How to become an aerospace engineer
Official title: Aerospace engineers
Also called: Aerospace engineer, Aerodynamics engineer, Aeronautical engineer, Aerospace test engineer, Aircraft design engineer, Aerospace systems engineer, Stress engineer - aerospace, Aerospace engineer - systems, Aeronautical project engineer, Aerospace structural engineer, Structures aerospace engineer, Aerospace engineer - flight test
Aerospace engineers research, design and develop aerospace vehicles, aerospace systems and their components, and perform duties related to their testing, evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance. They are employed by aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, air transport carriers, and in government and educational and research institutions.
Main tasks
- Design and develop aerospace vehicles, systems and components such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites and space-based communication systems
- Develop and conduct computer simulations of aerospace vehicles, systems and components using advanced mathematical modelling
- Prepare specifications for materials and processes to be used in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair or modification
- Supervise and coordinate the manufacturing, assembly, modification, repair and overhaul of aircraft and spacecraft
- Co-ordinate ground and flight tests of air and spacecraft
- Develop operational specifications, maintenance schedules and manuals for operators
- Develop the technical phases of logistical and operational support for aerospace vehicles and systems
- Investigate and report on structural or other component or system failures, accidents or incidents and prepare recommendations for corrective action
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or in a related engineering discipline, such as mechanical engineering or engineering physics, is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $97,500 a year The middle half earn $74,100 to $121,875.
- About 5,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 5,700 are projected by 2033. (+5.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an aerospace engineer?
A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or in a related engineering discipline, such as mechanical engineering or engineering physics, is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
How much does an aerospace engineer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $97,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $74,100 to $121,875.
Is an aerospace engineer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 5,400 to about 5,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an aerospace engineer?
Usually. 82% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03