Do you have a strong passion for designing and development of aircraft and space vehicles? If yes, you can always consider becoming an aerospace engineer. Since there is a wide range of aircrafts, engineers can also specialize in the design and development of a specific type of aircraft. Aerospace engineers can be classified into aeronautical engineers and astronautic engineers. Aeronautical engineers are those who work with airplanes whereas astronautic engineers are responsible for the designing and development of spacecraft. To become an aerospace engineer, you need to equip yourself with all the essential career information including job description of engineers, typical duties and responsibilities, educational qualification required and the career prospects that await you in this occupation.

 

Job Description
The aviation, defense and the space exploration industry have a regular demand for well trained aerospace engineers. These engineers are specially trained and educated to work with air-borne vehicles like aircraft, missile, passenger planes, rockets, helicopters etc. Not only these engineers design and development these extraordinary machines, but they also test and supervise the entire procedure. In addition, these engineers conduct researches to invent latest technologies that drive the growth of the aviation, defense and the space exploration industry.

 

To perform their work efficiently, aerospace engineers use a variety of tools and techniques. They are quite well versed with the use of computer aided design (CAD) software, robotics and laser technology among others. Depending on their skill sets and work interest, aerospace engineers may also choose to specialize in the design, development and testing of a specific kind of aerospace product including fighter planes, helicopters, missiles, commercial transports etc.

 

Aerospace engineers possess expertise in key areas of engineering like aerodynamics, thermodynamics, acoustics, celestial mechanics, propulsion etc. Though they can be employed in multiple other fields of engineering, most of these professionals work with the aerospace products manufacturing industry. These engineers are also well educated and trained to work in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry. In this industry, they can work to design motor vehicles which have lower resistance to air and are more fuel efficient.

 

These engineers work in close contact with scientists and other specialists. While working on a large work project, physicists and metallurgists are often required to conduct the necessary research. On the outcome or the result of this scientific research, aerospace engineers start their design and development work for aerospace products and aircrafts. There are multiple areas in the aerospace industry where these engineers can work. These specialization areas may include structural design, guidance, control system, fluid mechanics, acoustics etc.

 

Educational Qualification & Training
Candidates who aspire to become an aerospace engineer should at least possess a bachelor's degree in engineering. Those who possess degrees in subjects like mathematics or natural science may also qualify for some of the jobs in the aerospace industry. There are several colleges that offer degree programs in aeronautical engineering, aerospace and astronautical engineering. A bachelor's degree in engineering usually requires four to five years for completion. Advanced degree will enhance help engineers remain competitive in the industry. At the same time, engineers are required to keep themselves abreast of the latest technologies and trends in the industry.

 

Job Outlook
In the year 2002, aerospace engineers occupied around 78,000 jobs in the United States. Most of these jobs were with the aerospace products manufacturing industry. Other employers included federal and state government agencies of the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects will be favorable for aerospace engineers, through to the year 2012. Some industries which are not associated with aerospace will also provide employment opportunities for engineers.

 

Annual Salary
Most of the aerospace engineers earn an annual salary ranging between $59,520 and $88,310. In the year 2002, the median annual salary of these engineers was around $72,750. Those who possess a bachelor's degree in engineering may receive a starting salary of around $48,028. Engineers employed with federal government agencies receive the highest salary, around $81,830 annually. The aerospace products manufacturing industry offers engineers an average annual salary of around $70,920.

Have you ever considered who are behind the increase of company productivity? These are industrial engineers, specially trained to find cost-efficient methods to increase the manufacturing processes. Possessing excellent science and mathematics ability, industrial engineers are responsible for increasing a company’s productivity through cost-effective solutions. Companies have a continuous demand for these engineers to design their resource management systems and reducing the overall company cost. To become an industrial engineer, it is essential to know the job description, educational qualification and career prospects in this field of engineering.

Job Description
Industrial engineers are responsible for looking after each component of the entire manufacturing process. Whether it is the supply chain, the information or the human resource, these engineers are specially trained to maximize the productivity and efficiency of each component. The job of engineers is quite challenging, as they need to regularly come up with effective and productive solutions for cost analysis, workplace safety procedures, supply chain management etc.

They are hired by companies to work out the best solutions with an excellent combination of people and technology. Industrial engineers decide the best plant location for a wide range of businesses. Since the job of an industrial engineer has a close similarity with managerial responsibilities, they also take up management positions in companies.

While working in companies, industrial engineers are responsible to be accountable for a host of responsibilities which include the following.

 

• Designing, developing and evaluating integrated system for businesses
• Managing industrial manufacturing processes
• Managing human resources
• Managing quality control and inventory control
• Managing logistics and material flow
• Managing cost analysis and production coordination

Educational Qualification & Training
The minimum requirement for becoming an industrial engineer is a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, business management or any other relevant field. Candidates who wish to take up senior level or advanced position need to obtain a master’s degree in a relevant field along with good working experience in this field of engineering. The typical coursework of industrial engineering degree programs include computers, chemistry, electronics, physics, ergonomics, manufacturing, business, social sciences and mathematics among others. Engineers may also need to fulfill some licensure requirement depending on which state they are employed in. For career advancement, engineers can also acquire certification in specialties like project management, supply chain management from institutes like the Institute of Industrial Engineers.

Obtaining License to Become Certified
Depending on the state where you are employed, you will also need to obtain licenses. To acquire this engineering license, candidates need to complete their degree program from an accredited institution, possess 4-5 of working experience and pass to state examinations including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). Recertification is required periodically to remain a certified industrial engineer.

Job Skills
Besides having a degree in industrial engineering, candidates also need to possess some essential job skills to remain competitive and make the most of their careers as industrial engineers. These skills include creative thinking, decision making, problem solving and excellent communication (both verbal and written).

 

Career Outlook
In the year 2006, around 201,000 industrial engineers were employed in the United States. Career prospects are excellent in this field. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an employment growth rate faster than the average of all other occupations. The job growth will occur at the rate of 20% from the year 2006 through to the year 2016.

Annual Salary
Salaries of industrial engineers vary depending on the work location, educational qualification, training, additional certification and working experience. Entry level engineering jobs fetch an annual salary ranging between $44,110 and $62,722. Majority of these engineers earn between $48,877 and $58,619 annually.  

The median annual salary for industrial engineers in different location of the United States is as follows.

Northeast : $56,000
Middle Atlantic : $55,400
South : $52,200
Midwest : $53,400
West : $55,400