Military Aerospace Engineers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Aerospace engineers direct research programs and design military aircraft and aerospace equipment. They serve as aviation technical specialists in air warfare research projects and supervise aircraft design projects from development to evaluation of experimental equipment. They formulate policies and coordinate procurement programs for aircraft and aircraft subsystems, and serve as engineering and technical management liaisons across military branches, contracting organizations, and other government agencies.

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Work Environment

Aerospace engineers work in offices or laboratories.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Aerospace Engineers in the Military

17,165

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Salary

Average Salary

$54,486

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 59%
  • Master's degree 33%
  • Associate's degree 7%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Aerospace engineers may have an education in engineering. Job training for aerospace engineers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments, and through receiving advanced civilian/industry certifications and licenses (credentials), which may require additional education, training, or experience. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.

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Knowledge

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Design
  • Physics
  • Computers and Electronics

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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