Aerospace engineers play a critical role in the design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. They are responsible for designing aircraft structures and systems, including wings, fuselage, landing gear, and control surfaces. They also develop propulsion systems, such as jet engines, rockets, and thrusters, to provide the necessary thrust for flight or space travel. Aerospace engineers conduct tests to evaluate the performance of aircraft and spacecraft, including wind tunnel tests, flight tests, and computer simulations.
They analyze test data to identify areas for improvement and make recommendations for design modifications. Additionally, aerospace engineers ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations throughout the design and development process, working closely with regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to certify aircraft and spacecraft for flight.