- You will learn the education, hands-on experience, and tools employers expect for aerospace engineering roles.
- You can build a competitive portfolio through projects, internships, and student teams.
- Certifications, targeted skills, and networking speed up your path to paid roles in industry or research.
- Practical steps for job hunting and interview prep help you move from student to practicing engineer.
This guide explains how to become a aerospace engineer, starting with the degrees and skills employers look for and ending with job search tactics that get interviews. You will find clear, actionable steps you can follow even if you are starting from scratch, with examples and specific tools to practice.
Step-by-Step Guide
Learn what aerospace engineers do and pick a focus
Start by researching core areas like aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and control systems so you know which field fits your interests. Understanding the typical day and deliverables helps you choose classes and projects that match employer needs.
Read job postings from companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and NASA to see recurring requirements and example responsibilities. Compare those listings to academic course descriptions to spot gaps you need to fill.
Expect to refine your focus after a semester or two as you try labs and projects, because interests often shift once you get hands-on experience.
- Read 5 current job descriptions and highlight recurring skills like CAD, MATLAB, or CFD.
- Talk with a professor or an engineering advisor about which electives align with your chosen focus.
- Attend one industry webinar or local AIAA meeting each month to hear real project examples.
Get the right degree and coursework
Enroll in an accredited bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering with aerospace electives, because most entry roles require a related degree. Take core courses in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structures, control systems, and numerical methods, and aim for strong fundamentals in calculus and physics.
Complement coursework with practical classes like CFD, finite element analysis, and lab courses where you can work on real components or models. If you already have a degree in another field, consider a post-baccalaureate program, a master’s, or targeted online courses to fill gaps in the technical foundation.
- Choose at least one elective that teaches MATLAB or Python applied to engineering problems.
- Prioritize lab and design classes that require final deliverables you can add to a portfolio.
- If possible, take a course that includes wind tunnel or flight test exposure.
Build hands-on experience with projects and internships
Hands-on work demonstrates you can apply theory to real problems, and employers weigh project experience heavily when hiring. Join a student team such as AIAA, SAE Aero Design, or a UAV club, and take an active role in a capstone or senior design project so you have measurable contributions to discuss.
Seek summer internships, co-ops, or research assistant positions with aerospace companies, university labs, or government agencies; apply early and treat each application like a short project with tailored documents and follow-ups. Keep realistic expectations, internships can be competitive, so apply broadly and start preparations six months before summer opportunities.
- Document your role and outcomes for every project, including goals, your tasks, tools used, and measurable results.
- Apply to at least three internships or research positions per week during recruiting windows.
- Use LinkedIn and alumni networks to request informational interviews with engineers at target companies.
Learn the essential tools and programming skills
Employers expect familiarity with CAD, simulation, and programming tools that match your focus, so pick tools that appear often in job descriptions. For structures and mechanical design learn SolidWorks or CATIA, for aerodynamics learn ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM, and for control systems practice MATLAB, Simulink, and Python for scripting and data analysis.
Practice by reproducing small tutorials, then apply those skills to your projects, for example create a CAD model of a wingbox or run a simple CFD simulation on a 2D airfoil. Plan to show screenshots, model files, and short explanations in your portfolio so hiring managers can quickly see what you built and why choices mattered.
- Complete a short, focused project in each tool, such as a SolidWorks assembly or a MATLAB control simulation.
- Keep simulation input files and a short README in a GitHub repo to demonstrate reproducible work.
- If you aim for avionics, learn embedded C or C++ and basic real-time concepts using an Arduino or similar board.
Consider certifications, advanced degrees, and complementary skills
Decide whether a master’s or professional licensure will help your target role, because some aerospace positions prefer a related graduate degree or the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. A master’s degree can help if you want specialized research roles or advanced design positions, while the FE and later PE exam is useful for roles that require sign-off authority in certain industries.
Also add complementary skills like flight test basics, control theory, or manufacturing knowledge depending on your focus, and consider a Private Pilot License for hands-on flight understanding if you plan to work in flight dynamics. Balance the time and cost against expected career benefits so you choose the path that accelerates your goals.
- Talk with engineers in your target role about whether they have a master’s or PE to judge its value.
- If short on time, pick a single certificate course in CFD or structural analysis with a project deliverable.
- Study for the FE exam while finishing your degree so you can take it soon after graduation.
Prepare your application materials and practice interviewing
Create a focused resume and portfolio that highlight relevant projects, internships, and measurable results so recruiters can see your fit quickly. Use a one-page resume with clear section headers, bullet points that start with action verbs, and project entries that list your role, tools used, and outcomes such as weight saved or performance improved.
Practice technical interviews by explaining your projects, solving system-design problems aloud, and reviewing fundamentals in dynamics, thermodynamics, and structures; also prepare behavioral STAR answers that show teamwork, problem solving, and how you handled setbacks. Network actively, follow up after interviews with a concise thank you note, and track applications in a simple spreadsheet so you know when to follow up or reapply.
- Include a short portfolio link at the top of your resume with 3-5 highlighted projects and clear visuals.
- Practice whiteboard problems and 30-minute design questions with a peer or mentor every week.
- Send a tailored follow-up email within 24 hours of interviews that references a specific technical point discussed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pro Tips from Experts
Keep a single project README that explains problem, constraints, your role, tools used, and measurable results so you can reuse it in interviews.
Automate a basic portfolio site using a template and host it on GitHub Pages, then link it in your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Shadow a junior engineer for a day if possible, and ask for a short feedback email on what you should learn next to be hireable in that team.
Set up alerts on job boards for 'aerospace engineer', 'propulsion', and 'flight test' to see what skills appear most often and adapt your learning.
Becoming an aerospace engineer is a step-by-step process that combines the right coursework, hands-on projects, targeted tools, and active job search. Follow the steps above, track your progress with specific project outcomes, and keep applying and networking until you land your first role.
You have a clear path, and small consistent actions will move you from learner to practicing aerospace engineer.
Step-by-step guide to become an aerospace engineer
1.
- •What to do: Take AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Physics (mechanics & electricity), chemistry, and computer science in high school. Aim for a 3.7+ GPA if you want top engineering programs.
- •How to do it: Use weekly study blocks (6–10 hours) for math and physics; join math club or robotics team to apply concepts.
- •Pitfalls: Skipping fundamentals like calculus early makes later courses harder.
- •Success indicator: Consistently A-/A in STEM classes and AP exam scores of 4–5.
2.
- •What to do: Enroll in an ABET-accredited aerospace or mechanical engineering program.
- •How to do it: Compare curricula—look for courses in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and control systems. Target schools that publish first-year job placement >70%.
- •Pitfalls: Picking a program with few lab or design opportunities.
- •Success indicator: Complete core courses with a 3.2+ GPA and log lab hours.
3.
- •What to do: Join aircraft/rocket design teams, complete at least one senior capstone project.
- •How to do it: Lead a subsystem (e.g., propulsion) on a design team to learn project management and CAD.
- •Pitfalls: Passive membership without technical deliverables.
- •Success indicator: A demonstrable project (flight test, prototype, or simulation) with measurable results.
4.
- •What to do: Pursue 1–3 internships at OEMs, suppliers, or research labs.
- •How to do it: Apply 3–4 months before deadlines; tailor resumes to each role and include project metrics (e.g., reduced test time by 15%).
- •Pitfalls: Waiting till final year; competition is high—apply broadly.
- •Success indicator: At least one internship offer by junior or senior year.
5.
- •What to do: Learn MATLAB/Python, CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA), and CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM).
- •How to do it: Complete 2–3 online projects that you can add to your portfolio.
- •Pitfalls: Superficial use; employers want project-based evidence.
- •Success indicator: Portfolio with 3+ code/notebook/CAD items and documented test results.
6.
- •What to do: Pursue an MS if targeting research, propulsion, or advanced aerodynamics.
- •How to do it: Choose programs with funded research or industry ties; expect 20–30% higher chances for advanced roles.
- •Pitfalls: Debt without a clear ROI.
- •Success indicator: Published paper or funded thesis and advanced role offers.
7.
- •What to do: Study sample problems; buy an FE review course.
- •How to do it: Schedule the exam after graduation; aim for 4–6 weeks of focused review (10–15 hours/week).
- •Pitfalls: Underestimating exam breadth.
- •Success indicator: Passing FE; you become an Engineer in Training (EIT).
8.
- •What to do: Join AIAA/IEEE, attend conferences, and connect with recruiters on LinkedIn.
- •How to do it: Reach out with a one-line value statement and link to your portfolio; track contacts in a spreadsheet.
- •Pitfalls: Networking without follow-up.
- •Success indicator: Conversations that lead to interviews or referral.
9.
- •What to do: Target roles like stress analyst, flight test engineer, or propulsion analyst.
- •How to do it: Use STAR stories and quantify impact (e.g., "reduced weight by 5%"), ask for ≥5% above base if market allows.
- •Pitfalls: Accepting first offer without evaluating benefits and growth.
- •Success indicator: Offer that matches career plan and provides learning opportunities.
10.
- •What to do: After 4 years of work experience, pursue the Professional Engineer (PE) license if your role requires it.
- •How to do it: Keep a work log of projects and hours, retake advanced courses, and mentor juniors.
- •Pitfalls: Stagnation—avoid by setting yearly skill goals.
- •Success indicator: Promotion to senior engineer or technical lead within 5–8 years.
Actionable takeaway: Build measured milestones—GPA targets, number of internships (1–3), and a portfolio with 3+ completed technical projects—then track progress quarterly.
Expert tips and pro strategies
- •Focus on high-impact software first: become proficient in MATLAB and Python, then learn one CAD package (SolidWorks or CATIA). Employers expect coding examples; add 2–3 Jupyter notebooks that analyze flight data.
- •Use version control from day one: host CAD assemblies and scripts on GitHub with clear READMEs. This saves 4–8 hours per project when you need to reproduce results.
- •Join a competitive design team (SAE Aero, AIAA design-build-fly): leading a subsystem teaches integration and reduces hiring friction—many interns come from these teams.
- •Pick one analysis area to specialize in by year 4 (structures, propulsion, or controls). Depth increases your offer salary 10–20% versus a generalist resume.
- •Practice technical interviews using whiteboard problems and timed CFD or structural hand calculations. Simulate 5 interviews before on-site rounds to cut nervous errors.
- •Publish something small: a conference poster or a GitHub project with documented test data. A public artifact increases recruiter callbacks by roughly 25%.
- •Get comfortable with reduced-order models: learning panel methods or XFOIL helps you iterate design ideas faster than full CFD—save days of run time.
- •Start security-clearance paperwork early if you target defense roles—clearance processing can take 3–9 months. Employers may prefer candidates who initiate paperwork.
- •Use online bootcamps selectively: 8–12 week focused courses in CFD or controls can fill gaps; pick ones with project-based assessments and career support.
- •Keep an interview-ready project folder: 2–3 slides, key equations, test photos, and quantitative outcomes. Showing a 7% lift-to-drag improvement or a 12% weight reduction is far more memorable than general claims.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
1.
- •Why it occurs: Heavy course load and poor time management.
- •Recognize it: Below 3.0 cumulative or <3.2 in major courses.
- •Fix it: Retake key courses, focus on improving major GPA, and highlight practical experience (internships, projects) on your resume. Preventive: Use a semester study plan with weekly goals.
2.
- •Why it occurs: High competition and seasonal hiring.
- •Recognize it: Few responses after 30+ applications.
- •Fix it: Apply earlier (6–9 months ahead), target smaller suppliers and national labs, and leverage faculty/Alumni referrals. Preventive: Build a portfolio that stands out.
3.
- •Why it occurs: Steep learning curve and computation demands.
- •Recognize it: Long runtimes, nonconverging simulations, or low assignment scores.
- •Fix it: Start with reduced-order models, validate with simple test cases, and use tutored online courses. Preventive: Log 50–100 hours on basic CFD tutorials before tackling research problems.
4.
- •Why it occurs: Government and defense paperwork.
- •Recognize it: Multiple interview rounds without final offer for months.
- •Fix it: Ask recruiters about expected timelines and pursue interim roles. Preventive: Initiate clearance forms early if applicable.
5.
- •Why it occurs: Misaligned goals and unclear roles.
- •Recognize it: Missed deadlines and duplicated work.
- •Fix it: Establish a weekly meeting, shared task tracker (Trello/Asana), and written subsystem responsibilities. Preventive: Define roles and deliverables at project start.
6.
- •Why it occurs: High expectations and long hours.
- •Recognize it: Avoiding tasks or overworking without progress.
- •Fix it: Break tasks into 2–4 hour sprints, seek mentor feedback, and track incremental wins. Preventive: Schedule regular rest and peer check-ins.
7.
- •Why it occurs: Limited lab resources.
- •Recognize it: Designs without validation data.
- •Fix it: Use low-cost prototyping (3D printing, Arduino-based sensors) and scale tests. Preventive: Plan tests with cost estimates early and apply for small grants.
Actionable takeaway: For each challenge, map one preventive step you can start this week—e. g.
, create a project portfolio, schedule mentor meetings, or apply to five smaller companies.
Real-world success examples
Example 1: Undergraduate internship to full-time hire at a major OEM
- •Situation: A junior at a mid-tier university secured a 12-week summer internship at Boeing by applying to 40 roles and refining her resume to highlight a senior design project.
- •Approach: She led the wing flap actuator subsystem, modeled loads in MATLAB, and created CAD drawings in SolidWorks. She documented results in weekly reports and proposed a test that reduced bench setup time by 18%.
- •Challenges: Tight schedule and unfamiliar test fixtures required rapid on-the-job learning.
- •Results: Earned a return offer and, after graduation, a full-time role; the hiring manager cited her documentation and measurable test improvements as decisive. Internship-to-offer rate: 1 of the 3 interns in her group.
Example 2: Master’s thesis driving a 7% aerodynamic gain
- •Situation: A graduate student pursued an MS focusing on winglets to reduce induced drag for a regional turboprop.
- •Approach: He ran baseline CFD, designed three winglet variants with XFOIL and ANSYS Fluent, and tested the best design in a university wind tunnel at Re=1.2×10^6.
- •Challenges: Initial CFD overpredicted improvement; he introduced grid refinement and validated with tunnel pressure taps.
- •Results: Confirmed a 7% improvement in lift-to-drag at cruise conditions, which projected a 2–3% fuel burn reduction for the aircraft. The work led to a co-authored conference paper and industry contacts.
Example 3: Smallsat startup delivers a 3U CubeSat in 18 months
- •Situation: A team of three engineers left a research lab to build an Earth-observation 3U CubeSat.
- •Approach: They used COTS reaction wheels, developed attitude control in Python, and performed hardware-in-the-loop tests. They tracked milestones weekly and used a small grant of $120,000 to cover manufacturing and launch integration.
- •Challenges: Supplier lead times and regulatory paperwork delayed subsystem deliveries by 6 weeks.
- •Results: Launched in 18 months, achieved pointing accuracy of 0.5° and delivered first imagery within 72 hours. The startup attracted seed funding of $500,000 after demonstrating onboard autonomy.
Actionable takeaway: Choose practical goals—one measurable result (e. g.
, % drag reduction, pointing accuracy, or test-time reduction) increases career traction and employer interest.
Essential tools and resources
- •MATLAB (MathWorks)
- •What it does: Numerical analysis, control design, and data visualization.
- •When to use: Signal processing, flight dynamics, control system prototyping.
- •Cost/limits: Academic licenses ~$100–200/year; industry licenses are expensive.
- •Python + NumPy/Pandas/Matplotlib
- •What it does: Open-source environment for data analysis and scripting.
- •When to use: Flight data processing, automation, and lightweight simulations.
- •Cost/limits: Free; use compiled languages for very high-performance needs.
- •SolidWorks / CATIA
- •What it does: 3D CAD for components and assemblies.
- •When to use: Mechanical design and tolerance studies.
- •Cost/limits: Academic licenses available; industry seat costs are high.
- •ANSYS Fluent / OpenFOAM
- •What it does: CFD for external aerodynamics and internal flow.
- •When to use: Final performance predictions or detailed flow studies.
- •Cost/limits: Fluent is commercial (expensive); OpenFOAM is free but has steeper learning curve.
- •XFOIL / AVL / OpenRocket
- •What it does: Rapid aerodynamic estimates and preliminary performance.
- •When to use: Early-stage airfoil and low-fidelity design iterations.
- •Cost/limits: Mostly free; accuracy decreases at transonic regimes.
- •AIAA and IEEE memberships
- •What it does: Conferences, publications, and networking.
- •When to use: Career development, job leads, and research dissemination.
- •Cost/limits: Memberships ~$70–200/year.
- •FE Exam prep resources (NCEES practice, PPI study guides)
- •What it does: Structured prep for FE/PE exams.
- •When to use: Final-year students and early-career engineers.
- •Cost/limits: Practice tests ~$50–200; paid courses vary.
- •GitHub + Git
- •What it does: Version control for code and project files.
- •When to use: Collaborating on scripts, documentation, and small projects.
- •Cost/limits: Free for public repos; private/team plans available.
Actionable takeaway: Start with free/open-source tools for prototypes (Python, XFOIL, OpenFOAM), then add paid software as your projects require deeper fidelity or industry adoption.