Aerospace Engineers
(NOC 2146)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyAerospace 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
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$28.10
Minimum$40.24
Median$56.11
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$78,051
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$80,686 median annual incomeSouthern
N/ANorth Shore
N/ACape Breton
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Transportation and warehousing
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
55-64
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$84,780 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ATrade Certification
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Engineering - General
University ProgramThese 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
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Mathematics
College or University ProgramThese 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
Sydney, NS
Physical Sciences
College or University ProgramThese 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
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
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.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.