Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

The Work

Aeronautical Engineers, also known as Aerospace Engineers, apply the principles of science and their knowledge of physics, aerodynamics, avionics and mechanical engineering to the research, design, construction and maintainence of all types of aircraft, helicopters, missiles, satellites and spacecraft.
  
An aircraft is the product of a whole team effort that brings together each individual engineer's skills and expertise. Some Aeronautical Engineers are office based; they specialise in developing new designs or improving existing ones. This work is largely mathematical and involves testing ideas using computer simulations. Design modification may be aimed at improving safety, or reducing fuel consumption, air or noise pollution. The Aeronautical engineer can specialise in areas such as navigational guidance, instrumentation and commercial and structural design.   
  
Other engineers are specialists in practical developments such as flight testing. They may suggest modifications based on their results, to improve safety or reduce fuel consumption and pollution. Aeronautical engineers must make sure that the aircraft they work on are safe, reliable and economical to build and operate. They need to resolve any issues which arise during design, development and testing.   
  
Aeronautical engineers often have supervisory or management responsibility for teams including other engineers and technicians. They participate in flight test programmes to measure take off distance, rate of climb, manoeuvrability and landing capacity.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
• Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
• Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
• Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
• Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
• Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
• Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
• Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
• Analyse project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
• Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.

Further Information

• Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineer - from: GradIreland
• Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineer - from: STEPS
• Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Entrants to this industry may hold a degree in a relevant discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, while some will specifically have studied Aeronautical Engineering. Universities offer a wide range of engineering programmes.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship Aircraft Structures Technician, Aircraft Maintenance Technician at NFQ level 5 Search FET Traineeship options 

FET Centre PLC courses Pre apprenticeship  Engineering, Pre Univ  Engineering, Engineering Technology, NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET centre PLC options

Apprenticeship Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship programme at NFQ level 6 Search apprenticeship 

Higher Education CAO entry Engineering - Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Technology, Aircraft Systems at NFQ Level 7-8 Search CAO options

Study in Northern Ireland Aerospace Engineering, Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Research Search Ucas Options

Professional Development 

Springboard courses You can study full, part time, and online blended Engineering & Manufacturing programmes to develop your skills search Springboardcourses

Post graduate study Options: Engineering - Aeronautical Engineering, Engineering - Flight Test Engineering at NFQ levels 9. 

Engineers Ireland 

Aeronautical Engineering graduates can find work in:

• The commercial aviation industry
• Government defence forces
• As flight crew in both commercial and defence aviation
• With research institutes
• With Space exploration centres

Employers of aeronautical engineering graduates include:

• Aer Lingus
• Aerospatiale
• Airbus
• The Air Corps
• FLS Aerospace
• Rolls Royce and
• Ryanair.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €90k

Typical salary range representing Graduate/Starting Salary to Senior level potential. Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
GradIreland/ Salary expert/ Clark/ Eirieri/ Morgan McKinley/ Osborne

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels have seen little change in recent years resulting in a below average annual growth rate over the five-year period. Census data shows that although employment is spread across a range of roles, the majority are employed as vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians.

There was a higher-than-average share of non-Irish citizens employed (25% compared to 19% nationally). Employment permits issued for this occupation were mainly for vehicle roadworthiness testers with a small number for aircraft engineers. Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland included various mechanics (aircraft, HGV, motor) and vehicle inspectors. There was a relatively high volume of jobseekers registered with the DSP in December 2022 who had previously been employed in vehicle trades roles.

New apprenticeship registration numbers for both HGV and motor mechanics declined in 2022 when compared to the previous year but were relatively on a par with 2019 levels. The decline in new diesel and petrol car registrations along with the increased uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles is likely to result in an increased demand for electric vehicle (EV) mechanics and a gradual decline in demand for traditional motor mechanic skills.

In 2022, there were 15,462 EV cars licensed for the first time in Ireland, representing a 3.5-fold increase (+349%) on 2019 numbers. Growth is expected to continue, as in the first five months of 2023 numbers had already reached nearly 12,000, a 52% increase on the same period in the preceding year. Although no shortages have been identified, upskilling/reskilling in digital skills will be required for the current vehicle mechanic workforce. 

• Federation of Aerospace Enterprises in Ireland

  • Confederation House, 84 / 86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• British Women Pilots' Association

  • Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0QN, UK
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• International Society for Automation (ISA)

  • 67 T.W. Alexander Drive PO Box 12277 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
  • (919) 549-8411
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• STEPS - Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
  • (01) 665 1340
  • [email protected] Back to top
  • Click Here