Scientists usually work in the aircraft manufacturing
industry, and can specialize in many fields: aerodynamics,
physics, mathematics, chemistry, physiology, metallurgy,
meteorology, cryogenics (the study of physics that pertains
to the production and effects of very low temperatures)
and avionics (or aviation electronics). More than half
of the aviation/aerospace industry’s scientists
are in research and development work.
Salary Range
$17,500-$54,500
Educational Requirements
Engineering degree
Aviation Employers
Aircraft manufacturers, FAA, NASA
Engineers apply the theories and principles of science
and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions
to technical problems. Their work is the link between
scientific discoveries and commercial applications.
More than half of the aviation/aerospace industry’s
engineers work closely with aircraft manufacturers in
research and development work. Most engineering degrees
are granted in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering.
However, engineers trained in one field may work in
related fields. For example, many aerospace engineers
have training in mechanical engineering.
Engineers
in the aviation/aerospace industry can specialize
in different fields such as:
•
Aerospace
Engineering
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test
aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles and supervise
manufacturing of these products. They develop
new technologies for use in aviation, defense
systems, and space exploration, often specializing
in areas like structural design, guidance, navigation
and control, instrumentation and communication,
or production methods.
•
Civil
Engineering
Civil engineers plan, design, and direct the construction
and maintenance of roads, bridges, pipelines,
subdivisions, airports, wastewater systems, and
many other types of facilities. They may work
in a specific field such as construction, land
development, structural or hydraulic design, soil
mechanics, waste water treatment, or solid waste
management. The may also work with specialists
on general problems such as soil or ground water
contamination or energy development and conservation.
•
Electrical
& Electronics Engineering
Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop,
test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical
and electronic equipment, systems, and machinery.
They design and operate power plants, test equipment
and solve operating problems. They may also write
performance standards, estimating the time and
cost of engineering projects.
•
Industrial
Engineering
Industrial engineers determine the most effective
ways for an organization to use the basic factors
of production people, machines, materials, information,
and energy to make a product or provide a service.
In order to do this, they plan equipment layout,
workflow, and the means to prevent accidents,
plan and oversee training programs, and develop
ways to control product quality.
•
Manufacturing
Engineering
Manufacturing engineers are responsible for all
aspects of production, from development or selection
of manufacturing methods to overseeing day-to-day
operations on the factory floor. They develop,
install, and manage complex manufacturing systems
made up of people, materials, and robotics and
other automated equipment. They also develop preventive
maintenance programs, ensure that processes are
efficient and cost effective, and see to it that
production quotas and schedules are met.
•
Mechanical
Engineering
Mechanical engineers design, produce, maintain
and improve all kinds of mechanical devices, components,
engines and systems. They also design tools needed
by other engineers for their work. Mechanical
engineers work in many industries and their work
varies by industry and function. Some specialties
include: energy systems; pressure vessels and
piping; applied mechanics; computer-aided design
and manufacturing; heating, refrigeration, and
air-conditioning systems.
Salary Range
$28,000-$100,000
Educational Requirements
Engineering degree
Aviation Employers
Aircraft manufacturers, FAA, NASA
Meteorologists
are scientist who studies the atmosphere and atmospheric
phenomena, including the weather and the global dynamics
of climate. A meteorologist for an airline analyzes
weather data and prepares weather reports for the flight
dispatcher, pilots, and other airline personnel concerned
with weather information. Meteorologist may assists
the flight dispatcher in preparing flight plans.
Cartographers compile, evaluate, design, draft, and
oversee the production of new or revised maps and charts.
They are also known as Mapping Scientists. Cartographers
may also conduct research in mapping techniques and
procedures. They measure, map, and chart the earth’s
surface, which involves everything from geographical
research and data compilation to actual map production.
They collect, analyze, and interpret both spatial data
such as latitude, longitude, elevation, and distance
and nonspatial data such as population density, land
use patterns, annual precipitation levels, and demographic
characteristics. Cartographers prepare maps in either
digital or graphic form, using information provided
by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite
data.
Salary Range
$28,000-$50,000
Educational Requirements
Cartography degree
Aviation Employers
NOAA, federal & state governments, private companies
Architects design a wide variety of buildings, including
homes, offices, apartment complexes, schools, churches,
factories, hospitals, and airport terminals. Many specialize
in a particular type of building or in some aspect of
design or construction management. In design phase,
architects must follow specific building codes, zoning
laws, and fire regulations. Above all, they must design
buildings that are functional, safe, and suitable for
those who use them.
An architect is typically involved in the entire construction
process, from the initial discussions to completion
of the building. They meet with clients to discuss objectives
and requirements; conduct feasibility studies; prepare
drawings; and present ideas for clients to review. Once
approved, they develop detailed plans and often assist
clients in obtaining construction bids, negotiating
contracts, and monitoring the construction process.
Technicians
lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify
developmental and production electronic components,
parts, equipment, and systems. They usually work on
computer equipment, missile control instrumentation,
electron tubes, test equipment, and machine tool numerical
controls, among others. They apply principles and theories
of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering mathematics,
electronic and electrical testing, and physics and normally
work under direction of engineering staff.
Salary Range
$l3,000-$54,000
Educational Requirements
HS diploma, special training
AvScholars.com is the student gateway to aviation. Your one-stop resource to aviation careers, aviation colleges, learn to fly, flight training, aviation scholarships, and more.
