Aerospace Engineer (SA)

Education and Training:

To become an aerospace engineer you usually have to complete an engineering degree at university with a major in aeronautical or aerospace engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your SACE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in engineering with a major in aeronautical or aerospace engineering. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

Students who have completed at least one year of a 4-year, or two years of a 5-year, approved university course in engineering may apply to join the Undergraduate Scheme in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) or Royal Australian Navy (RAN). If accepted, students may choose to finish their degree at their chosen institution or join the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

In Australia, the majority of aerospace engineering work involves aircraft modification and assessment of damage. However, there is also a significant industry engaged in manufacture under licence.

Career opportunities lie with aerospace companies, aircraft manufacturers, aeronautical consulting services, the RAAF and the RAN. The Department of Defence employs aeronautical engineers in the Defence Research Centres in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority also employs aerospace engineers to ensure compliance with design and certification standards, the functioning of associated electrical power plants and fuel systems, and overall airworthiness and flight handling in normal and emergency situations.