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For many centuries, we have tried to imagine what could exist above the clouds. But today, Aerospace Engineering has the answer to some of these basic questions we have regarding space.
India’s satellite launches, the Mangalyaan, and Aditya L-1 have been powered by Aerospace Engineering, making the country proficient in space and technology.
Aerospace engineering combines creative design with advanced engineering technology to help solve problems for air and space travel.
The importance of Aerospace Engineering extends to various sectors such as transport, communication, defence, and more. These engineers are responsible for improving the avionics and propulsion systems, mobility and space exploration.
If you’re eager to take up a job in this field, read till the end to know about Aerospace Engineering in detail.
Aerospace Engineering deals with the design, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and the systems that support them. The field is typically divided into three key branches. Let us look at the types of Aerospace Engineering:
Aeronautical Engineering studies the vehicles that operate in the atmosphere of the Earth. This area covers the design of planes, helicopters, drones, rotary-wing aircraft, as well as flying robots.
This branch of engineering deals with vehicles and systems that operate in space. It focuses on space vehicles that function in orbital or suborbital environments, including spaceships, satellites and launch vehicles.
Avionics refers to the electronic systems found on board air and spacecraft. Commercial airliners, military fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), etc, use avionics to carry out missions, make new discoveries, and operate within established safety parameters.
As an Aerospace Engineer, you will work across industries and research institutions to design, analyse, test and troubleshoot various aerospace technologies.
With the help of your broad skill set, you can contribute to sectors besides aviation and space, including defence, communications, and advanced technology development. For example, you can build a military helicopter or develop solutions to support or repair satellites in space.
In this field, you can work with a wide range of products and concepts, such as:
Products:
Core Areas of Work:
As an Aerospace Engineer, you will support critical sectors such as transportation, defence, communication, and space exploration. If you are curious about how to become an aerospace engineer, follow these steps:
To begin a career in aerospace engineering, the first step is to complete your higher secondary education with a minimum of 50% marks in the Science stream from a recognised board.
You should have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at 10+2. If you have completed a Diploma course in Aerospace Engineering or related field, you can also submit application forms. You can verify Aerospace Engineering course details on the official university website or check with the admissions office directly.
Research reputed institutions offering Aerospace Engineering programmes in India. Evaluate the syllabi, faculty, placements, and infrastructure before choosing a college.
You have to clear entrance examinations like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or state-specific entrance exams, such as Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK), to qualify for a Bachelor’s programme.
Enrol in a Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering/scientific discipline.
You must also strengthen your practical skills through internships, lab work, workshops, or research opportunities at aerospace companies or research organisations.
You can study for a Master’s degree or Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) if you want to work in research, academia, or specialised fields such as aerodynamics or spacecraft.
If you want to move to leadership and strategic roles in companies, you can also choose to do a Master's of Business Administration (MBA).
Aerospace Engineers are commonly employed in sectors like aerospace product and parts manufacturing, engineering and related services, federal and local government, scientific R&D, and precision instrument manufacturing.
Some of the lucrative career options, along with the Aerospace Engineering salary, have been listed below:
| Job Title | Job Description | Average Annual Aerospace Engineering Salary* |
| Aerospace Engineers | Plan, build, and oversee the creation of aircraft, satellites, and other such objects. | Entry Level: INR 3,00,000-4,80,000 Mid-Level: INR 6,00,000-14,40,000 Senior Level: INR 14,40,000-30,00,000 |
| Aerospace Design Engineer | Design and draw detailed designs of aircraft, spacecraft, and other equipment. | Entry Level: INR 2,60,000-7,50,000 Mid-Level: INR 8,00,000-11,50,000 Senior Level : INR 19,00,000-30,00,000 |
| Materials Engineer | Prepare and evaluate the materials used to make aerospace vehicles for strength and performance. | Entry Level: INR 2,10,000-INR 4,20,000 Mid-Level: INR 7,00,000-INR 12,00,000 Senior Level : INR 15,00,000-INR 22,00,000 |
| Propulsion Engineer | Design, analyse, and maintain aircraft and spacecraft engines and propulsion systems. | Entry Level: INR 2,40,000-INR 4,50,000 Mid-Level: INR 4,50,000-INR12,00,000 Senior Level : INR 13,00,000-INR 23,00,000 |
| Aerospace Systems Engineer | Integrate and manage complex aerospace systems, ensuring all components work efficiently together. | Entry Level: INR 2,40,000-INR 4,50,000 Mid-Level: INR 6,00,000-INR 15,00,000 Senior Level: INR 20,00,000-INR 32,00,000 |
*The salary information cited above are indicative average figures based on reputed recruitment sites. Salaries depend on several factors, including years of experience, skill level, company size, and job location.
Keep in mind the average salaries are based on working experience levels, which are: Entry-level (0-3 years), Mid-level (3-6 years), and Senior-level (6-9+ years).
Aerospace Engineering has a bright career outlook in India as well as abroad. The Indian civil aviation sector is one of the largest in the world.
Organisations like ISRO have achieved milestones like Chandrayaan 2, Mangalyaan, and has planned several other space missions such as Gaganyaan in the future, thus creating ample opportunities for aerospace engineers.
The industry is also moving toward greener technologies, such as electric and hybrid aircraft and alternative fuel options. Pursuing Aerospace Engineering puts you at the forefront of innovation, research, and growth in this growing field.
In India and abroad, aerospace engineering offers bright prospects for research, defence, and sustainable aviation. This is due to increased focus on national and international space missions, defence development, and sustainable aviation technologies.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, enrol in Aerospace Engineering at JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University) Faculty of Engineering.
A1: Aerospace Engineers earn salaries that vary by experience, skillset, job location and company size. It can range from INR 3 Lakhs Per Annum (LPA) for entry-level positions to over INR 30 LPA for senior roles in India.
A2: They work in the aerospace industry, government and defence organisations, research labs, corporate R&D centres and universities. They also work in companies that are involved in aircraft, spacecraft, and satellite technologies.
A3: Aerospace Engineers are responsible for the design, development, testing, and maintenance of aeroplanes, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and propulsion systems to make sure that they are safe and efficient.
A4: Salaries of Aerospace Engineers in India could be anywhere between INR 3-5 LPA for entry-level engineers, INR 6-15 LPA for mid-level, and INR 14-32 LPA or even more for senior positions.
A5: Yes. Aerospace Engineering, as a field of study, is quite tricky and requires a lot of dedication and intellectual curiosity from students.
The programme includes complex topics that require strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and continuous learning.
While the field of Aerospace Engineering is full of challenges, it can be very rewarding if you are passionate about building a career in this field.
A6: Bachelor's degree generally takes 4 years while a Master's degree takes 2 years to complete. You can complete a PhD in 3-5 years, depending on the level of specialisation and research focus area.