Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineers
Description OES Code: 22102
Perform a variety of engineering work in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

Wages, California
Entry Level Hourly Wage $27.41
25th Percentile $29.55
50th Percentile $34.06
75th Percentile $40.43

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most engineers work a standard 40-hr week. At times, deadlines or design standards may bring extra pressure to a job. When this happens, engineers may work longer hours.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 12,800
Projected Employment 2008 14,300
Percent Change 1998-2008 11.7%
Separations 1998-2008 2,200

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Beginning engineering graduates usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers and, in large companies, may also receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. As new engineers gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff or team of engineers and technicians. Some eventually become engineering managers or enter other managerial or sales jobs.

Keeping the Job & Other Information
It is important for engineers, like those working in other technical occupations, to continue their education throughout their careers, because much of their value to their employer depends on their knowledge of the latest technology. Although the pace of technological change varies by engineering specialty and industry, advances in technology have affected every engineering discipline significantly. Engineers in high-technology areas, such as advanced electronics, may find that technical knowledge can become obsolete rapidly. Even those who continue their education are vulnerable if the particular technology or product in which they have specialized becomes obsolete. By keeping current in their field, engineers are able to deliver the best solutions and greatest value to their employers. Engineers who have not kept current in their field may find themselves passed over for promotions or vulnerable to layoffs, should they occur.

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Education and Training
A bachelor's degree in engineering is generally required for entry-level engineering jobs. College graduates with a degree in a physical science or mathematics may occasionally qualify for some engineering jobs, especially in specialties in high demand. Most engineering degrees are granted in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering. However, engineers trained in one branch may work in related branches. For example, many aerospace engineers have training in mechanical engineering. This flexibility allows employers to meet staffing needs in new technologies and specialties in which engineers are in short supply. It also allows engineers to shift to fields with better employment prospects or to ones that match their interests more closely.

In addition to the standard engineering degree, many colleges offer degrees in engineering technology, which are offered as either 2- or 4-year programs. These programs prepare students for practical design and production work, rather than for jobs that require more theoretical and scientific knowledge. Graduates of 4-year technology programs may get jobs similar to those obtained by graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some employers regard technology program graduates as having skills between those of a technician and an engineer. Admissions requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus), sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics), and courses in English, social studies, humanities, and computers.

Skills & Other Requirements
Aeronautical Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail-oriented, and able to apply the principles of physical science and mathematics in their work. They should be able to work as part of a team and be able to communicate well, both orally and in writing.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupation: Engineers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)