Aerospace engineer

Bucks Skills Hub; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local skills training provider in Bedford is looking for candidates interested in aerospace engineering. The role involves developing navigation and communications systems, conducting research on fuel efficiency, and using CAD software. Candidates should have strong engineering science knowledge and relevant qualifications such as HNC or HND. This opportunity offers a path for career progression in the aerospace industry.

Qualifications

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels for higher apprenticeship.
• Qualifications include HNC or HND in relevant engineering fields.
• Relevant experience in mechanical, electrical, or electronics engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop navigation, communications, or weapons systems.
• Research ways to make fuel-efficient parts.
• Test prototypes and write technical reports.

Skills

knowledge of engineering science and technology

maths knowledge

design skills and knowledge

to be thorough and pay attention to detail

science skills

analytical thinking skills

knowledge of computer operating systems

knowledge of physics

to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Education

Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Aeronautical Engineering

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4

Job description

Day-to-day tasks

• develop navigation, communications or weapons systems
• research ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuselage and engines
• use CAD software for design
• test prototypes
• collect and analyse test data
• plan and supervise the fitting of aircraft and components
• sign off projects under strict industry regulations
• schedule and supervise maintenance
• write technical reports and estimate project costs and timescales

Working environment

Where you could work

You could work in a factory, in an office, on an aircraft or in an aircraft hangar.

Working hours

37 to 40 hours per week

Skills you\'ll need

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• science skills
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of physics
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become one

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• working towards this role

College

You can do a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a job with an aerospace company. Subjects include: Level 4 HNC Diploma in Mechanical Engineering; Level 5 HND Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering; Level 5 HND Diploma in Electrical Engineering

• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

You could do an engineering higher or degree apprenticeship. Relevant apprenticeships for working in the aerospace industry include: aerospace engineer; electro-mechanical engineer; materials science technologist; materials process engineer; power and propulsion gas turbine engineer

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
• You can apply for jobs directly if you\'ve got qualifications and experience, for example from working in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.
• You may be able to join a company as an engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Career path and progression

• With experience, you could specialise in a particular field like: aerodynamics; fuel efficiency; space technology; investigating air accidents
• You could also move up to become a project manager or consultant aerospace engineer.