Aircraft designers and aeronautical engineers (the distinction between the two is unimportant within the industry) use cutting-edge materials, systems and processes, along with their ingenuity, to create and improve aerial vehicles. Rob Wolz, director of project engineering for Advanced Aircraft Programs at Gulfstream Aerospace, currently overseeing the G500/600 program; Peter Sturdza, deputy chief engineer at Aerion Corp., which is developing the supersonic AS2 business jet; and Mike Blyth, co-founder of South Africa’s Airplane Factory and designer of sport aircraft including the Sling 2 and Sling 4 — he’s circumnavigated Earth in both — provided their expert advice on forging careers in this field.
How to Become an Aircraft Designer
Key Takeaways:
- A career in aircraft design or aeronautical engineering typically requires a bachelor's degree in a broad range of engineering or science fields and proficiency in CAD/CAM/CNC tools.
- Beyond technical skills, the industry highly values self-starters with strong collaboration, communication, and leadership abilities, with a broader business understanding also being beneficial.
- To enter the field, it's crucial to network early, pursue internships or co-ops, and build relationships with potential employers, while a pilot's license, though not required, can offer an advantage in industry engagement and customer connection.
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