What exactly does the term “Aerospace” mean and what do people choosing aerospace careers do?

When people talk about aerospace they sometimes confuse it with the space program but the term is a combination of the two terms “aeronautics” and “space flight”. Aeronautics is the science that deals with aircraft that fly within the Earth’s atmosphere. Space flight is the science that deals with vehicles that travel outside of Earth’s atmosphere.

The aerospace industry is made up of organizations that manufacture aircraft and spacecraft components. These vehicles may be used for military or civilian purposes. Aerospace careers could be military or civilian.

Civilian aircraft manufacturers make up the largest segment of the civilian side of the industry, producing aircraft that will be used for air transportation businesses such as airlines and cargo transportation companies. The aircraft that they produce will be widely varied, including everything from small turboprops to wide-body jets and are used to move people and goods all over the planet.

General Aviation is another piece of the manufacturing pie. This segment of the aerospace industry will include aircraft that are small and used for various private functions including flight instruction, air ambulance and business transportation. These aircraft include everything from small two seat trainers to the larger, prestigious corporate jets like The Gulfstream.

Helicopters used for civilian purposes are typically purchased by larger cities or corporations and placed into service for police and air medical services as well as for oil, timber and mining companies who need to transport skilled laborers into and out remote areas. It is the smallest segment of the civilian aerospace market.

In addition to the aircraft there are many components that are manufactured and assembled separately. Engine manufacturers certainly fall under this classification. They will build the engine in accordance with the aircraft manufacturers specifications.

Firms producing guided missiles and missile propulsion units sell primarily to military and government organizations. Although missiles are viewed predominantly as offensive weapons, improved guidance systems have led to their use as defensive systems. This part of the industry also produces space vehicles and the rockets for launching them into space. Consumers of spacecraft include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), telecommunications companies, television networks, and news organizations. Firms producing space satellites are discussed with the computer and electronic product manufacturing industry in this publication because satellites are primarily electronic products.

The Federal Government traditionally has been the aerospace industry’s biggest customer. The vast majority of Government contracts to purchase aerospace equipment are awarded by DOD. NASA also is a major purchaser of the industry’s products and services, mainly for space vehicles and launch services.

The US Government is the largest customer for companies that manufacture military aircraft and space vehicles. The businesses that build military or spacecraft bid on Government contract that will be awarded by the Department of Defense. The DOD announces its need for military aircraft or missile systems, specifying a multitude of requirements. Large corporations specializing in military aircraft subsequently submit bids, proposing detailed technical solutions, designs,and cost estimates, hoping to win these lucrative contracts. They may research and develop materials, electronics, and components relating to their bid, often at their own expense, to improve their chances of winning the contract. Following a negotiation phase, a manufacturer is selected and a prototype is developed and built, then tested and evaluated. If approved by DOD, the craft or system enters production. This process usually takes many years.

Aerospace Careers-Many Options

Aerospace careers actually cover a wide variety of job choices. Here are some of the positions that you might pursue.

Scientists and Engineers
Technicians
Production Workers
Administrative Employees

Scientists and engineers work in one of three major areas:
Research, design, and development.
Production, operation, and control.
Installation, maintenance, and sales.

Like scientists and engineers, technicians work in one of three major areas:
Research, design, and development.
Production, operation, and control.
Installation, maintenance, and sales.

Production Workers: Production workers engage in product processing, fabrication, assembly, inspection, receiving, storing, packing, warehousing, shipping, plant maintenance, and plant security.

Some production positions are highly skilled, such as machinists, tool and die makers, mechanics, sheet metal workers, and electricians. Computer skills are required and higher-skilled craft jobs demand two to four years of experience. Some production workers get experience through apprenticeships along with a vocational or technical institute education.

Administrative Employees: Knowledge of engineering and technology is useful for anyone working in a high technology industry like aerospace. A college degree is essential for aerospace careers and especially if you have your sites set on jobs like contract manager, budget administrator, or strategic planner. A Master of Business Administration degree, generally known as an MBA, is essential for promotion to the upper levels of the administrative workforce.

Research and Development
Scientist
Engineering
Design and Manufacturing
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering