aerodynamics engineer
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by how air interacts with moving objects? As an aerodynamics engineer, you'll be at the forefront of designing and analyzing transport equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency – from aircraft to automobiles and beyond.
Aerodynamics engineers play a crucial role in the design and development of various transport systems. Your days will involve in-depth aerodynamic analysis, using sophisticated tools and techniques to evaluate designs and ensure they meet stringent performance requirements. You’ll be involved in the entire lifecycle, from initial concept to final production, collaborating with other engineers and stakeholders to deliver innovative and effective solutions.
- • Conducting aerodynamic analysis and simulations to evaluate design performance.
- • Contributing to the design of engines and engine components, optimizing for efficiency and power.
- • Preparing technical reports for both internal engineering teams and external clients.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia and 6 more.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could aerodynamics engineer fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for aerodynamics engineer
The outlook for aerodynamics engineer reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could aerodynamics engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could aerodynamics engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- liaise with engineers
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- use technical drawing software
- perform scientific research
- examine engineering principles
Tasks most exposed to automation
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Advanced Manufacturing
A typical day as a aerodynamics engineer
09 09:00 · Morning evaluate engine performance
10 10:30 · Mid-morning adjust engineering designs
12 12:00 · Midday approve engineering design
14 14:00 · Afternoon examine engineering principles
15 15:30 · Late afternoon execute analytical mathematical calculations
17 17:00 · Wrap-up liaise with engineers
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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engineering processes
The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
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ICT software specifications
The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.
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mechanical engineering
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
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operation of different engines
The characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.
- aerodynamics
- CAE software
- computer simulation
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read engineering drawings
Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
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use technical documentation
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
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execute analytical mathematical calculations
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
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adjust engineering designs
Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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use technical drawing software
Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
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examine engineering principles
Analyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.
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liaise with engineers
Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
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evaluate engine performance
Read and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
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Where does aerodynamics engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is typically required to become an aerodynamics engineer?
- A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field is generally the minimum requirement. Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) are often preferred, especially for research-focused roles.
- How does this role differ from a general mechanical engineer?
- While mechanical engineers have a broader scope, aerodynamics engineers specialize in the study of airflow and its effects on moving objects. The focus is heavily on fluid dynamics and aerodynamic principles, requiring specialized knowledge and software skills.
- What software tools are commonly used by aerodynamics engineers?
- Common software includes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) packages like ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM, as well as CAD software for design and modeling. Familiarity with wind tunnel testing methodologies is also beneficial.
- Aerodynamics Engineer — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 10 of the 14 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia and 6 more. Ireland has reported one for 4 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Aerodynamics Engineer — what does it pay in the United States?
- $134,830 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $88,400 to $159,060. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.