career options in aeronautical engineering?

Hi again Indian Guy,

On my course we did 2 years of the 'core' subjects (introduction to aircraft design, fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, lots of math) and then in the third year we could specialize in a particular topic like say Aircraft Propulsion or Wing Structural Design etc. and you would generally do a big project (10,000 word essay) on something in line with that specialty. What you choose as your specialty will probably influence what kind of engineering career you go for

I'm my final year at uni, our lecturers and careers dept. advised us to start looking at Graduate schemes and sent out lists of potential employers. These included companies like the European Space Agency (ESA, Europe equivalent of NASA located in France, Germany and Netherlands), Airbus, British Aerospace, Rolls Royce (they are one of the big players in aircraft just engine manufacturing), QinetiQ (a technology company), the MoD, etc just to name a few. They generally require you to apply via the web with a CV and cover letter and then they would call you to an assessment center with many other applicants to get you to the next stage.

As it happened I was unfortunate and didn't get an engineering job after I graduated, but I now have a prosperous career in IT and with my strong mathematical background through studying a math based subject at uni, I can command quite a nice salary too.

Hope this helps.

Aeronautical Engineers work with one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. The main thrust in this area is on design and development of aircrafts to space and satellite research. Jobs are available with the national, international, public and private Airline Services as well as aircraft-manufacturing units.

Job opportunities for an Aeronautical Engineer in India, lies with various airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Helicopter Corporation of India and flying clubs, private airlines and government owned air service and aircraft manufacturers like the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) with its factories at Bangalore, Nashik, Koraput, Kanpur etc. Defense Research and Development Laboratories, National Aeronautical Lab (NAL), Aeronautical Development Establishment, Civil Aviation Department etc. The Defence services and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also happen to be two major employers.

Initially, candidates begin work as graduate engineer trainees or junior Engineers. Keeping in view their performance, academic background and aptitude, they are placed for training in the aircraft maintenance/overhaul or support section. On completion of training they are placed as assistant aircraft engineers or assistant technical officers. They have to clear departmental examinations for further promotions. They may advance to administrative or executive positions or become consultants. Aeronautical engineers are assisted by aircraft mechanics in maintenance of aircraft frame, engine, electrical system and other ancillary fittings.