What Aerospace Engineers Do and How to Become One
What aerospace engineers actually do, the main specialties, degree paths, pay and job outlook, and how security clearances and export rules affect who gets hired.
Aerospace engineers design, build and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles. Most enter with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field such as mechanical engineering. According to BLS, median pay was $134,960 in May 2025, with 8% job growth projected through 2035. Many defense roles also require US citizenship and a security clearance.
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On this page
- What aerospace engineers actually do
- The 2 main branches and common specialties
- Pay, job outlook and where the jobs are
- Degree paths into aerospace engineering
- Security clearances and citizenship: what to know early
- Where to start: a step-by-step plan
- Is aerospace engineering a good career?
- Conclusion
- Sources
“Rocket scientist” is shorthand for genius, but the people who design rockets, jets and satellites mostly have a job title that’s easier to reach: aerospace engineer. It’s a career with strong pay, steady demand and a clear path in. It also has a few quirks, mainly security clearances and export rules, that catch people off guard.
This guide covers what aerospace engineers do day to day, the main specialties, which degrees lead there, what the job market looks like and how citizenship and clearance requirements shape your options.
What aerospace engineers actually do
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace engineers design, develop and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles. In practice, that work looks like:
- Design and analysis. Creating parts and systems in CAD software and checking them with simulations for stress, heat, airflow and vibration.
- Testing. Planning and running tests on prototypes, from wind tunnels to engine test stands to vibration tables that mimic a rocket launch.
- Requirements and verification. Making sure every design meets customer specs, safety rules and regulations.
- Troubleshooting. Investigating failures and figuring out what went wrong, whether it’s a cracked bracket or a software glitch.
- Manufacturing support. Working with production teams so the design can actually be built at a reasonable cost.
Most of the work happens at a computer. BLS notes that aerospace engineers mainly work in offices, with time in labs, test facilities or production floors depending on the job. Long hours are common near deadlines, launches or when a problem needs solving fast.
The 2 main branches and common specialties
BLS splits the field into 2 branches:
- Aeronautical engineers work on aircraft that fly within Earth’s atmosphere: airliners, military jets, helicopters, drones.
- Astronautical engineers work on spacecraft, from small cubesats to large satellites and launch vehicles, operating inside and outside the atmosphere.
Within those branches, most engineers specialize. Common areas include:
| Specialty | What you’d work on | Skills that matter |
|---|---|---|
| Aerodynamics | Airflow over wings, rockets and reentry vehicles | Fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software |
| Propulsion | Jet engines, rocket engines, electric thrusters | Thermodynamics, combustion, testing |
| Structures and materials | Airframes, rocket tanks, composite parts | Stress analysis, finite element analysis (FEA) |
| Guidance, navigation and control (GNC) | Flight control systems, autopilots, booster landing software | Control theory, programming, math |
| Avionics and electrical systems | Flight computers, sensors, communication systems | Electronics, embedded software |
| Thermal systems | Keeping spacecraft and electronics within safe temperatures | Heat transfer, simulation |
| Systems engineering | Making all subsystems work together and meet requirements | Big-picture thinking, communication |
| Test engineering | Planning and running ground and flight tests | Instrumentation, data analysis |
Landing a rocket booster, for example, takes propulsion, GNC, structures and thermal engineers working together. Our guide on how reusable rockets work shows how those pieces fit.
Key takeaway: “Aerospace engineer” covers dozens of specialties. Pick an area that matches what you enjoy, whether that’s math-heavy control software, hands-on testing or big-picture systems work, and build skills there.
Pay, job outlook and where the jobs are
The numbers from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook are strong:
- Median pay: $134,960 per year in May 2025
- Jobs: About 68,700 in 2025
- Projected growth: 8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3% average for all jobs
- Openings: About 3,800 per year on average, many from people retiring or changing careers
The largest employers, according to BLS, are aerospace product and parts manufacturers, engineering services firms and the federal government. Pay varies by employer, location, specialty and clearance level. Jobs tend to cluster near major aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, NASA centers, launch sites and military bases, so where you’re willing to live matters. Our state top lists can help you research employers by region.
The commercial space boom has added more options, from launch companies to satellite makers. Our commercial space economy guide explains where that growth is happening.
Degree paths into aerospace engineering
BLS says aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Here’s how the common routes compare.
| Path | Typical length | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s in aerospace engineering | 4 years | Students sure they want aerospace | Fewer schools offer it than mechanical engineering |
| Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering | 4 years | Keeping options open; many aerospace firms hire MEs | Add aerospace electives, projects or internships |
| Bachelor’s in electrical or computer engineering | 4 years | Avionics, GNC, embedded software roles | Show interest in aerospace through projects |
| Bachelor’s in physics or math, then engineering master’s | 5 to 6 years | Analysis-heavy and research roles | Some employers prefer accredited engineering degrees |
| Master’s or PhD in aerospace | 1 to 2 years (MS), 4+ years (PhD) | Research, advanced analysis, specialized design | Not required for most entry roles |
Pick an ABET-accredited program. Employers often prefer graduates of accredited engineering programs, and an accredited degree is usually needed if you later pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license. You can search accredited programs on ABET’s website.
Licensing is usually optional. BLS says entry-level aerospace engineers don’t need a license. Some experienced engineers earn a PE license, which starts with the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, typically taken near graduation. A PE matters more for consulting or roles where you sign off on work for the public.
Hands-on experience counts. Hiring managers look for student rocketry, design-build-fly teams, CubeSat projects, research labs and internships. A strong project portfolio can matter as much as GPA. See our guide on how to get a tech internship for application tips.
Security clearances and citizenship: what to know early
This is the part many students learn too late. A large share of aerospace work is defense-related, and that brings 2 sets of rules.
Security clearances
BLS notes that some aerospace engineers need a security clearance for national-defense projects. The US has 3 main clearance levels: Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. According to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, you can’t apply for a clearance on your own. An employer sponsors you after you accept a job that needs one. You then complete the SF-86 questionnaire, submit fingerprints and go through a background investigation.
Investigators look at things like criminal history, finances, drug use, foreign contacts and honesty on your forms. Being upfront matters. Clearances generally require US citizenship.
Export controls (ITAR)
Even jobs with no classified work can be limited by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. ITAR controls defense-related technical data, and companies need government authorization to share it with foreign persons. The regulation defines a “US person” to include citizens, lawful permanent residents and certain protected individuals (22 CFR 120.62). That’s why many aerospace job postings say “US person required” or “US citizenship required.”
If you’re an international student, look at commercial aviation, civil space programs and companies that sponsor export licenses, and read job postings carefully. This is general information, not legal advice. Check with an employer or an immigration attorney about your situation.
Where to start: a step-by-step plan
- In high school, load up on math and physics. Calculus and physics are the foundation. Join robotics, rocketry or coding clubs.
- Choose an ABET-accredited engineering program. Aerospace or mechanical engineering are the most common routes.
- Join a hands-on team in year 1. Student rocketry, CubeSat and design-build-fly teams teach the practical skills employers want.
- Learn the tools. CAD, MATLAB or Python, and basic simulation (FEA or CFD) show up in most job descriptions.
- Apply for internships or co-ops early. NASA, defense contractors and commercial space companies all run internship programs for college students. Roles that need a clearance take longer to process, so apply ahead.
- Keep a clean record. If you might want defense work, protect your finances and background, since they’ll be reviewed.
- Pick a specialty for your first job, not forever. Many engineers move between propulsion, structures, test and systems roles over a career.
Changing careers? Veterans often have an advantage thanks to technical training and existing clearances. Our guide to tech careers for veterans covers that path. For broader options, see how to get a job in the space industry, which includes non-engineering roles.
Is aerospace engineering a good career?
For people who like math, physics and solving hard problems, yes. The pay is well above average, growth is faster than the overall job market and the work is tangible: you can watch something you helped build fly.
The trade-offs are real too. The industry runs on long programs, so a project can take years. Defense work brings clearance and secrecy rules. Some jobs are concentrated in specific regions, so you may need to relocate. When comparing offers, weigh location, clearance sponsorship and program stability along with salary. Our guide on how to evaluate a job offer can help.
Conclusion
Aerospace engineers design, test and fix the aircraft and spacecraft that move people, cargo and data around and above the planet. The path is clear: an accredited engineering degree, hands-on projects, internships and an early plan for clearance and citizenship requirements. Start building those pieces now, and the field has room for you. For more definitions, see our glossary.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Aerospace engineers — duties, specialties, pay, job outlook, employers, education and clearance notes
- DCSA: Processing applicants — employer sponsorship and clearance application steps
- eCFR: 22 CFR 120.62, US person (ITAR) — definition used in export-controlled job requirements
- NCEES: FE exam — first step toward a PE license
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become an aerospace engineer?
Most people need about 4 years to earn a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical or a related engineering field, which BLS lists as the typical entry requirement. Internships during school help you land a job right after graduation. A master's adds 1 to 2 years and helps for research or specialized analysis roles, but it isn't required for most entry-level jobs.
How much do aerospace engineers make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for aerospace engineers was $134,960 in May 2025. Actual pay depends on location, employer, specialty, experience and clearance level. Engineers with active security clearances and experience in high-demand areas such as guidance, propulsion or systems engineering often earn more than entry-level engineers.
Do aerospace engineers need a security clearance?
Not always, but many defense-related jobs do. BLS notes that clearances are required for some national-defense projects. You can't apply on your own: an employer sponsors you after you accept a job that needs one, and you go through a background investigation. Commercial aviation and some civil space roles don't require clearances.
Can international students become aerospace engineers in the US?
Yes, but options are narrower. Clearance jobs generally require US citizenship, and many companies limit roles to "US persons" because of ITAR export rules on defense technical data. International graduates often find roles in commercial aviation, civil space and research, or with employers that sponsor export licenses. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is mechanical engineering good for aerospace jobs?
Yes. Many aerospace employers hire mechanical engineers, especially for structures, thermal, propulsion and manufacturing roles. Mechanical engineering also keeps more career options open outside aerospace. If you go that route, add aerospace electives, join a rocketry or CubeSat team and target aerospace internships to show your interest.
Is aerospace engineering hard?
It's demanding. The degree is heavy on calculus, differential equations, physics, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, and the workload is high. Many students find it manageable with steady study habits and teamwork. If you enjoy math and physics and like seeing how things work, the difficulty tends to feel worth it.
What is the difference between aeronautical and astronautical engineering?
Aeronautical engineers work on aircraft that fly within Earth's atmosphere, such as airliners, jets and drones. Astronautical engineers work on spacecraft, satellites and launch vehicles that operate in and beyond the atmosphere. Most aerospace degree programs cover both, and many engineers move between the 2 during their careers.
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Manishdai
Manishdai writes about the technology that is reshaping every industry — from AI agents and cloud platforms to healthtech, fintech and the IT companies building it all across the United States.
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