Aerospace Engineer

An aerospace engineer designs, builds, and tests aircraft and spacecraft equipment, focusing on systems such as aircraft engines and other propulsion systems, structural components, and air traffic control systems. They are essentially involved in the aerospace industry, including both the aviation and space defense sectors.

Areas of expertise and required skills

Aerospace engineers specialize in various areas, such as:

• Thermodynamics
• Materials science
• Aerodynamics
• Fluid mechanics
• Control systems
• Propulsion
• Robotics
• Nano- and bio-technologies

In addition, an aerospace engineer must possess strong analytical, mathematics, and technical skills, as well as excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

Major employing sectors

In this alternate timeline, aerospace engineers primarily work in the public sector, either for government-funded space programs and agencies, or in the military, contributing to defense projects. Given limitations on commercial space travel and long-distance air transportation, aerospace engineers mainly focus on projects driven by government or military initiatives.

Examples of projects and work duties

Aerospace engineers in this reality typically take on the following projects and tasks:

1. Spacecraft design, including deep space probes and lunar landers
2. Designing aircraft propulsion systems, such as jet engines and rocket propulsion mechanics
3. Analyzing design feasibility and potential flight performance
4. Developing military aerospace devices, including missiles and surveillance equipment
5. Designing and testing safety protocols and control systems

Necessary qualifications and education

Aerospace engineers typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field like mechanical or electrical engineering. Employers often also seek work experience, and obtaining licensure as a professional engineer (PE) may be required for certain positions.

Work environment and conditions

Aerospace engineers usually work in office settings, laboratories, or manufacturing facilities, though they may occasionally visit test sites or manufacturing plants. They generally work in teams alongside other engineers, technicians, scientists, and technologists, collaborating to develop and maintain aerospace projects. Engineers typically work full-time and standard hours, but overtime and weekend work might be needed to meet project milestones or deadlines.

In this alternate timeline, aerospace engineers play an essential role in public and military projects, rather than the commercial aerospace industry. Their contributions include developing cutting-edge propulsion systems, designing spacecraft for exploration, and advancing defense technologies for a safer, more advanced society.