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Aeronautical Engineer

Mataaro Whakahaere Pūkaha Rererangi

Aeronautical engineers plan and supervise the design, development and modification of all types of flight vehicles. They also monitor and analyse in-service failures and faults.

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Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include English, maths, physics, and construction and mechanical technologies.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Bachelor's degree

Useful experience

Useful experience for aeronautical engineers includes:

  • any work involving machinery, engines or vehicles
  • technical drawing
  • inventing mechanical or electronic devices or equipment.

What you will do

Aeronautical engineers may do some or all of the following:

  • study aircraft issues and recommend changes
  • design equipment or tools to repair or maintain aircraft
  • discuss aircraft designs and data with colleagues, licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, aircraft manufacturers and airline owners
  • make detailed records of drawings, technical instructions, assessments and calculations
  • oversee the design of new aircraft or modifications to existing aircraft
  • give technical and regulatory advice to professionals in the aerospace industry.

Skills and knowledge

Aeronautical engineers need to have:

  • knowledge of aircraft structures, electronic systems (including navigation, communication and electrical power), and hydraulic and propulsion systems 
  • a good understanding of aerodynamics (how aircraft fly), thermodynamics (the effects of heat on aircraft), stress and fatigue (structural degradation), and fluid dynamics 
  • knowledge of design techniques and engineering principles
  • an understanding of mechanical processes and the parts of aircraft, including metals and alloys and hydraulics
  • knowledge of civil aviation laws and regulations
  • the ability to explain complicated ideas in simple language for report writing or to express design plans to licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians
  • the ability to use computer-aided design (CAD).
Pay

Aeronautical engineers usually earn an average of

$100K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as an aeronautical engineer are good due to demand for their services.
Length of training
3-4
years of training required.

Industry

Engineering

Aeronautical engineers plan and supervise the design, development and modification of all types of flight vehicles. They also monitor and analyse in-service failures and faults.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become an aeronautical engineer you need to have a Bachelor of Engineering.

Aeronautical engineers should aim to become chartered professional engineers and Civil Aviation Authority design approval holders after five or more years of industry experience.

Chances of getting a job

Strong demand for aeronautical engineers

Due to a shortage of workers, there is strong demand for aeronautical engineers in New Zealand. 

Aviation Engineer (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineer) will appear on Immigration New Zealand's Green List from March 2024. This means the Government is actively encouraging these skilled workers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 396 aeronautical engineers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Air New Zealand main employer of aeronautical engineers

Most aeronautical engineers work for Air New Zealand Engineering.

Other employers include:

  • smaller airline and helicopter companies
  • maintenance and aircraft design firms
  • the Royal New Zealand Air Force
  • Civil Aviation Authority.

Progression and specialisations

Aeronautical engineers may move into supervisory or management roles within airlines, oversee a team of engineers, or become self-employed consultants working on a wide range of projects.

Some aeronautical engineers may specialise in particular types of aircraft such as:

  • helicopters
  • military aircraft
  • aerospace vehicles, such as rockets.

Working conditions

Aeronautical engineers:

  • usually work regular business hours, but are sometimes required to work weekends and evenings, and are often on call
  • work in offices, at airports, and aircraft workshops or hangars
  • may travel nationally and internationally to inspect aircraft and attend courses and conferences on aeronautical engineering.

Useful personal qualities

Aeronautical engineers need to be:

  • confident
  • adaptable and creative
  • practical and accurate
  • analytical, and good at problem solving
  • strong communicators
  • able to work well under pressure.

Industry

Engineering

Aeronautical engineers plan and supervise the design, development and modification of all types of flight vehicles. They also monitor and analyse in-service failures and faults.

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