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Science and Technology: Aeronautical Engineer Careers

There are a great number of areas to consider in the field of engineering. Both auto and aero engineering appeal to a wide cross-section of people who want to be at the forefront of technology and science. According to Loughborough University, there are more than 600 companies in the aerospace industry in Britain alone, with a combined turnover in excess of 17 billion pounds. When it comes to the automotive industry, over 300,000 people in the UK are employed in design, development and manufacturing.

Courses Of Repute

Many UK universities offering aero and auto engineering degrees are globally distinguished - you will find more than 30 with BEng and MEng syllabuses listed. Engineering graduates can also choose to take post-graduate qualifications. (Shorter courses are available from local technical institutions as well.) The option of a one year placement in industry is available with most university degree courses, and most students choose to take this between the second and final year.

Certain course options will offer students the chance to study part-time, on a sandwich course basis. Students on engineering courses can sometimes arrange sponsorship in exchange for a certain time working for the sponsor after graduating. Take time to look into the various university, college and sponsorship options. You have many exciting possibilities in front of you.

Automotive-Engineering

Every facet of a motorised machine has been developed because of automotive engineering. Today, it incorporates elements not only of mechanical and electrical engineering, but also electronic, safety and software engineering. There are many new technologies in the automotive arena, so a great deal to think about for the student who's just getting started.

Let's take a look at the engineering stages we go through in the production of a vehicle. The first stage involves the design or product engineers. They are the people who design and test the components and systems on a vehicle. Next come the development engineers. They are concerned with the interactions of all the systems. Designers sometimes need developers to specify criteria for their designs. Finally, the manufacturing engineers will work out how to actually make the vehicle.

Auto engineering courses are very in-depth, and mastering the detail will take time and experience. Amongst other subjects, you will be taught about aerodynamics, performance, emissions and vehicle dynamics. As safety is vital, designs have to go through various crash scenarios to test their impact on the vehicle occupants.

All the components of a vehicle have to do the job they're individually designed for, but also be brought together and function harmoniously. Therefore students need to learn about systems, or development engineering. This area also covers trade-offs - such as learning how to achieve performance whilst maintaining fuel economy. The final vehicle must also meet government regulations, which are becoming increasingly environmentally relevant.

The next stage of course is to work on the manufacture of the vehicle. Manufacturing engineering is involved with a wide assortment of tasks related to the planning and engineering of assembly. The responsibilities of these engineers specifically include machine design and layout, and project management of every stage of the assembly.

Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical engineers are involved in the research, design, manufacture and maintenance of all forms of aircraft. If you are very analytical by nature and have a great capacity for highly technical and innovative thinking, you could do very well building a career for yourself in the aerospace industry. You could also choose a career in motor racing, as aircraft engineering is the basis for Formula One design.

Many severe conditions have to be endured for an aircraft to fly safely, with immense structural loads being placed upon them. As such, aircraft vehicles are usually the product of many aerospace engineering technologies, for example avionics, propulsion and aerodynamics. The aeronautical engineer will choose his or her speciality.

Students will use software to learn about design and the layout of essential aeronautical systems. All studies will focus on analytical concepts. Analytical methods will be developed which allow aeronautical engineers to design and analyse aircraft. The behaviour of fluid can now be tested with computerised simulations, reducing the time and expense spent on wind tunnel testing. (Nevertheless, students will still get plenty of opportunity to experiment with wind tunnels and other physical testing machines).

When training to be an engineer you need a lot of practical design experience. Whichever programme you choose to follow, as a student engineer you will be involved with a major group design project at some time throughout your training. Training courses in these engineering disciplines will also introduce students to other transferable skills. Subjects to choose from might include European languages, presentation skills and teamwork.

Aero and auto engineering degrees not only provide the opportunity to develop technical expertise, they also put graduates into the top sector for employment opportunities. Completing an accredited engineering degree course will allow you to obtain the status of a professional Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer.