If you have a love of flight and an affinity for math and science, you might want to become an aeronautical engineer. Aeronautical engineers design, develop and test airplanes, helicopters and other airborne vehicles for government agencies and private companies. To become an aeronautical engineer, at least a four-year college degree in an engineering specialty normally is required. People who seek to conduct research in the field will often need graduate-level degrees. Aeronautical science, aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering are some typical fields of study for aeronautical engineers.
To be selected for entry into an engineering school, previous study in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus normally is expected. Good grades in basic sciences such as physics and biology often are prerequisites for entry. Having been involved in engineering-related clubs and organizations during secondary school or high school can help make your application stand out.
When selecting a college, consider programs carefully. Some undergraduate aeronautical engineering programs are structured to prepare students for jobs in the industry, and others consider students who wish to be researchers and prepare them for graduate work. During your college years, take advantage of opportunities to intern in the field of aeronautical engineering to gain experience, develop contacts and help you discover which direction to go in your career. You also can join professional organizations for people currently working in the field. Some professional engineering organizations have student chapters that help educate future engineers about the realities of the profession.
Just some of the different specialty areas in aeronautical engineering include the designing and developing of products and systems, testing those products and systems to ensure strong performance and developing aircraft structures. Some people educated as aeronautical engineers visit crash sites to determine reasons for accidents. Others might work with navigation systems, radar or computer systems in aircraft. Another area to consider is whether you are more interested in developing passenger planes or military aircraft.
Professional certification might be required to become an aeronautical engineer. Certification can depend on your exact field of study and the area in which you want to work. Some people achieve voluntary engineering certifications as a way to further their career goals. When you are close to completing your education to become an aeronautical engineer, you can find work by attending job fairs for the aerospace industry and by contacting government agencies. There also are employment agencies that specialize in placing workers in the aerospace field.
