aerospace engineer
Snapshot
Do you dream of designing the next generation of aircraft or contributing to space exploration? As an aerospace engineer, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of flight and space travel.
Aerospace engineers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of flight vehicles, from initial design and rigorous testing to overseeing the manufacturing process. This field encompasses both aeronautical engineering, focused on aircraft within Earth's atmosphere, and astronautical engineering, which deals with spacecraft and missions beyond our planet. Your daily work might involve using sophisticated software to simulate flight conditions, analyzing data from experiments, collaborating with teams of specialists, or ensuring adherence to strict safety regulations.
- • Designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
- • Conducting simulations and tests to evaluate performance and safety.
- • Analyzing data and identifying areas for improvement in design and efficiency.
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 aerospace 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 aerospace engineer
The outlook for aerospace 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 aerospace 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 aerospace 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
- ensure aircraft compliance with regulation
- troubleshoot
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- execute feasibility study
- assess financial viability
- use technical drawing software
Tasks most exposed to automation
No single task here is highly automatable yet.
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 workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
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 aerospace engineer
09 09:00 · Morning assess financial viability
10 10:30 · Mid-morning execute feasibility study
12 12:00 · Midday ensure aircraft compliance with regulation
14 14:00 · Afternoon adjust engineering designs
15 15:30 · Late afternoon approve engineering design
17 17:00 · Wrap-up perform scientific research
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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defense system
The various weapons and weapon systems used to protect citizens and to harm or shield incoming enemies and enemy weapons.
- aerospace engineering
- aircraft mechanics
- computer simulation
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troubleshoot
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
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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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ensure aircraft compliance with regulation
Ensure that every aircraft complies with applicable regulation and all components and equipment have officially valid components.
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execute feasibility study
Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making.
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assess financial viability
Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if the agreement or project will redeem its investment, and whether the potential profit is worth the financial risk.
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approve engineering design
Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does aerospace engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between aeronautical and astronautical engineering?
- Aeronautical engineering focuses on vehicles operating within Earth's atmosphere, like airplanes and helicopters. Astronautical engineering deals with vehicles and systems designed for space travel, including satellites, rockets, and spacecraft.
- What kind of education is required to become an aerospace engineer?
- A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field (like mechanical or aeronautical engineering) is typically the minimum requirement. Advanced degrees (master’s or doctorate) are often pursued for research and specialized roles.
- Are there opportunities for self-employment in this field?
- While most aerospace engineers work in established companies, there are opportunities for self-employment, particularly in consulting, specialized design services, or developing innovative technologies for the aerospace industry.
- Aerospace 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.
- Aerospace 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.
- Aerospace Engineer — is it a regulated profession?
- It is listed as a regulated profession in 3 European countries: Malta, Spain, Greece. The lowest qualification level required among them is EQF 7. Where a profession is regulated, a qualification earned elsewhere has to be formally recognised before you can practise. Source: EU Regulated Professions Database.