WHAT IS AEROSPACE ENGINEERING | AEROSPACE ENGINEERING REVIEW

WHAT IS AEROSPACE ENGINEERING | AEROSPACE ENGINEERING REVIEW 

What is aerospace engineering? 

Aeropaerospace engineering stands as the paramount discipline of engineering, encompassing a comprehensive spectrum of responsibilities that pertain to the intricate facets of conceiving, evolving, scrutinizing, and fabricating aircraft, spacecraft, as well as the interrelated systems and apparatuses that facilitate their operation. This discipline, deeply ingrained in the fabric of technological advancement, has traditionally cast its focal point upon conundrums intrinsic to both atmospheric and celestial navigation, while concurrently unfurling into two principal and interconnected realms: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.

Within the realm of aeronautical engineering, the spotlight is directed towards the meticulous study of theoretics, technological innovations, and the hands-on application of expertise concerning flight conducted within the embrace of Earth's encompassing atmosphere. This avenue, steeped in aerodynamic intricacies and propulsive dynamics, endeavors to master the nuances that empower the art of defying gravity within the planet's atmospheric realm.

In contrast, astronautical engineering, the sibling branch of this multidimensional pursuit, embarks upon an expedition into the realms of scientific inquiry and technological acumen integral to the design, construction, and successful execution of spacecraft and the instruments of their ascent, launch vehicles. By delving into the cosmos with meticulous calculation, this facet of aerospace engineering addresses the multifaceted challenges inherent to navigating the celestial void, placing an unwavering emphasis upon the principles that underpin spacefaring propulsion and navigation.

Together, the symphonic synergy of aeronautical and astronautical engineering orchestrates a harmonious dance, channeling the human spirit of exploration and innovation to traverse the boundary between Earth and the heavens beyond, shaping the destiny of humanity's reach into the stars.

What does an aerospace engineer do?

Aerospace engineers, occupying a pivotal role within the domain of aerospace industry, find their professional abode in a diverse array of settings, including but not limited to aerospace corporations, systems and software suppliers, corporate research laboratories, government research facilities, and revered academic institutions. Their presence is akin to the connective tissue that weaves together the fabric of aviation and space exploration, with their expertise spanning a vast and multidisciplinary spectrum, uniquely suited to address the complex challenges of the aerospace realm. The profound skill set held by these engineers is not merely confined to a singular domain; rather, it's characterized by a breadth that defies convention, allowing them to traverse the frontiers of diverse sectors and industries.

The dynamic skill set of aerospace engineers is underscored by its remarkable breadth, encompassing a mosaic of disciplines and proficiencies. Their experiential journey as architects and engineers of intricate systems equips them with a distinctive capacity to furnish invaluable contributions across an assortment of sectors, each distinct in its nature and requirements. The profound influence of aerospace engineering reaches far beyond its conventional boundaries, branching into realms where innovation and technological finesse are coveted.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2014, the landscape of aerospace engineering employment was distinguished by a variety of sectors that engaged their talents in varying proportions. The industries that stood as prominent employers of aerospace engineers were as follows:

1. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing: 38%

2. Engineering services: 14%

3. Federal government, excluding postal service: 13%

4. Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences: 12%

5. Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing: 5%

Furthermore, Penn State University's consistent dominance in supplying engineering talent to the aerospace and defense industry underscores the esteemed role of academic institutions in cultivating and nurturing the future stalwarts of aerospace engineering. Their pinnacle position in the Aviation Week 2016 Workforce Study, topping the list of preferred engineering talent suppliers, highlights the resonance between academia and industry, propelling aerospace engineering to greater heights.

In essence, the vocation of aerospace engineers is emblematic of a multidimensional journey that threads through sectors, industries, and academic domains, forming an integral conduit for the realization of humanity's aspirations in aviation and space exploration.

What kind of salary does an aerospace engineer earn?

The insights garnered from the meticulous analysis conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics cast a revealing light on the financial landscape within the realm of aerospace engineering. As of May 2014, the median annual remuneration for these purveyors of aviation and space expertise stood at an impressive $105,380, a testament to the substantial value their skills and contributions command within the industry. However, what renders these statistics truly intriguing is the divergent tapestry of compensation levels woven across distinct sectors of employment.

For those intrepid aerospace engineers who found themselves under the aegis of the federal government, with the exception of postal services, the financial rewards proved to be particularly lucrative. This cohort commanded a median annual wage of $113,550, a testament to the strategic significance of their roles within government research and development endeavors. Meanwhile, those who harnessed their engineering acumen within the realm of navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing reaped a median annual income of $111,660, signifying the considerable value placed upon precision-driven craftsmanship and innovation.

The echelons of research and development within the physical, engineering, and life sciences proved to be another domain that recognized the formidable talents of aerospace engineers. This sector, marked by scientific inquiry and cutting-edge technological advancement, acknowledged their contributions with a median annual wage of $107,490. Likewise, the canvas of engineering services beckoned aerospace engineers with a median annual compensation of $103,450, emblematic of their role in providing specialized expertise to a diverse range of clients and industries.

Intrinsically interwoven with the heartbeat of aviation and space exploration, the aerospace product and parts manufacturing sector acknowledged the proficiency of aerospace engineers with a median annual wage of $102,430. This figure reflects their indispensable role in shaping the trajectory of innovation, as they craft the very components that manifest dreams into the tangible fabric of reality.

Moreover, the academic sphere also found itself embroiled in this symphony of compensation, as exemplified by the average annual starting salary for Penn State Aerospace Engineering undergraduates during the academic year 2015-2016. This aspiring cohort embarked upon their professional journey with an average annual remuneration of $63,286, a testament to the promising prospects that awaited them as they embarked upon their trajectory within the aerospace realm.

In summation, the financial spectrum of aerospace engineering radiates with diversity, mirroring the multifaceted nature of this field itself. As aerospace engineers navigate through the corridors of government, research, manufacturing, academia, and beyond, their compensation levels ebb and flow, a reflection of the intricate interplay between skills, industries, and aspirations that define this dynamic discipline.