Aerospace Engineers

Perform a variety of engineering work 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.

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

1. Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements.

2. Direct and coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.

3. Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, and completion dates.

4. Plan and conduct experimental, environmental, operational and stress tests on models and prototypes of aircraft and aerospace systems and equipment.

5. Evaluate product data and design from inspections and reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, and quality standards.

6. Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design according to customer engineering requirements.

7. Write technical reports and other documentation such as handbooks and bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, and customers.

8. Analyze project requests and proposals and engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, and production time of aerospace or aeronautical product.

9. Review performance reports and documentation from customers and field engineers, and inspect malfunctioning or damaged products to determine problem.

10. Direct research and development programs.

11. Evaluate and approve selection of vendors by study of past performance and new advertisements.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Aerospace Engineers. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Aerospace Engineers, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$35 for entry level workers, and $53 for experienced workers.

College of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholar Adventures: Geneseo Summer Scholars - The Geneseo Summer scholars program is a wonderful opportunity for interested students entering grades 5 to 8 to take advantage of. Each student chooses two courses that interest them. The courses include Adventures in Science, Astronomy and Aerospace, Computer Art and Design and Web Site Design.

Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region, Schenectady, NY - A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.

NASA Space Place - Games, animations, projects, and fun facts about earth, space and technology.

StarChild, A Learning Center for Young Astronomers - Easy to navigate astronomer specific information (Solar System, the Universe, Space Stuff, and a Glossary) site useful for teaching and learning.

US Space and Rocket Center Space Camp - Space Camp uses space to excite and educate children ages 9 to 11 in the fields of math, science and technology. Multi-Axis trainer, 5-Degrees of Freedom Chair, 1/6th Gravity Chair and the Manned Maneuvering Unit are a few of the experiences awaiting you!

Summer at RPI: The Magical World of Flight - Explore the world of flight and will learn about how objects fly using model airplanes. In addition to designing and building a model airplane, participants will observe wind tunnel and flight tests.

RIT Women in Engineering: Everyday Engineering Summer Camp - Did you turn on the faucet today? Put on a pair of sneakers? Listen to a CD? Take a ride in a car? If so, then you've come in contact with engineering. Each day of RIT Women in Engineering: Everyday Engineering Summer Camp will demonstrate the engineering in common situations through demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Science NetLinks: Lessons - Science NetLinks provides a wealth of resources for K to 12 science educators. It is your guide to meaningful standards-based Internet experiences for students. The matrix includes lessons in heredity, agriculture, energy sources, structure of matter and more!

Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region:Schenectady,NY - A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.

Aerospace Engineers - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

NASA's Get Into EdSpace - Edspace is the web site of NASA's Educator Astronaut Program. The site invites you to walk in the shoes of an astronaut to experience virtual training exercises and get behind the scenes to learn more about the people on Earth who make spaceflight possible. At Edspace, you can learn about how astronauts prepare for spaceflight, what it's like to live in space, and even take part in online projects.

Columbia University Science Honors Program - The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is a highly selective program for high school students who have exceptional talent in mathematics and the sciences.SHP has offered the following courses:Organic Chemistry,Environmental Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Computer Programming,Neuroscience,Introduction to Astrophysics and more.

The Observatorium - The Observatorium promotes improved public access to NASA's large repository of Earth and space science data, applications, and technologies. Pictures of the Earth, planets, stars, and other cool stuff, as well as the stories behind those images are found here.

FIRST and the Finger Lakes - Upstate New York Region - This year's game, titled Rack & Roll poses a new challenge to the high school teams to design and build robots that can pick-up donut-shaped pool floats and place them on a star-like ten-foot-tall structure on the playing field. The teams have a limited six-week period to design, build and test their robots. Rochester Institute of Technology will host the 2007 FIRST Finger Lakes Regional Robotics Competition.

New York City / New Jersey FIRST - New York City / New Jersey FIRST is dedicated to inspiring young people's interest in science and technology. Through the FIRST programs young proplr have the opportunity to participate on FIRST Robotics , FIRST Vex Challenge , and FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League teams and compete in tournaments and competitions in the region and around the nation.

School-Business Partnerships of Long Island FIRST LEGO League - Eight weeks of research and design culminate in the SBPLI-LI FIRST LEGO League Tournament. The challenge and excitement of designing and building an original robot for 9 to 14 year olds demonstrates their problem-solving skills, creative thinking, teamwork, competitive play and sportsmanship. The synopsis of the 2007/08 season is not yet available.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center Aviation Challenge Mach II - It takes a special kind of person to fly high performance jets. Are you cool under pressure, focused, intelligent and confident in your abilities? If so, you are the perfect candidate for the Aviation Challenge Mach II program for 12 to 14 year olds!

Park & Ride 2007 Amusement Park Ride Design Pre-Engineering Program for Middle School Girls - Do you want to: Design and build an amusement park ride? Learn about engineering? Come to RIT for a weekend event! Park & Ride 2007 Amusement Park Ride Design Pre-Engineering Program for Middle School Girls is an annual spring event to increase interest among girls in the field of engineering by guiding them through a hands-on experience with an engineering project.

Science Adventures Summer Camps:Suffolk,Nassau, NY,Rockland and Westchester Counties - Get excited about science with fresh, fun, hands-on science programs for K-6 grades at Science Adventures.Build and race a Wheelie Racer, investigate some of nature's most extreme plants and animals, construct a robot called Stomper and launch a Razor Rocket!

Challenger Learning Center of the Lower Hudson Valley:Suffern,NY - A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.

US Space and Rocket Center - Cosmic fun for all at this museum! Get a true feel for the close quarters shared by astronauts in the APOLLO days as you sit inside the APOLLO cockpit Trainer. Reenter the earth's atmosphere as you land the Space Shuttle. These space travel simulators and hands on exhibits are unlike any other.

All Engineering Schools - Engineers are essential to our lives as they help design and create everything from agriculture systems to household electronics and daily transportation. comprehensive online directory of accredited engineering colleges and engineering career resources. Check out All Engineering Schools to help you find the degree and education resources you need to realize your personal goals.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) - American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics encourages original research, furthers dissemination of new knowledge, fosters the professional development of those engaged in science and engineering, improves public understanding of aerospace and its contributions and fosters education in engineering and science.

Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics - Do you ever wonder how airplanes fly? How does a pilot control the movement of the airplane? Why are the engines on an airliner different from the engines on a fighter plane? The information at this site is provided by the NASA Glenn Educational Programs Office to give you a better understanding of how aircraft work. Each page at this site describes a single topic related to basic airplane aerodynamics, propulsion, rockets, or kites.

American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) - The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is a professional membership and educational society dedicated to serving the professional growth and advancement of the individual working in the design drafting community. ADDA is the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to the professional designer/drafter in all disciplines.

Rochester Institute of Technology, Women in Engineering - RIT's Women in Engineering emphasis is on establishing active outreach programs for middle and high school young women, creating and sustaining a mentoring program for RIT first and second year women engineering students, providing leadership opportunities for all women engineering students, and supporting an environment that allows women to succeed in an engineering program.

Cornell University CATALYST Program - Cornell Association for the Technological Advancement of Learned Youth in Science and Technology CATALYST Program is a one-week summer residential program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. CATALYST seeks to advance diversity in engineering and especially encourages members of groups underrepresented in the fields of math, science, and engineering (African American, Latino/a, or Native American) to apply.

Aerospace Industries Association - The Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, space systems, aircraft engines, missiles, materiel, and related components, equipment, services, and information technology.

StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers - Easy to navigate astronomer specific information (Solar System, the Universe, Space Stuff, and a Glossary) site useful for teaching and learning.

Columbia University Science Honors Program - The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is a highly selective program for high school students who have exceptional talent in mathematics and the sciences.SHP has offered the following courses:Organic Chemistry,Environmental Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Computer Programming,Neuroscience,Introduction to Astrophysics and more.

Astronomy Education Review - A site that makes it easy to find, read about, and use new ideas and resources for teaching and outreach in astronomy and space sciences from fifth grade classrooms to research laboratories.

Challenger Learning Center of Greater Rochester,NY - A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.

Challenger Learning Center of the Lower Hudson Valley, Suffern, NY - A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.

Rader's Cosmos4Kids - Cosmos4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of astronomy and space exploration to all ages. It has sections on the universe, galaxies, systems, the Solar System, space exploration and missions.

SUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science NASA - Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. NASA - Learn how different kinds of flying machines work as you explore the principles that we use to move ourselves through the air. Launch several kinds of rockets and use tools for celestial navigation to track their flight path.

SUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Robotics Camp - Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Robotics Camp - Explore the basic technology used to design and build robots and discover how they work. Learn about simple machines, gear structure, battery wiring, motor principles and electronic circuits.

LEGO? MINDSTORMS? - Robotics is a popular and effective way for teachers to cover important areas of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths curricula. The LEGO? MINDSTORMS? for Schools series is tailor-made for classroom and after-school club use. It includes construction sets, programming tools and activity packs.

Society of Women Engineers - The Society of Women Engineers(SWE), founded in 1950, is a nonprofit educational and service organization that helps women achieve their full potential as engineers and leaders. It is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center Aviation Challenge Mach I - Aviation Challenge Mach I is non-stop aviation excitement! Master a high-performance jet fighter and learn the basics of flight dynamics, wilderness survival and teamwork. Experience the same training all fighter and test pilots go through.

Project Lead the Way: Middle School Program- Gateway to Technology - Project based learning, Gateway To Technology, addresses the interest of middle school students by incorporating national standards in math, science and technology.

NASA: Space Place - Games, animations, projects, and fun facts about earth, space and technology.

Challenger Learning Center of Greater Rochester,NY - A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.

NASA's Kids' Club - NASA's Kids' Club has animated, educational and interactive games on the site that teach children about exploring space, building and launching rockets, keeping airplanes on schedule, how a comet travels through the solar system, and more.

TryEngineering.org - This resource for students,ages 8 to18, their parents, their teachers and their school counselors will find this portal about engineering and engineering careers, to be helpful for young people to better understand what engineering means, and how an engineering career can be made part of their future.

Engineers Week - Engineers Week promotes recognition among parents, teachers and students of the importance of a technical education and a high level of math, science, and technology literacy, and motivates youths to pursue engineering careers in order to provide a diverse, vigorous and informed engineering workforce.

American Society for Engineering Education - American Society for Engineering Education is a nonprofit organization of individuals and institutions committed to furthering education in engineering and engineering technology.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Academy - Trainees who want to be Astronauts must learn to think like astronauts and the Space Academy Programs are designed to do just that! Participants have three fields of specialized study (or track options) to choose from: Aviation, Space, and Robotics.

Rader's Physics4Kids - Physics4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of physics to all ages. It has sections on motion, light, thermodynamics, sound, waves, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.

Kids' Club - Animated, educational and interactive games on the site teach children about exploring space, building and launching rockets, keeping airplanes on schedule, how a comet travels through the solar system, and more.

Imagine the Universe - Imagine the Universe is intended for students age 14 and up, and for anyone interested in learning about our universe, teachers may choose from a number of lesson plans for grades 6 to12 that use mathematics in the study of various science topics.

Science Adventures Summer Camp: New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley - Get excited about science with fresh, fun, hands on science programs for K6 grades at Science Adventures. This summer go wild and investigate extreme plants and animals, invent with electronics, launch the Comet Rocket and solve an egyptian mystery.

Cornell University Summer College Program: Engineering - If you're skilled in math and science and would like to use your talents to improve the world, then engineering could be the career for you. This program will give you a first-hand look at this diverse and exciting field. You'll investigate a wide range of technical disciplines including: Bioengineering and earth sciences, chemical and electrical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science and engineering and structural and mechanical engineering.

Team America Rocketry Challenge - The Challenge: each team of students must design and build a model rocket carrying one hen egg that will fly to exactly 850 feet and stay aloft for exactly 45 seconds and return the egg uncracked. The qualifying selection flight demonstration is due April 9, 2007. Team sends in form if the flight is successful.

Cornell University CURIE Academy: For Girls Who Dream Big - The CURIE Academy is a one-week residential program for high school girls who excel in math and science, enjoy solving problems, and want to learn more about careers in engineering.

Monroe Community College High School Engineering Competition - Monroe Community College High School Engineering Competition includes three events. SumoBots: design an electric powered SumoBot with the force to push an opponent's SumoBot off a round table having a 7-foot diameter. Auto Safety : design and build the lightest model car body that will protect 2 extra large eggs during a collision with a concrete block and have the styling and features that would make it an appealing choice to a car buyer. And Wooden Bridge: design and build a wooden bridge with a mass less than 25 grams that will support the maximum load at mid-span.

TeachEngineering Resources for K12 - Engineering is all around us. TeachEngineering Resources for K12 uses engineering as a vehicle to integrate math and science fundamentals. All lesson plans are based upon age-appropriate national and state science, technology, mathematics and engineering educational standards.

Engineers (Intro) - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Plattsburg Aeronautical Institute - Beginning in 2007, the Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute will start enrolling high school juniors and seniors and adults with a high school diploma or equivalent in FAA-approved airframe and powerplant mechanics courses.

Project Lead the Way: Gateway to Technology - Project based learning, Gateway To Technology, addresses the interest of middle school students by incorporating national standards in math, science and technology.

RIT Expanding Your Horizons - The Kate Gleason College of Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology Women in Engineering offers a program entitled, ?Expanding Your Horizons? for girls in 8-10 grade and their parents.EYH gives young women a look into the field of engineering and how it is used in the real world. An adult track offers tips and advice to help young women be successful in their pursuit of college and provides adults with an opportunity to learn more about engineering as a career option for young women.

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) K12 Center - The ASEE EngineeringK12 Center seeks to identify and gather in one place the most effective engineering education resources available to the K12 community. All activities under the K12 Center are shaped by three guiding principles: Building public awareness of K12 engineering education,provide education resources and extend networks among groups with an interest in K12 engineering education.

Aerospace engineers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Imagine the Universe - Imagine the Universe site is intended for students age 14 and up, and for anyone interested in learning about our universe. Teachers may choose from a number of lesson plans for grades 6-12 that use mathematics in the study of various science topics.

Summer at RPI: VEX Robotics Engineering Academy - Participants will work in teams to create a VEX robot that will be able to complete a challenge course. During this experience, students will learn to manipulate robots with both remote control and computer programming. Robots will be constructed by assembling a combination of mechanical components, basic electronics and sensors.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center Aviation Challenge Mach III - Aviation Challenge Mach III is for those 15-18 year olds who want to take their interest in aviation to another level. This program teaches you land and water survival, the principals of flight, and will allow you to engage in flight simulations & competition!

National Academy of Engineering (NAE) - The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) mission is to promote the technological welfare of the nation by marshaling the knowledge and insights of eminent members of the engineering profession. This is a portal for all engineering activities at the National Academies, which along with the NAE include the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council.

Materials Science and Engineering Careers and Resources - If you are interested in a career in Materials Science and Engineering or just want to learn more about this exciting field you've come to the right place! This site is also of interest to those interested in metallurgy, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors and composites.

NASA's Celestia Exploration Activity - Explore the wild and natural wonders of our celestial neighbors. Soar freely through the Solar System with NASA's Learning Technologies Celestia Exploration Activity. This highly interactive, richly engaging, and scientifically accurate website based on the Middle School National Science Education Standards for Solar System science

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education (CIPCE) - RPI, through CIPCE, works with area K12 teachers and students, as well as local, statewide and national organizations, to promote the use of robotics and other technologies in the classroom. Since its inception, a series of professional development, academic and after-school programs have been created.

Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century - How many of the 20th century's greatest engineering achievements will you use today? A car? Computer? Telephone? Explore the Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century list of the top 20 achievements and learn how engineering shaped a century and changed the world.

Engineering Managers - Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Civil Engineers - Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, water and sewage systems, and waste disposal units. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, ocean, and geo-technical engineers.

Electrical Engineers - Design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Industrial Engineers - Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

Marine Engineers - Design, develop, and take responsibility for the installation of ship machinery and related equipment including propulsion machines and power supply systems.

Marine Architects - Design and oversee construction and repair of marine craft and floating structures such as ships, barges, tugs, dredges, submarines, torpedoes, floats, and buoys. May confer with marine engineers.

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers - Determine the location and plan the extraction of coal, metallic ores, nonmetallic minerals, and building materials, such as stone and gravel. Work involves conducting preliminary surveys of deposits or undeveloped mines and planning their development; examining deposits or mines to determine whether they can be worked at a profit; making geological and topographical surveys; evolving methods of mining best suited to character, type, and size of deposits; and supervising mining operations.

Petroleum Engineers - Devise methods to improve oil and gas well production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice to achieve economical and satisfactory progress.

Industrial Engineering Technicians - Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May study and record time, motion, method, and speed involved in performance of production, maintenance, clerical, and other worker operations for such purposes as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.