conducting design and efficiency analysis of engine and propulsion systems.
Working on flight control systems (electronics, software and mechanics).
Conducting flight tests and analyzing data.
To conduct R&D studies for new generation air and space vehicles.
Developing mission scenarios with simulations and modeling.
While the job and responsibilities are global, an engineer's responsibilities vary depending on the country's level of development, the companies it operates in, and the projects it projects. An aerospace engineer in a developed country might be expected to design space propulsion systems, while an aerospace engineer in a less developed country might be expected to find the right space service for their company online.
What are the sub-disciplines of Aerospace Engineering Education? What is the general content of the education?
Aerospace engineering is a department based on physics and mathematics. Successful completion of core engineering courses such as Physics, Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Statics, Dynamics, Materials Science, Differential Equations, and Numerical Methods is also required, as well as departmental and elective courses such as Aerodynamics , Heat Transfer, Structural Analysis and Mechanical Propulsion Systems (Jet Engines, Rockets), Flight Mechanics and Control, Fluid Mechanics, Air/Spacecraft Design, Avionic Systems, Computer-Aided Design (CAD/CAE), and Simulation Aircraft/Satellite Design.
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In addition to fundamental engineering courses, the first two years also include introductory departmental courses, such as an introduction to aviation. Typically, the third and fourth years focus on aerospace departmental courses. Aerospace engineering, a subdiscipline of mechanical engineering, is a specialized field focused on fluid mechanics. Because of its interest in fluid science, physics and mathematics skills are crucial for aspiring aerospace engineers.
In Which Industries/Companies Can Aerospace Engineers Work?
Aerospace engineering offers a wide range of fields of study in Türkiye and globally. It is a prestigious profession worldwide and has been on the rise in recent years due to increased investments in the Turkish defense industry. Furthermore, because their educational content is similar, aerospace engineers can also work in sectors such as automotive and machinery.
1-Defense and Aviation Industry
An aerospace engineer can take on numerous projects in Türkiye, particularly in engineering positions at leading defense industry organizations such as TAI, ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, STM, and TEI. With the increasing number of projects and investments, many subcontractor defense industry companies have been established in our country. Graduates of this department can also find employment opportunities at many subcontractor companies.
It's important to remember that citizenship is a requirement in most countries for employment in the defense industry. In other words, a Turkish engineer must be a US citizen to work at an American defense company developing critical products for the US military. This requirement is in place in most countries. While some international companies have global programs, citizenship is a crucial criterion for the defense industry.
2-Space Companies
In addition to the aviation sector, space is also a highly developed industry with billion-dollar projects. Graduates of related departments can participate in satellite and rocket projects in Türkiye, particularly at institutions such as TÜBİTAK UZAY, DeltaV, Türksat, Fergani, Plan's, Aselsan, and Roketsan. The field of work in the space field in our country is not yet as broad as that in aviation.
For candidates who want to specialize and pursue a career in space engineering, countries with large space agencies and projects may be a better option.
3-Civil Aviation
While aerospace engineers are generally employed in the defense industry in our country, there are also a wide range of employment opportunities in the civil aviation sector. Graduates of these programs can find employment in positions such as maintenance and engineering departments at airlines such as Turkish Airlines Technic, Pegasus, and SunExpress, in aircraft maintenance and repair (MRO) services, and in R&D and test engineering positions at unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturers.
4-International Opportunities
Aerospace engineers can be employed by global companies such as NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin. Aerospace engineering candidates, particularly those aiming for a career abroad, are advised to pursue academic or industrial transition programs through master's and doctoral programs based in Europe and the US.
5-Academic Career
In addition to working as engineers in industry, aerospace engineering students can also work in academia. They may hold positions at universities as research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members, responsibilities that include working on R&D projects and producing scientific publications.
Since aviation and aerospace is a developing field with intense R&D investments, there are many academic research areas.
Who Should/Should Not Choose Aerospace Engineering?
To list in general the competencies/interests that an aerospace engineer should have:
Those interested in airplanes, spacecraft and advanced technology
Those who like to solve mathematical modeling and physics-based problems
Students who can think creatively, analytically, and develop a systems approach
Professional English proficiency
Those who enjoy interdisciplinary studies and are interested in various branches of engineering
As a result, aerospace engineering requires a certain level of proficiency in physics, mathematics, and English. This proficiency can be developed throughout the education process, but if you feel you lack the interest or aptitude for these areas, it's recommended that you pursue a different field. Throughout your education and career, you're likely to encounter numerous challenges in these core disciplines. Problems that can be overcome with interest and enthusiasm can lead to disappointment if you lack the interest.
Editor's Recommendations
Aerospace engineering, like all engineering majors, is a challenging field. It requires consistent study discipline and dedication. Your interest and enthusiasm will help you overcome challenges more easily. If you dislike physics and math, it's recommended that you consider your choice more carefully.
When making your selection, it's crucial to receive English instruction to master terminology and facilitate easier use of resources. English is essential for accessing international career opportunities. A high level of English proficiency is also expected for candidates pursuing a career in Turkey.
With the opening of aviation/space departments at many universities, the number of graduates is increasing daily. To be a competitive candidate in the industry, you need to maintain a high level of English proficiency and a high GPA. Participating in projects and competitions during university and acquiring basic professional skills can give you a leg up.
Domestically, particularly in defense industry prime contractors, competitive benefits and salaries are offered. While the opportunities they offer attract many, defense industry companies also expect candidates to be flexible enough to work long hours and under a demanding schedule.
In conclusion, Aerospace Engineering is a prestigious and dynamic engineering field at the forefront of technology. This challenging yet exciting journey offers a broad perspective, from flying vehicles to gateways to space. The demand for engineers in this field is increasing, particularly with the development of defense, civil aviation, and space technologies.
References
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