Is Aerospace Engineering Very Specialized?
Astronaut Neil Armstrong notes, “Aerospace engineering is not just about building machines that fly; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and that requires a deep level of specialization in various engineering disciplines.”
Any branch of engineering demands a degree of specialization, but perhaps none more so than the field of Aerospace Engineering. While this may make a role in this area appear more challenging on the surface, what isn’t celebrated enough is the personal reward that comes with acquiring specialist knowledge of this exciting field.
So, what makes Aerospace Engineering so specialized? And what does that specialization mean for your Aerospace Engineering Career?
Why is Aerospace Engineering so Specialized?
Aside from the fact that aerospace engineering demands an in-depth knowledge of physics, mathematics, and a multifaceted understanding of aerospace engineering systems, a couple of other factors contribute to making Aerospace Engineering so specialized:
Employment Concentration
Current employment concentration for Aerospace Engineering is below average compared to other engineering fields. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 63,690 aerospace engineers were employed in the US in May 2020. This indicates the specialized nature of aerospace engineering.
Education Requirements
The majority of Aerospace Engineers hold specialized degrees in the field or similar. However, according to the National Centre for Education, only a limited number of institutions offer accredited aerospace engineering degree programs. Again, this further emphasizes the specialized requirements for this field.
Niche Areas
Perhaps most importantly, the Aerospace Engineering field offers a range of niches to specialize in. From propulsion system design to space exploration, aerodynamics to satellite communication, the opportunities for specialization are plentiful.
What does this mean for your Aerospace Engineering Career?
Embarking on a career in Aerospace Engineering is challenging but incredibly rewarding at the same time. The degree of specialization required of you depends entirely on your career goals, interests, and passions. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
You may wish to be more of a generalist, gaining a good understanding of several aerospace engineering systems and branches, or you may instead choose to narrow down and specialize in a specific area. It’s this choice that makes a career in Aerospace Engineering so fulfilling.
If you’re passionate about this field and are driven by its need for specialist knowledge, here are just a few of the areas in which you could specialize:
- Aerodynamics
- Propulsion Systems
- Structural Analysis
- Avionics
- Spacecraft Design
- Materials and Composites
- Flight Testing
- Systems Engineering
- Astronautics
- Manufacturing and Production
Aerospace Engineering Careers with Mackinnon & Partners
Aerospace Engineering is an exciting, multifaceted industry that offers plenty of opportunities for specialization in your specific area of interest. You’ll spend your time building on your ever-evolving in-depth knowledge of your field, allowing you to play a small part in the future of sky and space exploration.
Here at Mackinnon & Partners, we help match your skills, interests and passions to the perfect Aerospace Engineering role. For more information on how we can help, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Recruitment team.
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