Aerospace engineers design, test, and construct parts for aircraft, spacecraft, and weapons.

Aerospace engineers may specialize in the following areas:

• Structural design
• Guidance systems
• Navigation and control
• Instrumentation
• Production methods

They may also specialize in one type of aerospace craft such as:

• Rockets
• Satellites
• Jets
• Helicopters

Aerospace engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to design, test, and modify aircraft and spacecraft. When a design is complete, engineers develop a model or prototype.

To test, aerospace engineers conduct operational, environmental, or stress tests. They compare the results with industry standards, environmental laws, and customer needs. They may change designs to improve speed or reduce pollution.

They estimate cost, environmental impact, and time needed to complete the project. Engineers may also manage production of the aircraft or spacecraft.

They write handbooks to explain the equipment and troubleshoot equipment problems. They also write reports and keep detailed records.

There are two types of aerospace engineers. Aeronautical engineers work on aircraft that stay inside the Earth's atmosphere. Astronautical engineers work on spacecraft that travel outside the Earth's atmosphere.

Some engineers create new products or systems to reduce the impact of aircraft on the environment. For example, they test biofuels for use in aircraft engines. They may also invent new materials to reduce weight and fuel use.