Aeronautical Engineering Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2024, Top Recruiters/Companies
Vidhi JainContent Writer
Aeronautical engineers use their artistic skills to design and build airplanes that take people places and curate every step for a successful flight defying gravity. At the forefront of this technology lies an impeccable science of Aeronautical Engineering in India driving students towards learning design, construction, and maintenance of aircraft and other missile systems.
Over the past few years, air travel has advanced to another level and has connected people and communities from around the globe. New aircraft and computer technologies allow planes to fly longer, faster, higher, and further than ever before. The primary job of an Aeronautical Engineer is to devise aircraft and propulsion systems, but with time, the engineer is given many more responsibilities to carry out, such as testing aircraft systems and their maintenance. Aeronautical Engineering career in India can prove to be extremely promising for students after they complete their Aeronautical Engineering course.
Popular Aeronautical Engineering jobs for freshers include Aerodynamics Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Propulsion Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Missile Systems Engineer, Aeronautical Research Scientist, etc. There are a plethora of job opportunities for aeronautical engineers in India with decent salary packages being offered by top recruiters in the country. The average Aeronautical Engineering salary in India is approximately INR 11 LPA, which varies on the basis of experience, skill set, and academic qualification.
Foe entry-level positions, aeronautical engineers can expect between INR 4 to 6 LPA, while for mid-level positions, recruiters usually offer between INR 8 to 12 LPA. For senior-level positions, the salary bracket is between INR 15 LPA and 20 LPA. Students can get both private and government jobs after Aeronautical Engineering courses.
Some of the top Aeronautical Engineering recruiters in India are Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is India’s largest aerospace and defense company. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), that deals with space and satellites. National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) is one of the premier research and development institutions under the Department of Space. Other major recruiters include Mahindra Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), and Civil Aviation Department, among others.
Relevant Links for Aeronautical Engineering Career in India:
Aeronautical Engineering Salary in India vs Worldwide
- Aeronautical Engineering Career Scope: Quick Facts
- Top Aeronautical Engineering Job Profiles
- Emerging Trends in Aeronautical Engineering Careers in India
- Aeronautical Engineering Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education
- 4.1 Courses after Graduation in Aeronautical Engineering
- 4.2 Aeronautical Engineering Core Industries and Top Recruiters
- Best Aeronautical Engineering Colleges for Placements in India
- Aeronautical Engineering Career FAQs
Aeronautical Engineering Career Scope: Quick Facts
The future of Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering in India looks very promising. The country's aviation sector is growing rapidly, and there is a strong demand for skilled aeronautical engineers. The Indian government is also investing heavily in research and development initiatives, which is creating even more opportunities for aeronautical engineers. Some interesting career facts for Aeronautical Engineering scope in India are mentioned below:
- As per a recent Economic Times report, a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility is being built by Air India in Bangalore, which would apparently be operational by 2026, leading to more than 1,200 job vacancies for aviation engineers.
- According to Statista.com, the worldwide market size of aerospace services will apparently reach 4.4 trillion US dollars between 2024 and 2043, extending a lot of earning opportunities to professionals in this field.
- As per a latest prediction by International Air Transport Association (IATA), the number of global passengers will increase to 7.8 billion on an annual basis by the year 2036.
- There are more than 200 Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India that are known for their exceptional placement records, with top recruiters visiting the college campuses offering good salary packages to the talented pool of students.
Top Aeronautical Engineering Job Profiles
Aeronautical engineers are experts in creating and maintaining aircraft and aircraft-related technologies to enhance the functioning of the defense and aviation industry. Aeronautical Engineering courses offer a wide range of career options in India. Candidates can seek a career in the government and private sector as well as big MNCs. Aviation and defense are the top sectors that offer rewarding career options to Aeronautical Engineering graduates. Students can go through some of the popular job options along with the average salary figures below:
| Aeronautical Engineering Jobs | Job Description | Average Aeronautical Engineering Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | ||
| Aerospace Engineer | Designs, builds, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and components. | INR 12.1 LPA |
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Specializes in the study of fluid dynamics and its application in the design of safe and durable aircraft, and spacecraft. | INR 9.8 LPA |
| Structural Engineer (Aerospace) | Designs and analyzes the structural elements of aircraft and spacecraft to ensure safety and reliability. | INR 8.2 LPA |
| Flight Test Engineer | Responsible for the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests to evaluate aircraft and spacecraft performance. | INR 4.5 LPA |
| Avionics Engineer | Designs, develops, and maintains the electronic and electrical systems in aircraft and spacecraft. | INR 6.7 LPA |
| Propulsion Engineer | Helps build engine system technology for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, etc. | INR 7 LPA |
| Defense | ||
| Military Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | Maintains and repairs military aircraft, ensuring their flight readiness and operational status. | INR 13.8 LPA |
| Missile Systems Engineer | Designs, develops, and tests missile systems, including guidance, control, and propulsion to analyze system performance against future risks. | INR 15 LPA |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Engineer | Designs, develops, and operates unmanned aerial vehicles for military and civilian applications. | INR 12 LPA |
| Airlines | ||
| Airline Maintenance Engineer | Look after the up keeping and repair of commercial aircraft, ensuring their safety and efficiency. | INR 13.8 LPA |
| Airline Systems Engineer | Designs, integrates, and maintains the complex systems found in commercial aircraft. | INR 14.4 LPA |
| Airline Operations Engineer | Optimizes and manages the operational aspects of airline operations, such as scheduling, logistics, and air traffic control. | INR 4 LPA |
| Research & Development | ||
| Aeronautical Research Scientist | Conducts fundamental and applied research in aerodynamics, materials, and other areas of aeronautical engineering. | INR 11.6 LPA |
| Aeronautical Simulation Specialist | Develops and uses simulation models to analyze and optimize aircraft and spacecraft designs. | INR 12 LPA |
| Aeronautical Composite Materials Engineer | Specializes in the development and application of advanced composite materials in aerospace structures. | INR 4.2 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com, and hence may vary.
Emerging Trends in Aeronautical Engineering Careers in India
It is important to know about all the emerging trends in the fields of Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering for one to develop their skills accordingly and contribute to the development of such a vast field. Some of the exciting trends in Aeronautical Engineering include:
- Artificial Intelligence: The incorporation of AI technology in the aviation sector has been groundbreaking. Artificial Intelligence helps in the automation of autonomous flight operations, optimization of air route navigation, and forecasting of climate data, which improves the overall passenger experience and safety in flight-driven machines.
- Additive Manufacturing or 3-D Printing: This technology is of great help to airline companies as they can produce light-weight aircraft components that can enhance the performance of the flight-driven vehicle like the overall speed and fuel consumption, ensuring more durability than the traditional heavy parts.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Devices that are operating through internet connectivity with the help of advanced software and sensors fall under the category of IoT. In the aviation industry, the IoT technology helps companies to predict and look after the maintenance of the vehicle and look for an component failures before they actually take place.
- Electric Propulsion: This trend enables a quieter flight take off with reduced emissions and even costs. Aeronautical design engineers need to incorporate this technology into the aircraft design to ensure better experience to the passengers and environmental wellbeing.
Useful Link for Careers in Engineering:
Why Engineering is Still a Highly Paid Career Stream?
Aeronautical Engineering Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education
Aeronautical Engineering courses help students explore many work profiles as mentioned before. Students can also become air traffic controllers and maintenance technicians as they get hands-on experience in aircraft manufacturing, mechanics, and engineering. Aeronautical Engineering being a technical skill requires professionals with keen observation and strong calculative skills. Aeronautical Engineering courses can also be pursued at the postgraduate or doctorate levels, which will help professionals to gain promotions.
Courses after Graduation in Aeronautical Engineering
Students in India with an Aeronautical Engineering degree or even a well-settled job in the aviation sector have various options to advance their professional career and areas of expertise. Following are some of the course options, they may choose after completing Aeronautical Engineering courses at the undergraduate level:
| Courses |
Course Description |
|---|---|
| MTech in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering | A two-year postgraduate level programme where students get exposed to the advanced-level theoretical knowledge and practical aptitude in aircraft and spacecraft design, testing, and maintenance. This could get students placed at a high-paying position across sectors like defense, aviation, and research. |
| PG-Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering | A one-year professional programme for providing detailed information regarding all aircraft-related verticals, including cutting-edge technologies, component manufacturing, maintenance, etc. |
| Specialized Certificate Courses in Aeronautics and Space Science | These specialized short-term courses can lead to advancement in career prospects with enhanced technical expertise and analytical effieciency regarding space technology and aeronautics. Recruiters prefer such professionals, offering them excellent salary packages. |
Aeronautical Engineering Core Industries and Top Recruiters
Nowadays, India is one of the countries in the world with talented and diligent young people who may choose the aeronautical field for their future career progress. Students who have a strong academic record and technical expertise in the field of Aeronautical Engineering are hired by top recruiters in India who are ready to offer handsome salary packages. A few core industries who provide Aeronautical Engineering job opportunities are given below:
| Core Industries |
|
|---|---|
| Aircraft Manufacturing |
Missile and Space Systems |
| Avionics and Electronics |
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) |
Below are some of the top recruiters from each popular industry:
| Aircraft Manufacturing |
|
|---|---|
| Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
Tata Advanced Systems Limited |
| Mahindra Aerospace |
Bharat Forge Limited |
| Missile and Space Systems |
|
| ISRO |
BrahMos Aerospace |
| Bharat Dynamics Limited |
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) |
| Avionics and Electronics |
|
| Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) |
Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) |
| Tata Power SED |
Godrej Aerospace |
| MRO |
|
| Air India Engineering Services Limited |
Tata Airlines Engineering Services Limited |
| Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
Indo-Asian Services Limited |
Note: This information is taken from external sites, and hence may vary.
Best Aeronautical Engineering Colleges for Placements in India
Aeronautical Engineering courses have a good placement track record with almost 90% of the students getting placed. The course's top package is around INR 15 LPA, while the average package is approximately INR 6-7 LPA. The universities also offer a variety of internship options.
| Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India |
Average Package (in INR) |
|---|---|
| INR 12 LPA |
|
| Dr. Ambedkar Institute Of Technology (AIT), Bangalore Placements |
INR 6 LPA |
| INR 4.2 - 4.5 LPA |
|
| INR 6.75 LPA |
|
| Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Hyderabad Placements | INR 4.5 LPA |
| INR 8.48 - 8.88 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Aeronautical Engineering Career FAQs
Q. What is the average salary of an Aeronautical Engineer in India?
A. The average salary for an aeronautical engineer in India varies based on experience, company, location, and specialization. Entry-level engineers can expect to earn around INR 4-6 LPA, while mid-level professionals can earn INR 8-12 LPA, and senior-level engineers can earn INR 15-25 LPA or more. Recruiters obviously offer higher salary packages to professionals who have a few years of experience in the field and can prove to be an asset for their organization.
Q. What are the job prospects for Aeronautical Engineers in India?
A. The job prospects for aeronautical engineers in India are promising due to the growing aviation and aerospace industry. There are opportunities in public sector organizations like ISRO, HAL, DRDO, and private companies like Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Aerospace, and various airlines and MRO service providers.
There are diverse career profiles available for Aeronautical Engineering graduates such as Aerodynamics Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Propulsion Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Missile Systems Engineer, Aeronautical Research Scientist, etc.
Q. What are the different specializations in Aeronautical Engineering?
A. Aeronautical engineering offers various specializations:
- Aerospace Engineering: Encompassing both aeronautics and astronautics.
- Aircraft Design: Focusing on the conceptualization and design of aircraft.
- Aerodynamics: Deep dive into air flow and its impact on aircraft performance.
- Propulsion Systems: Specializing in aircraft engines and propulsion technologies.
- Aircraft Structures: Concentrating on the structural integrity of aircraft.
- Avionics: Dealing with the electrical and electronic systems of aircraft.
Q. What are the different sectors in the Aeronautical Engineering industry?
A. The aeronautical engineering industry comprises several sectors:
- Commercial Aviation: Designing, manufacturing, and maintaining commercial airplanes.
- Defense Aerospace: Developing military aircraft, missiles, and space systems.
- Space Exploration: Designing and building spacecraft, satellites, and launch vehicles.
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Developing drones for various applications.
- Aviation Support Services: Providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
Q. What is the role of an Aeronautical Engineer in the space sector?
A. Aeronautical engineers in the space sector contribute to designing and building satellites, launch vehicles, and spacecraft. They work on various aspects, including propulsion, structures, avionics, and spacecraft systems. Aeronautical Engineering graduates can act as contributors to the aerospace research and development initiatives being undertaken by the Indian government lately. The advanced knowledge of computer design software and technology gives them an edge over others, making them an asset for the future of India.
Q. What is the role of an Aeronautical Engineer in the commercial aviation sector?
A. Aeronautical engineers in the commercial aviation sector are involved in designing, developing, and certifying commercial airplanes. They work on improving aircraft performance, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Q. What are the future trends in Aeronautical Engineering?
A. The future of aeronautical engineering is focused on sustainability, electric and hybrid propulsion, autonomous flight, advanced materials, and space exploration. There is a growing emphasis on reducing environmental impact and developing innovative technologies. Further. Artificial Intelligence (AI) also has significantly impacted the aviation sector enabling better navigation, climate data analysis, and overall system performance.
Q. What are the popular Aeronautical Engineering jobs for freshers?
A. Below are some vacancies for Aeronautical Engineers (freshers) in India:
| Specialisation |
Entry-Level Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerodynamics |
INR 4.5 - INR 7 LPA |
| Structures |
INR 4.5 - INR 7 LPA |
| Avionics |
INR 4.5 - INR 7 LPA |
| Propulsion |
INR 4.5 - INR 7 LPA |
| Flight Mechanics |
INR 4.5 - INR 7 LPA |
| Manufacturing |
INR 4.5 - INR 7 LPA |
| Maintenance |
INR 4.5 - INR 7 LPA |
Q. Are there enough job opportunities for Aeronautical Engineering graduates in India?
A. There are endless job opportunities for Aeronautical Engineering graduates in India as well as abroad across various work sectors such as aviation, defense, avionics and electronics, aerospace research and development, etc. If you are passionate about aircraft designing and manufacturing, the aviation business industry is ready to welcome you with open arms given the increasing demand of airplanes and other flight-driven machinery in the country.
The domestic air passenger traffic has seen significantly growth in the last few years, which has forced the airline companies to increase their number of airplanes. The need for defense military aircraft also makes aeronautical engineering a promising career option. So, you need not worry about the career possibilities and job stability after pursuing BTech in Aeronautical Engineering. All the best!
Q. Is it better to look for a job after BTech Aeronautical Engineering or pursue MTech in the same field?
A. This is a very subjective question. It completely depends on your interest areas and future career plans. Some might prefer to enter into the job market right after completing their graduation because it gives a sense of financial security at an early age making youngsters like you feel more independent. On the other hand, some people might prefer to pursue MTech in Aeronautical Engineering as it will give them an edge over others in terms of advanced knowledge and technical expertise.
You must assess your skill set and think about your interest areas in order to make a wise decision. Best wishes.
Q. Which job profile is better: Aircraft Design Engineer or Avionics Engineer?
A. See, this depends on your personal interest areas and skill set. Both the job profiles offer promising work opportunities in the aeronautical industry with decent annual salary packages. If you are passionate about aircraft designing and manufacturing, you can consider the profile of an Aircraft Design Engineer who is responsible for the design and development of aircraft models using advanced technology.
On the other hand, if you are interested in electrical and electronic systems, you can go for the profile of an Avionics Engineer who is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the electronic aircraft and spacecraft systems to ensure smooth functioning. You must think about your interests carefully and then come to a conclusion.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes, aeronautical engineering can be considered a good career choice, offering promising job prospects, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a rapidly growing industry, particularly if you are passionate about aircraft design and development; however, it is
D
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week ago
The fees for a B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering can vary depending on the college or university. On average, the fees range between INR 2 Lacs to INR 5 Lacs per year in private institutions. For government colleges, the fee is usually lower, ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 2 Lacs per year.
But yes,
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Aircraft Engineering focuses on the technical aspects of designing, maintaining, and repairing aircraft, making it ideal for those interested in engineering and behind-the-scenes operations.
On the other hand, Pilot Training is a professional course that leads to becoming a licensed pilot, offering
Y
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
If you have completed Class 12th with PCM subjects and have a minimum score of 50 to 70% in board exams, you are eligible to pursue courses in Aeronautical Engineering after 12th. Also, a keen interest in aviation, aircraft, and understanding how they fly is important for motivation and success in t
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Joining the top Aeronautical Engineering colleges in Bangalore can be expensive as most colleges have tuition fees of more than INR 5 lakh. However, there are some affordable colleges having tuition fees of less than INR 1 Lacs are mentioned below:
| Low-cost Engineering Colleges | Tuition fee |
|---|---|
| Acharya Polytechnic | INR 13,000 |
| Wisdom School of Management, Bangalore | INR 25,000 |
| Hindustan Academy | INR 13,000 |
| Vidya Correspondence College | INR 90,000 |
| SCT Polytechnic College | INR 40,000 |
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Here is average salary in different countries vs in India.
Top Countries | Aeronautical Engineering Salary Per Year (USD) | Annual Salary of Aeronautical Engineer in INR |
|---|---|---|
USA | 102,229 | 84.70 Lakhs |
Australia | 98,116 | 81.29 Lakhs |
France | 96,708 | 80.13 Lakhs |
Germany | 86,776 | 71.90 Lakhs |
India | 14,481 | 12.00 Lakhs |
Other than this, there are some other countries where an Aeronautical engineer can earn a decent amount.
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
The world is focusing on developing electric and hybrid propulsion to reduce emissions. Very soon, modern aircraft will have the latest technologies, such as autonomous flight systems and AI to optimise flight control and air traffic management. Overall, the future of Aeronautical Engineers is brigh
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
The salary for an Aeronautical Engineer can vary depending on several factors such as experience, education, country of work, specific industry and most importantly skills.
Aeronautical Engineering salary in India is nearly INR 7 to 8 lakhs. On the other hand, in USA the average salary for Aeronautic
Y
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Yes, there are a few colleges in Delhi where you can pursue Aeronautical Engineering or related courses. Here are some options:
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
- IIT Delhi offers a highly reputed programme in Aerospace Engineering, which includes aeronautical subjects.
- Entrance Exam: JEE Advan
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Hi aspirant! Yes, you can secure admission to BTech in Aeronautical Engineering at MIT, Manipal with 45% marks in Class 12 as it is the minimum eligibility criteria set by the university as of now. However, you should regularly check their official university website for any further changes in the e
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Dear candidate, there are endless job opportunities for aeronautical engineering graduates in India as well as abroad across various work sectors such as aviation, defense, avionics and electronics, aerospace research and development, etc. If you are passionate about aircraft designing and manufactu
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
In order to be considered for admission to the MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics program, candidates need to either hold or anticipate holding a bachelor's degree from an American institution or university prior to enrolling at Stanford. Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the e
M
Contributor-Level 10
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Is aeronautical engineering good as a career?