All aeronautical jobs are focused on the development, manufacturing and testing of machines that can fly. Although most people assume this is limited to airplanes, the term "aeronautical" actually translates into "navigation of the air" and includes the motion of the air itself. Originally, aeronautical jobs were limited to the operation of the actual aircraft, but over time, this description has been expanded to include all flight-related technology. The primary categories of aeronautical jobs are design, project management, manufacturing and research, and all four types are available in both the public and private sectors. The aeronautical industry is growing and is forecast to have above-average employment opportunities in the near future.
In order to qualify for aeronautical jobs, candidates must have successfully completed post-secondary education in aeronautics or aeronautical engineering. This type of training is available at the community college, technical college and university levels, with programs lasting between three and eight years. These programs are offered at a limited number of schools, and admission standards are quite high. The qualifications for admission include high school courses in calculus, physics and English.
Aeronautical designing jobs focus on developing a structure that has minimal resistance to the forces of air. This can include the exterior of the device or the methods used to balance these forces on the interior. Skills required for this type of job include drafting, drawing and model building. Increasingly, computer skills are necessary because of advances in modeling software.
As a discipline based in science and engineering, most aeronautics work is organized into projects. Project management positions are very common and require a combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. The projects cross many areas and provide opportunities to expand the application of aeronautical principles to multiple applications. Many people who are interested in this type of job complete additional training in project management methodologies.
In the aeronautical manufacturing sector, there are positions for technologists and engineers to participate in the actual production of machines that can fly. This type of equipment is very expensive, and the skills required to create them are highly specialized. As a result, these positions often have excellent compensation and benefit packages and might include performance incentives.
Research into aeronautical principles is ongoing in both the private sector and in academic institutions worldwide. Most science-focused universities offer a full aeronautical program and have positions for full-time researchers and professors. In order to qualify for these roles, candidates must have excellent academic credentials and significant experience.
