air force aerospace engineering requirements

Last Updated on December 15, 2022

The Air Force offers many different types of jobs to its aerospace engineering candidates. Becoming a pilot, an aircraft maintenance officer or a space technology officer are all a few examples of the numerous opportunities that lie ahead for options in the Air Force. In order to be an Air Force aerospace engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or another engineering discipline appropriate to the aerospace field. Although your specific major doesn’t matter, if you are applying to the Air Force, you will need to specialize your degree toward aeronautical engineering (AE), astronautical engineering (ASE), or electrical and electronics engineering (E&E).

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Read more about Air force aerospace engineer salary , Military aerospace engineer responsibilities , What do aeronautical engineers do, Navy aerospace engineer salary, Aeronautical engineer education requirements, Aeronautical vs aerospace engineering . You can also find articles related to Military aerospace engineer salary on collegelearners.

aeronautical engineering cadet

Air Force Aerospace Engineering Requirements

In the aeronautical engineering major, Cadets study aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, stability and control, aircraft structures, materials and experimental methods. As part of their senior year capstone, Cadets select either of the two-course design sequences, aircraft design or aircraft engine design. A design-build-fly approach enables cadets and professors to dive deep into the aeronautics disciplines while providing a hands on learning experience. Cadets will work on real-world design problems in our cutting-edge aeronautics laboratory, featuring several wind tunnels and jet engines. Many opportunities exist for cadets to participate in summer research at various universities and companies across the country. The rigors of the aeronautical engineering major prepare Cadets to pursue successful engineering and acquisition careers in the Air Force.

POTENTIAL JOB ASSIGNMENTS
Within the Air Force11X – Pilot11EX – Experimental Test Pilot18X – RPA Pilot21A/M – Aircraft/Munitions Maintenance61A – Operations Research Scientist62E – Acquisitions, Developmental Engineer62EXF – Flight Test Engineer63A – Acquisitions, Program ManagerPerform duties atSpecial Programs OfficeTest & EvaluationResearch & DevelopmentUSAFA InstructorOutside the Air ForceAeronautical EngineerAerospace EngineerResearch ScientistProgram ManagerProgram EngineerAircraft MaintainerPilot
SAMPLE COURSES
  • Aircraft Dynamic Stability and Control
  • Flight Test Techniques
  • Aircraft Feedback Control Systems
  • Aircraft Engine Design
  • Aeroelasticity
  • Computational Aerodynamics
  • Advanced Aerodynamics
SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE
4th CLASS YEAR (FRESHMAN)3RD CLASS YEAR (SOPHOMORE)2ND CLASS YEAR (JUNIOR)1ST CLASS YEAR (SENIOR)
Beh Sci 110Aero Engr 210/315Aero Engr 341Aero Design Option
Chem 100Aero Engr 241Aero Engr 342Aero Elective
Com Sci 110Chem 200Aero Engr 351Aero Eng 436
English 111Econ 201Aero Engr 352Aero Engr 442
For Lang 1Engr Mech 220Aero Engr 361Aero Engr 471
For Lang 2Engr Mech 330ECE 315Aero Engr 481
History 100MSS 251English 211Astro Engr 310
Math 141Math 243Engr Mech 350Philos 310
Math 142Math 245Math 346History 300
Physics 110Physics 215Math 356Soc Sci 311
Comp Sci 206xPol Sci 211Adv. Socio-Cultural Option
Law 220

For full program requirements and course descriptions, download the current Curriculum Handbook.

ACCREDITATION INFORMATION

The Aeronautical Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

To ensure the success of our graduates, we prepare them to achieve the following Program Educational Objectives within two to five years after graduation:

  • Recognition as successful Air Force officers through demonstration of their ability to:
    • Rapidly acquire required knowledge
    • Lead others effectively
    • Apply ethical and moral standards
    • Improve unit performance by application of organizational skills
    • Make sound decisions based on critical thinking
    • Communicate effectively
  • Selection for career training on, or ahead of, schedule, and for a progression of assignments of increasing responsibility
  • Demonstrated ability to solve Air Force technical problems
  • Success in continuing education

These objectives are assessed through Student Outcomes—the skills, knowledge and behaviors students should acquire before graduation. The outcomes for this program are:

  • Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  • Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  • Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Aeronautical Engineering Program Enrollment and Degree Data
Academic
Year
Enrollment Year*Total
Undergrad
Enrollment
Bachelors
Degree
Awarded
1st2nd3rd4th
CurrentAY 19/20
Full-Time
072673917838
1 year prior
to current
AY 18/19
Full-Time
058393813538
2 years prior
to current
AY 17/18
Full-Time
052385914959
3 years prior
to current
AY 16/17
Full-Time
052604916149
4 years prior
to current
AY 15/16
Full-Time
075516218862

*Enrollment numbers at beginning of academic year

air force aerospace engineer salary

How does the salary as an Aerospace Engineer at US Air Force compare with the base salary range for this job? The average salary for an Aerospace Engineer is $95,213 per year in United States, which is 8% higher than the average US Air Force salary of $87,853 per year for this job.

navy aerospace engineer salary

The average salary for an Aerospace Engineer is $95,213 per year in United States, which is 0% higher than the average US Navy salary of $94,806 per year for this job. What is the salary trajectory of an Aerospace Engineer?

military aerospace engineer responsibilities

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.

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. Learn more about becoming an officer, here.

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.

Helpful Attributes

  • Interest in concepts and principles of engineering
  • Interest in planning and directing research projects
  • Interest in working with mathematical formulas

Related Civilian Careers

  • Aerospace Engineers
  • Architectural and Engineering Managers

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