Job Search Help: Space

When applying for jobs in aerospace and aerospace engineering, be mindful of the requirements listed in the job description. Listed below are some general and role specific requirements you may expect:

General Requirements

• Relevant Degrees
  • Degrees in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related fields.
• Internships and Experience
  • Practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or research projects.
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in engineering software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design), MATLAB, and simulation tools.
• Communication Skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey technical information.
• Problem-Solving Skills
  • The ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
• Attention to Detail
  • Meticulous attention to detail, especially in safety-critical industries.
• Security Clearance
  • For certain positions, especially those involving defense and security, a security clearance may be required. This involves a background check and can take several months to obtain.

Potential Specific Requirements by Career Path

• Aerospace Engineer:
  • Engineering Degree
    • Typically a Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
  • (Optional) Professional Engineering License (PE)
• Astronaut:
  • Advanced Degree
    • Typically a Master's or Ph.D. in a STEM field, preferably aerospace engineering or a related field.
  • Extensive Experience
    • Significant experience in a related field, such as piloting, engineering, or science.
  • Physical Fitness
    • Must meet rigorous physical fitness standards.
• Aircraft Designer:
  • Engineering Degree
    • Typically a Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering.
  • CAD Proficiency
    • Strong skills in CAD software for designing aircraft components.
• Aerospace Technician:
  • Technical Training
    • Often requires technical training from a vocational school or community college.
  • FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
    • May be required for certain positions.

The timeline for aerospace and aerospace engineering interviews can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

• Company Size and Type
  • Smaller companies might have quicker processes, while larger corporations or government agencies may have more bureaucratic procedures.
• Specific Role and Level
  • Entry-level positions might have shorter timelines compared to senior or specialized roles.
• Current Hiring Needs
  • Urgent hiring needs can accelerate the process, while slower periods can extend it.

Potential Timeline for an Aerospace Job Application

While the overall timeline can be similar to other industries, there are some key differences in the aerospace industry:

• Security Clearance
  • For positions requiring security clearances, the process can be significantly longer, as background checks and security clearances can take several months.
• Technical Assessments
  • Aerospace roles often involve rigorous technical assessments, such as coding challenges, design problems, or simulations, which can add extra time to the process.
• Multiple Interview Rounds
  • Due to the specialized nature of many aerospace roles, companies may conduct multiple rounds of interviews, including technical interviews, behavioral interviews, and panel interviews.

General Timeline

If everything goes well, a general timeline for the aerospace and aerospace engineering interview process can include:

• Initial Application
  • This can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the company's hiring cycle.
• Initial Screening
  • Typically, this involves a phone or video interview with a recruiter or hiring manager. This stage can take a few days to a few weeks.
• Technical Assessment
  • If applicable, this can take a few days to a few weeks to complete and review.
• In-Person or Virtual Interviews
  • This can involve multiple rounds of interviews with different teams, and can take a few weeks to a few months.
• Offer and Negotiation
  • Once a candidate is selected, the offer and negotiation process can take a few weeks.