Aerospace
An aerospace engineer applies scientific and technological principles to research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of civil and military aircraft, missiles, weapons systems, satellites and space vehicles. They also work on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems.
The role is focused on enhancing high-quality flight safety and standards as well as reducing system costs. Increasingly, the role addresses the environmental impact of air travel. Aeronautical engineering offers a wide range of roles in research, design, development, testing, manufacture and maintenance. Many engineers specialise in a particular area such as propulsion, computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics or materials and structures. The aerospace industry is well established in the UK, and constant expansion in air travel means that large numbers of aeronautical engineers are needed.
Defence
In the UK over 300,000 people are employed in the defence industry, working in high-value jobs up and down the country. It is an expanding and well-established industry in the UK so now is a good time to further your career or begin your career in this innovative industry and take advantage of the career prospects on offer.
If you are considering starting a career in defence it is good to start by asking yourself - “what specific portion are you most interested in?” Aerospace, satellites, helicopters, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, thermodynamics, design, analysis, production systems and development are just a few of the areas you could find yourself working in if you chose a job in the Defence Sector.
Key articles for grads interested in aerospace and defence