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Hiring an Aerospace Engineer: Job Description, Pay, and More

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A strong engineering team is critical to success in the aerospace industry. Aerospace engineers design, build, and test vehicles like aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft—in other words, they own the production pipeline from end to end.

Great engineers are invaluable, so it’s important to hire the right ones. In this piece, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about hiring an aerospace engineer, highlighting the key qualifications and skills that are pivotal to identifying top talent for your aerospace company.

How to Write an Aerospace Engineer Job Description

Before hiring an aerospace engineer, you first need to write a job description. This will help you clarify the role and responsibilities associated with the position, as well as attract the right candidates for the job.

Here’s a quick look at what to include in your aerospace engineer job description:

Aerospace Engineer Job Duties

A typical day in the life of an aerospace engineer can vary greatly. One morning might be spent on creative ideation, brainstorming new ideas and battle-testing them for viability. That afternoon could then involve complex analysis and modeling to advance those ideas into reality.

Clearly outline the specific tasks and responsibilities that the aerospace engineer will be responsible for. This will give candidates a better understanding of what the job entails.

Some typical responsibilities could include:

  • Researching new aerospace designs and conceptualizing viable prototypes
  • Directing end-to-end build and test operations from a technical standpoint
  • Utilizing simulation tools and computational software to model system performance
  • Analyzing aerodynamic factors (e.g., structural integrity, materials performance, safety systems, propulsion mechanisms, etc.)
  • Managing multiple projects and coordinating across teams
  • Presenting technical insights to non-technical audiences

Aerospace Engineer Qualifications

Start by outlining the necessary qualifications for the role, such as any necessary education or experience. Typically this would include at least a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, but some roles might require a master’s degree. Depending on the job duties, candidates could also need their Professional Engineering (PE) license.

In addition to qualifications, an aerospace engineer job description should list required and preferred skills.

Aerospace Engineer Skills

Aerospace engineering requires a diverse set of skills, including technical proficiency in areas such as aerodynamics and propulsion.

But soft skills are also important.

Here are some key skills to consider when writing an aerospace engineer job description.

Technical Knowledge

Any good engineer should understand the science behind the systems. What might this look like?

A strong grasp of aerodynamics, structural design, propulsion, flight control systems, materials engineering, and other job-specific domains. Showcasing a general knowledge of common manufacturing techniques and processes can help, too.

Software

Another core skill to include in your job description is digital skills. Most of the modern aerospace industry operates via technology, whether it’s digitally designing a prototype or using software to simulate and test. Thus, prioritize candidates who demonstrate proficiency with these tools, especially those that your own company uses.

Quantitative Thinking

A good engineer can understand complex math like calculus and linear algebra and how those disciplines can be applied to building better vehicles. Look for candidates with a track record of analytical excellence. Consider employing some form of quantitative testing or assessments during your hiring process.

Communication

Communication is a foundational skill for aerospace engineers. Their work product will be presented to many different stakeholders. They need to clearly convey complex information to people at all levels of the organization.

Aerospace Engineer Compensation

Before hiring an aerospace engineer, you need to establish a budget. What will the overall compensation be?

Start with a market analysis of base salary for the job. Then factor in additional benefits. This compensation research is a starting point.

The average pay for an aerospace engineer in the US was roughly $101,000 in 2023, as per Indeed. Entry-level positions can expect to make between $60,000–$90,000, according to PayScale, with the median early career engineer taking home around $76,000. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that the top 10 percent of engineers are commanding over $170,000 annually.

While those figures represent base pay, total compensation also includes bonuses and benefits. Bonuses in this industry can vary greatly depending on each company and project, so it’s hard to provide a single estimate. In terms of benefits, most employers offer some or all of the following:

  • health insurance
  • paid time off
  • 401(k)
  • dental insurance
  • vision insurance
  • flexible schedule

5 Aerospace Engineer Interview Questions

After writing the job description, setting a budget, and reviewing resumes, the next step is interviewing candidates. The interview is a critical step in the hiring process.

But for interviews to be effective, you need to ask the right aerospace engineer interview questions.

These are five key questions to ask when hiring an aerospace engineer.

1) Tell Me About Your Favorite Engineering Project

Starting with a broad question offers two benefits. First, this puts the candidate at ease because they have the freedom to respond with their best experience. Second, their answer allows you to evaluate both their job experience and their interest in engineering.

Any great answer here will be structured to offer a clear overview of the project and what the candidate specifically did to drive it forward. Pay attention to any key results their work led to (e.g., a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency). Bonus points if they mention what they learned from the project and how they’ll apply those learnings going forward.

2) Explain Your Approach to Teamwork in Engineering

Collaboration lies at the heart of great engineering work. It involves cross-functional teamwork, interacting with manufacturing and design while presenting to leadership and managing peers. That’s why it’s vital to assess your candidate’s collaborative skills—are they a team player? How do they handle conflict? What about competing expectations?

Look out for empathetic answers. Great teammates are people with high emotional intelligence, meaning they understand other people. Keep an eye out for any candidates who talk bad about their past experiences or teams since this could be a red flag.

3) Tell Me About Your Technical Skills. What Tools Have You Used?

Another core element in aerospace engineering is technology. Whether it’s designing, simulating, or testing, digital tools are pivotal in streamlining the engineering workflow. Most engineers should know their relevant tools inside and out. With technology constantly changing, they should also be capable of learning new technologies quickly.

If your job requires a specific set of tools and skills, explicitly mention them in your job description. Then, ask candidates about these during interviews.

4) Describe an Engineering Challenge and How You Overcame It

Challenges are inevitable, especially in a technically difficult field like aerospace engineering. That’s why this behavioral interview question is great; you get to cut through the noise and see how each candidate handled adversity in the real world before. (If you’re recruiting for an entry-level position, it’s normal for these stories to be school-related.)

Once again, look for a structured answer that includes what the candidate did and what they learned.

5) How Would You Present Complex Ideas to a Non-Technical Audience?

This question assesses a candidate’s communication skills, which are crucial in aerospace engineering. The ability to convey technical ideas to a non-technical audience is vital for project success.

Great candidates should break down complex concepts into understandable terms. Pay attention to any strategies or techniques they mention, such as analogies, visuals, or simplified language.

Hire an Aerospace Engineer with Insight Global

The right aerospace engineer can be an invaluable asset, catalyzing innovation, and propelling your company into the future of aerospace technology. By focusing on a combination of educational qualifications, technical prowess, industry knowledge, and soft skills, you will be well-equipped to select a candidate who will not only fulfill the roles of the job but propel your team towards new heights.

If you’re not sure where to get started in your hiring process, contact Insight Global. One of our hiring partners will reach out shortly.