Aerospace engineer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices, at airports, and aircraft workshops or hangars
- May travel nationally and internationally
- Need to be creative and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Oversee design, construction and testing of aircraft
- Check design plans and create models
- Test how well aircraft systems work
- Find and fix aircraft problems
- Design tools for aircraft repair and maintenance
- Check aircraft parts for safety
- Set rules for aircraft design
- Keep records of designs and tests
- Give technical advice on aircraft rules
- Work with experts to improve aircraft
Outlook
New Zealand’s aerospace sector is growing, with a focus on space technology, advanced aviation and sustainable innovation. National strategies aim to expand the industry and attract global investment, while partnerships with overseas companies support research and development. Globally, demand is shaped by advances in satellite technology, autonomous systems, and low-emission aviation, creating steady opportunities as the sector evolves.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong maths and physics understanding
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work in teams on complex projects
- Interest in new technologies and innovation
- Clear communication of technical ideas
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.