Also called: Aerospace engineer (defense), Missile engineer, Aircraft design engineer
Designs and tests military aircraft, missiles, drones, and spacecraft at companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and RTX.
An aerospace engineer might run computer simulations of airflow over a drone wing, review test data from a missile flight, or troubleshoot a part on the factory floor. Projects can last decades. A security clearance makes engineers more valuable.
BLS aerospace engineers, May 2024; cleared engineers often earn a premium.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering; many get a master's. U.S. citizenship for most defense roles.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics.
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). BLS projects ~6% growth for aerospace engineers, 2024-34.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI speeds simulation, CAD and analysis, trimming some junior work; design judgment and testing stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus BC, Drafting / CAD.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2011.
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