Aerospace Systems Engineer
As an aerospace systems engineer you handle advanced aerospace hardware and software systems. Aerospace includes atmospheric and space flight and equipment such as rockets, satellites and planes.
What the job looks like
Salary expectation
starts at $68,000 up to $163,000+
The good
- Developing programs and working with leading institutes such as the Australian Space Research Institute
- Keeping up with the latest technologies
- Designing something that helps inform or improve an aerospace product used by Institutes or the Australian Defence Force
- Managing large programs
The not so good
- Having to learn a system quickly and provide fixes or designs in a couple of days
As a systems engineering consultant you can work on defence and civilian aerospace projects to fix or improve existing products, such as uninhabited air vehicles (UAVs) and control systems for weapon, rocket and satellite systems.
You will need advanced skills in mathematics and physical sciences to be a successful aerospace engineer. Complex mathematical theories and computer models are a big part of your role as they are needed to build software.
Excellent communication skills are also important to explain your work to other colleagues or clients who might be using your systems. You will need to be knowledable in all the terminology used in the aerospace field including acronyms (*pop up: an acronym is a shortened form of a word), theories and equipment.
If you are an analytical person, a quick learner, creative and motivated with a keen interest in physics and maths, then aerospace engineering might be for you.
It’s the only technology that will get us off the planet. The fun part? Large explosions and good toys.
Pathways to this career
Subject suggestions for the HSC
Choosing your HSC subjects from this list could really help with your career. Think carefully about what you want to study after school as you might need to choose specific HSC subjects for that course and to count towards your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). An ATAR is your academic rank in relation to other HSC students and helps with University admission.
HSC subjects
Some subjects will count towards your ATAR, others will not. Check with your career advisor before making subject selections.
- English (Advanced or higher)
- Mathematics (2 unit or higher)
- Physics
- Engineering Studies
- Information Processes and Technology
What can I do after I have finished school?
University degrees
Studying one of these degrees can help with your career.
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Defence
Suggestions
Check out Systems Engineering Society of Australia and Australian Space Research Institute for more information
- Brush up on your critical thinking (science and logic), puzzle solving complex games (strategy and stimulation) skills
- Add Engineers Australia and the Royal Aeronautical Society to your social media feeds to keep updated with industry information
- Go to career expos and events like university Open Days for information about what you will study
