What are the job roles and responsibilities of an Aeronautical Engineer?

Aeronautical engineers improve flight safety and fuel efficiency, reduce costs and address the environmental impacts of air travel. They also work with aircraft that operate in space as well.

Responsibilities of an Aeronautical engineer include:

• understanding design requirements

• agreeing budgets and specifications with clients 

• Doing practical research

• implementing designs and taking tests

• measuring the performance of aircraft systems

• assembling the aircraft 

• evaluating, modifying and re-testing products

• investigating the cause of plane crashes

• analyzing data.

Typical employers of aeronautical engineers

Aeronautical engineers may be office-based, or they may work in aircraft workshops. Local and national travel between sites is necessary.

Typical employers include:

airline operators

research and development 

the Civil Service

the armed forces

Qualifications and training required

Engineering employers typically seek graduates with a Btech in a relevant engineering discipline such as aerospace, electronics, and materials. Relevant work experience is widely valued. Postgraduate study can be advantageous: graduates with postgraduate research qualifications may earn higher starting salaries.

Key skills for aeronautical engineers

The work environment is multidisciplinary. Given the frequency of international partnerships, language skills are useful and the ability to work as part of a team is important.