Aerospace Engineers

(NOC 2146)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Aerospace engineers research, design and develop aerospace vehicles, aerospace systems and their components. They complete tasks related to vehicle and systems testing, evaluation, installation, operation, and maintenance. Aerospace engineers work for aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, air transport carriers, and in government and educational and research institutions.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Read more

  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

  • Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$28.10

Minimum

$40.24

Median

$56.11

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$78,051

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Aerospace engineers research, design and develop aerospace vehicles, aerospace systems and their components. They complete tasks related to vehicle and systems testing, evaluation, installation, operation, and maintenance. Aerospace engineers work for aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, air transport carriers, and in government and educational and research institutions.

Job duties

Aerospace engineers:

  • Design and develop aerospace vehicles, systems and components like aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites, and space-based communication systems.
  • Develop and conduct computer simulations of aerospace vehicles, systems and components using advanced mathematical modelling.
  • Prepare specifications for materials and processes to be used in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair, or modification.
  • Supervise and coordinate the manufacturing, assembly, modification, repair and overhaul of aircraft and spacecraft.
  • Coordinate ground and flight tests of air and spacecraft.
  • Develop operational specifications, maintenance schedules and manuals for operators.
  • Develop the technical phases of logistical and operational support for aerospace vehicles and systems.
  • Investigate and report on structural or other component or system failures, accidents or incidents and prepare recommendations for corrective action.

Sample job titles

  • aerodynamics engineer
  • aeronautical engineer
  • aerospace engineer
  • aerospace structural engineer
  • aerospace systems engineer
  • aerospace test engineer
  • aircraft design engineer
  • stress engineer - aerospace

Skills

  • You need persistence and good judgement. The ability to think analytically and logically is important. You must be able to communicate and cooperate with others, as engineers often work in teams. Leadership and problem-solving skills are also necessary. Computer experience is an important asset.

Job requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or in a related engineering discipline, like mechanical engineering or engineering physics, is required.
  • A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Licensing by a provincial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
  • Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

Other considerations

  • Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and gain knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practice in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing, or management. There is considerable movement between aerospace engineering specializations at the less senior levels. Supervisory and senior positions in this group require experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

120

employed in 2016

100.0%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

21.7%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
78.3%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
37.3

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
80%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

53.8%

Halifax

$80,686 median annual income
23.1%

Southern

N/A
7.7%

North Shore

N/A
7.7%

Cape Breton

N/A
7.7%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

52.4%

Manufacturing

14.3%

Public administration

14.3%

Professional, scientific and technical services

9.5%

Other services (except public administration)

9.5%

Transportation and warehousing

What is the age of Employment?

39.0%

35-44

26.0%

25-34

17.0%

45-54

17.0%

55-64

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

37.5%

Bachelor

$84,780 median annual income
16.7%

High school

N/A
16.7%

College Diploma

N/A
8.3%

Trade Certification

N/A
8.3%

Diploma Below Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income
29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income
11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income
9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income
6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Engineering - General

University Program

These programs prepare individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.

Institutions providing this program

Acadia University

Wolfville, NS

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

St. Francis Xavier University

Antigonish, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Cape Breton University

Sydney, NS

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture

Truro, NS

Mathematics

College or University Program

These programs focus on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. They include courses in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

University of King's College

Halifax, NS

Mount Saint Vincent University

Halifax, NS

St. Francis Xavier University

Antigonish, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Cape Breton University

Sydney, NS

Physical Sciences

College or University Program

These programs focus on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Professional Engineer

Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.

Regulating body:
Engineers Nova Scotia
Halifax, NS

Contacts

Consulting Engineers of Nova Scotia
Dartmouth, NS
Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada
Ottawa, ON
University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
Toronto, ON

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.