Personal tools

Navigation

You are here: Home › Careers › New Zealand Careers › Careers Descriptions › Air Transport Careers › Aeronautical Engineer

Aeronautical Engineer

Aeronautical engineers provide technical support and approved technical data for use in the repair, maintenance and modification of aircraft.

Tasks & duties

Aeronautical engineers may do some or all of the following:

study aircraft defects and recommend repairs or modifications
design and approve the data needed for modifications and repairs to aircraft
design equipment or tools to repair or maintain aircraft
create instructions on how to use, maintain and calibrate (adjust to measure accurately) this equipment
discuss designs and data with colleagues, aircraft engineering tradespeople, aircraft manufacturers and airline owners
create records, that is to be kept on file for future reference for approved data (drawings, technical instructions, assessments and calculations)
oversee modifications to aircraft
take responsibility for all approved data
give technical and regulatory advice to professionals within the aerospace industry

Skills & knowledge

Aeronautical engineers need to have:

knowledge of aircraft structures and engine systems
a good understanding of aerodynamics (how aircraft fly) and thermodynamics (the effects of heat on aircraft)
knowledge of design techniques and engineering principles
an understanding of mechanical processes and the metals and alloys used in aircraft
knowledge of civil aviation laws and regulations
the ability to explain complicated ideas in simple language for report writing or to express design plans to aircraft engineers and technicians
analytical and problem-solving skills
mathematical and computer-aided design (CAD) skills

Entry requirements

To become an aeronautical engineer you need to have a Bachelor of Engineering. A specialist aeronautical engineering degree is also acceptable, but these are only available overseas.

Aviation Careers website - how to get your licences to become an aircraft engineer

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter tertiary training. Bursary or NCEA equivalent maths, physics and chemistry is preferred.

Training on the job

Aeronautical engineers keep their knowledge and skills up to date by attending courses on advanced aeronautical technologies and methods. These are usually run overseas by aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus and Saab.

Training to become an engineering officer is also available in the Royal New Zealand Airforce.

Registration

Aeronautical engineers should aim to be registered engineers and Civil Aviation Authority design approval holders after five or more years of industry experience.

Useful experience

Useful experience for aeronautical engineers could include working as an engineering officer for the Royal New Zealand Airforce or work as a trainee in aeronautical engineering.