Aerospace Engineers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.81
Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.80
Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.79
Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.79
Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.78
Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.76
Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.76
Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.73
Direct aerospace research and development programs.69
Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.68
Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.66
Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.63

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Evaluate and approve selection of vendors by studying past performance or new advertisements.58
Research new materials to determine quality or conformance to environmental standards.53
Develop and test autonomous systems for uncrewed aerospace vehicles.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Critical Thinking78
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving75
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making75
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics75
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science75
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning72
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Operations Analysis72
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring69
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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Systems Evaluation66
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Quality Control Analysis60
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Analysis60
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Coordination56
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Technology Design56
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Negotiation53
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion53
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Operations Monitoring47
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Personnel Resources44
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Service Orientation44
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Troubleshooting31
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Financial Resources28
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming28
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operation and Control13
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Engineering and Technology93
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design92
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical82
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics79
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics78
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Computers and Electronics76
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language69
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Production and Processing66
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management44
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training35
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administrative34
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Customer and Personal Service34
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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Chemistry31
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Building and Construction28
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Public Safety and Security26
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Law and Government25
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Communications and Media23
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting19
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sales and Marketing18
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Personnel and Human Resources15
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Transportation15
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Telecommunications12
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Psychology10
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Geography9
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Biology7
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language6
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
History and Archeology4
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology4
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Medicine and Dentistry1
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Food Production—
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Therapy and Counseling—
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Problem Sensitivity78
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Mathematical Reasoning75
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility72
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas72
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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Speech Clarity60
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition60
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality56
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Visualization56
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Auditory Attention44
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity44
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity16
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Trunk Strength16
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness13
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision10
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Rate Control10
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time10
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards98
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment97
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems90
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events88
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings87
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Analyzing Data or Information85
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates85
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information85
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information83
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials81
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information80
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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Thinking Creatively79
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge79
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others77
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Processing Information77
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People75
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization71
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing and Building Teams62
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships62
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Developing Objectives and Strategies57
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities56
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others55
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Training and Teaching Others55
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others51
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others51
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates49
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing Administrative Activities49
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Controlling Machines and Processes44
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Coaching and Developing Others41
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources39
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Selling or Influencing Others36
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Assisting and Caring for Others30
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment30
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Handling and Moving Objects29
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment29
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Staffing Organizational Units29
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing General Physical Activities18
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment18
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public12
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Working with Computers—
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail96
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Innovation84
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Cautiousness80
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Intellectual Curiosity73
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Achievement Orientation71
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Integrity70
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance61
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability60
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Self-Confidence57
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative53
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Tolerance for Ambiguity52
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

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Leadership Orientation49
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Stress Tolerance42
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control40
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cooperation36
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Sincerity23
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation14
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility11
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism6
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy5
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative84
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic78
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional57
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising25
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic23
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social4
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day91%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day90%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important66%
- Very important32%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important59%
- Very important41%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually61%
- More than half the time38%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours73%
- 40 hours27%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day62%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Telephone Conversations
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others41%
- Contact with others most of the time11%
- Contact with others about half the time46%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important36%
- Very important37%
- Important16%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important48%
- Important32%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results35%
- Important results26%
- Moderate results30%

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Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom81%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom27%
- Some freedom35%
- Limited freedom16%
- Very little freedom22%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day40%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
Time Pressure
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week52%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important44%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all28%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility26%
- Moderate responsibility29%
- Limited responsibility37%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious31%
- Serious19%
- Fairly serious44%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never12%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility16%
- Moderate responsibility31%
- Limited responsibility23%
- No responsibility22%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)54%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)38%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month62%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
- Never16%
Public Speaking
- Every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month72%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually19%
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time24%
- Never40%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive28%
- Not at all competitive38%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
- Never36%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a month or more but not every week47%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month50%
- Never24%
Conflict Situations
- Once a year or more but not every month72%
- Never16%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time88%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a year or more but not every month53%
- Never37%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never55%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never59%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Less than half the time50%
- Never50%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time53%
- Never47%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never75%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never76%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never71%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time23%
- Never77%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never90%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never91%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never94%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never90%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Never90%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never91%
Degree of Automation
- Not at all automated95%
Exposed to High Places
- Never94%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never94%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never93%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never97%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all99%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Work Schedules

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Master’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
MathWorks Simulink, The MathWorks MATLAB, Universal Technical Systems TK Solver, Wolfram Research Mathematica
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Development environment software
C, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual Studio, National Instruments LabVIEW
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes CATIA, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, PTC Creo Parametric
Object or component oriented development software
C#, C++, Oracle Java, Perl
Operating system software
Linux, Microsoft Windows, Shell script, UNIX
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, Structure query language SQL
Requirements analysis and system architecture software
IBM Rational DOORS, IBM Rational RequisitePro
Project management software
Microsoft Project, PTC Pro/INTRALINK
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Configuration management software
IBM Rational ClearCase
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
Image processing systems
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
1CadCam Unigraphics
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
Direct design or development activities.
Determine design criteria or specifications.
Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Create models of engineering designs or methods.
Inspect equipment or systems.
Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.
Prepare procedural documents.
Maintain operational records or records systems.
Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
Direct quality control activities.

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Approve expenditures.
Gather organizational performance information.
Analyze environmental regulations to ensure organizational compliance.
Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Aerospace Engineer

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology