fbpx

TryEngineering Summer Institute

An exciting ten day, on-campus engineering camp for high school students held at three premier universities across the United States in 2019.

Aerospace Engineering

What is Aerospace Engineering?

Aerospace engineering is a field of engineering dedicated to the design, development, operation, and maintenance of vehicles that fly in the Earth's atmosphere and beyond.  This discipline of engineering revolves around the development and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. Moreover, this field paves way for outstanding career opportunities in which computers and mathematical principles help in designing air and spacecraft. These engineers apply (and create) advanced technologies to produce air/space vehicles. Their knowledge and studies are reaching new avenues of experience. Hence, this results in the understanding of cosmic structures and superclusters.

What are the Branches of Aerospace Engineering?

Conventionally, aerospace engineering is all about space and atmospheric flights. However, there are two main branches of aerospace engineering.

Astronautical Engineering

This branch revolves around designing and launching spacecraft vehicles. It works with the performance of spacecraft, inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere. Satellites such as CubeSats and traditional large ones also come under this branch.

Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical Engineers basically work with all aspects of the aircraft. From designing to perfecting the aerodynamic shape, even the construction materials usage comes under this wide discipline of science. It also deals with flight technology within the atmosphere of the earth that helps aircraft systems.

There are many jobs available to aeronautic engineers and aeronautical engineers.  Examples include homeland defense, aerospace design for firms conducting launches, and aircraft engineering. Aerospace engineers also design and build drones and other mechanized flyers for a host of concerns.  They also conduct research and design associate systems like navigation and instrumentation.  Lastly, aerospace engineers also can work for government institutions including: intelligence agencies, regulatory agencies, military agencies, civilian corporations, and even privatize space exploration companies.

What skills do they need to have?

While aerospace engineers are well-versed with basic aerodynamic concepts, they need to acquire upgraded knowledge of turboprops, jets, and engines.

Astronautical engineers should have information about how propulsion systems work. They should be well-versed in mathematics and science. It is also essential to know about ceramics and alloys. This knowledge helps aerospace professionals take calculated risks to brainstorm foolproof designs.

Today aerospace engineers must use CAD software for designing and modifying 3D assembly designs. Computer simulations are another vital part of conducting virtual tests of spacecraft and aircraft.

What careers are there in Aerospace Engineering?

  • Designer

The increasing demand for private and commercial air travel leads to safe and innovative aircraft machines. These designers engineer groundbreaking designs for all types of aircraft.

  • Military Aerospace Engineer

Creating innovative technologies plays a crucial role to decrease collateral damage. For instance, these professionals design laser-guided weapons to help military forces.

  • Payload/Mission Specialist

Such specialists serve in space missions as crew members for gathering data and performing different experiments. They also perform other tasks related to the diverse missions.

On the other hand, payload specialists take care of equipment pieces to ensure accurate installation and usage. Generally, such roles are available for a fixed period. Hence, researchers are more likely to acquire these positions.

  • Data Processing Manager

This field of engineering is continuously shifting to supercomputer simulations, to conduct research and scheming data. There is a constant need for data processing managers. These professionals collect and process data for deploying innovative solutions. Moreover, these experts bear the sole responsibility for every single system troubleshooting and computer operations.

  • Mechanical Engineer

Aerospace engineers readily work to introduce and devise solutions for improvisation of the performance of aircraft and spacecraft. Hence, a mechanical engineer can perform in the aerospace industry by researching and designing better technologies.

  • Compliance Officer

These officers guarantee the complete safety of air and ground passengers. These inspectors or compliance officers devise safety regulations according to each mission. Government agencies and aircraft manufacturing companies recruit such professionals.

  • Aerospace Technician

Every aerospace team employs professionally trained technicians. These professionals have hands-on training for installing, testing, and maintaining any equipment. Aerospace and airline manufacturing companies employ these technicians.

  • Drafter

Before working on great missions, some guidelines and drawings are always required before developing spacecraft and aircraft. Drafters devise these documents to address all components of different machines.

How much do they earn?

Recruitment of aerospace engineers is likely to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030. Over the past decade, nearly four thousand roles for aerospace engineers are projected each year. Statistics from May 2020, report that the yearly salary for aerospace engineers is almost $118,610, on average.

How Aerospace Engineering Right for you?

Do you find yourself interested in flight and space exploration? Does the combination of math and physics excite you? Do you enjoy tinkering and building, perhaps crafting model airplanes or dreaming of the next Mars rover? These are strong indicators of a natural affinity towards aerospace engineering.

Are you adept at tackling intricate problems and coming up with creative solutions? Do you possess a keen eye for detail? Are you a strong team player with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal? These skills are crucial for success in the collaborative and demanding world of aerospace engineering.

Beyond passion and skills, consider the challenges and rewards involved. This field demands a rigorous educational path, often involving a bachelor's degree, and the career itself can be quite demanding. However, the satisfaction of pushing boundaries, contributing to groundbreaking advancements, and seeing your creations take flight (literally or figuratively) can be immensely rewarding.

How to become an Aerospace Engineer?

Like almost all of the engineers, aerospace engineers need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field. However, a highschool student who is interested in aerospace engineering should take courses in chemistry, physics, advanced mathematics, computer programming and languages.Students who want to explore roles in aerospace engineering must choose courses in sciences and mathematics. For an example, physics, computers, and advanced math are critically important subjects for any type of engineering,

To practice as an aerospace engineer, a student must acquire a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. However, you can also attain a degree in another field related to aerospace. An engineer who needs to work on national defense projects must obtain a security clearance.

Here are the top universities and institutions for studying aerospace engineering.

  • Imperial College London, the UK
  • The University of Oxford, the UK
  • The Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
  • EPFL, Switzerland
  • ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  • University of Cambridge, the UK
  • Politecnico di Milano, Italy
  • RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Many institutions also provide online aerospace engineering programs.

Once you complete your education, you should look for apprenticeships and entry-level roles to strengthen your qualifications. Some proven ways to earn as an aerospace engineer.

  • Apply at the company where you did your internship
  • Consider national/regional aerospace government/private companies
  • Work for NASA

Securing an engineering position right after college is difficult. Since the aerospace industry is getting saturated by the year, it is hard for fresh engineers to find immediate employment. Finding a related job can help you connect with key people in the industry and build your experience. For example, you can begin your professional journey as an aerospace technician. Once you collect valuable experience, you can easily qualify for a top aerospace engineering position.

Aeronautic Engineering Links and Resources

Interested in other Sections of Engineering?

We have more information on other sections of engineering if you are interested. You can check out our content below and learn more about each section of engineering, their different branches, and how to become a engineer one day!

At the TryEngineering Summer Institute summer engineering programs for high school students, you’ll explore various engineering fields, such as electrical, civil, mechanical, and aerospace. Our STEM summer course allows you to meet working engineers and experience VIP tours of engineering companies and centers. Learn new skills and engage in hands-on projects that explore how engineers can solve real-world problems.

The TryEngineering Summer Institute is a program from IEEE, the world’s largest professional association for the advancement of technology. Our more than 417,000 members in 160 countries, including more than 120,000 student members, help us provide the trusted "voice" for engineering, computing and technology information around the globe via highly-cited publications, conferences, technology standards and professional and educational activities. Our curriculum is created specifically for this program by IEEE STEM summer specialists.

Last summer we visited:

  • NASA's Johnson Space Center (Rice University students)

"If you are ever thinking about doing engineering or trying to see what it's like, I would 100% recommend this camp." - 2023 student

 

Click above to watch our video: All About the TryEngineering Summer Institute

Our Engineering Program

TryEngineering Summer Institute gives teens the opportunity to explore a variety of engineering disciplines in a fun, hands-on way. The program is ideal for students who are considering a degree or career in engineering, as well as for those that are curious to learn more. Whether your teen is brand new to engineering, or has taken a few classes in school, every student will have fun tackling a variety of engineering design challenges while developing skills in engineering, communication, and consensus-building. The program is designed by IEEE STEM summer specialists includes various sections like our mechanical engineering modulecivil engineering module, and our electrical engineering module. All of these are specifically for our TryEngineering Summer Institute.

Students participate in team-based, hands-on design challenges, hear from and interact with working engineers, and experience exciting off-campus field trips to local engineering sites.

The program is perfect for those who want to:

  • Find out how engineering is applied in the real world, and how it’s shaping our future.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary projects in electrical, civil, mechanical, aerospace and other engineering disciplines.
  • Learn to think like engineers while building critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills.
  • Experience how engineers work in teams to solve local and global challenges.
  • Gain insight into what it’s like to study engineering at the university level.
  • Engage with professionals working in your field of interest.
  • See real-world engineering projects while learning about future academic and career possibilities through exciting trips and tours.
  • Build awesome projects that teach engineering concepts by making things like rockets, remote control cars, drones, trebuchets, building and soldering circuits, and much more.

…All while having fun with new friends on one of our engineering campuses.

Curriculum Overview

Questions about our programs?
Call us at +1 315-816-4023 or email info@tryengineeringinstitute.org

Program Highlights

Two students working on hands-on design challenges

Hands-On Design Challenges

Panel session

Exclusive Guest Speakers

Group under SCA nose

Exciting VIP Tours
and Field Trips

Access University Engineering Labs and Tech Spaces

Tuition

Tuition for the TryEngineering Summer Institute is all-inclusive, covering all activities, tours, lodging, meals, and transportation while on campus. Both residential and day programs are available.

Click to Learn More...

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available for those that demonstrate financial need. Click the link below to learn how to apply.

Click to Learn More...

Locations

Philadelphia, PA


Session 1: July 14, 2024 - July 22, 2024

Session 2: July 25, 2024 - August 2, 2024

 

Houston, Texas


Session 1: June 30, 2024 - July 8, 2024

Session 2: July 11, 2024 - July 19, 2024

 

San Diego, California


Session 1: June 30, 2024 - July 8, 2024

Session 2: July 11, 2024 - July 19, 2024

 


Top