Aerospace Engineering Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2024, Top Recruiters/Companies
Vidhi JainContent Writer
The principal area of engineering dealing with the creation of aircraft and spacecraft is Aerospace engineering. Aeronautical engineering and Astronautical engineering are two of its main, overlapping fields. Design, development, construction, testing, and operation of vehicles operating in the Earth’s atmosphere or in space are the focus of this branch of engineering.
- Why Aerospace Engineering
- Top Careers options in Aerospace Engineering
- Aerospace engineering scope in India
- Average Salary for Aerospace Engineers (in India)
- Top Recruiters for Aerospace Engineers
- Top Colleges for aerospace engineering Placements in India
- Top Private Colleges in India for Aerospace Engineering
- How to get a job after aerospace engineering
- Top Indian Cities to get lucrative jobs after Aerospace engineering
- Life after Aerospace Engineering
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is a good choice for anyone looking to earn an impressive salary. The production of aircraft and spacecraft is a significant industry, and employers are looking for recent graduates with polished, practical skills.
- Graduates from this programme have a wide range of employment opportunities available in different organisations including RAF, Navy, Army Air Corps, or building vehicles for commercial enterprises. According to payscale, the average earning of an aerospace engineer in India is INR 815000 per annum. No doubt, an aerospace engineer is one of the top five highest-paid professionals in the engineering sector in India.
- There are currently over 730 jobs in India related to aerospace engineering on Glassdoor. Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 4,000 openings for aerospace engineers per year. Many of those positions are anticipated to be brought on by the need to replace the workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.
- NASA is a major employer of aerospace engineers. NASA employs engineers in 20 various capacities, but the two engineering specialisations that it most frequently employs are computer engineers and aerospace engineers.
Top Careers options in Aerospace Engineering
Graduates with a background in aerospace engineering can choose from a wide range of career options.
In the list provided below, the primary responsibilities of some of the best positions in the stream of aerospace engineering have been outlined, which candidates may apply for if they want to pursue a career in this field.
Mechanical Engineers:
Aerospace Engineers can work as Mechanical Engineers in the field of Aviation and aircraft. The components of spacecraft, missiles, and aircraft can be improved or made to operate more effectively by them. Whether they are giant jet engines or microscopic sensors, mechanical engineers design and study these possible advancements to create new and better aircraft technologies for the demands of the present and the future.
Aerospace Technician:
Aerospace Technicians are active members of the aerospace team that may install, maintain, test, and fix machinery that is in use or being developed. Airlines, aerospace and aviation industries and research teams all require these technicians.
Aircraft/Spacecraft Designer:
Aircraft designing is a very in-demand career choice amongst aerospace engineering students. Demand for designers of cutting-edge equipment that are safer and more effective every year has increased as a result of commercial air travel and the advent of private space trips.
Inspection Managers:
Inspection managers ensure that systems, equipment, and products adhere to national and internal standards. They make sure that the items their team produces adhere to the technical requirements and blueprints. The goal of inspection managers is to help the finished product pass inspection by noting inconsistencies and advising modifications. They examine test findings, weigh goods, and keep track of information regarding production standards.
Pilots:
It may be a little distant but this is also a potential career option for Aerospace Engineers. To guarantee a safe takeoff, flight, and landing, pilots control the aircrafts like planes and jets. To get people and cargo where they need to go, they design flight plans. Pilots are in charge of controlling their aircraft according to navigation and weather, writing down trip information in a flight log, checking the car, and interacting with passengers and crew.
Mission Specialists:
These jobs are as crew members on missions to the moon or the space station, respectively. Specialists in space missions assist with data collection, experimentation, and other vital tasks. To correctly install or use a piece of equipment throughout the mission, payload specialists must accompany it. Both of these roles, which are often filled by researchers or other subject-matter specialists, may be temporary, such as for a single space flight.
Drafters:
Drafters have a comparatively smaller yet vital role in aircraft making. Before any spaceship, aeroplane, or missile can be manufactured, drawings and specification documents must be created. These intricate and thorough texts, which depict the subject topic from all sides and angles, are created by drafters.
Aviation Managers:
Aviation managers handle the operations of launch and control facilities for aircraft and spacecraft. They manage equipment maintenance, track incident reports, arrange inspections, hire team members and contractors, establish policy plans, and prepare timetables. Aviation managers are responsible for a department’s overall compliance, safety, and site development.
Aerospace engineering scope in India
India is still in its infancy when it comes to aerospace engineering, despite the recent rise in the popularity of AI and ML. However, flight technology is being used more and more by industries to boost productivity, efficiency, and cost. India is experiencing accelerated expansion in the aerospace engineering sector.
More engineers, operators, and technicians will be needed in aerospace engineering as a result of Industry 4.0. Students enrolled in Aerospace Engineering courses have the chance to work in a variety of fields, such as aircraft research and development (R&D), as well as handling rockets and rocket launchers, which require maintenance, monitoring, and quality control.
Candidates who pursue an engineering degree in aerospace in India can pursue careers as thermal design engineers, mechanical design engineers, assistant technical officers, or aircraft production managers. These are some main sectors of aerospace engineering that Indian students can consider working in :
- Research Labs: Aerospace engineers working in government research labs have the responsibility of conducting laser and other diagnostic techniques-based propulsion research studies. Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) etc., are some of the major laboratories that contain work possibility for Aerospace Engineers in India.
- Defence Services: Aircraft and Aviation are major parts of Defense Services in India. A number of noteworthy accomplishments that have had a favourable influence on many fields of endeavours have been made possible by the constantly evolving requirements of civil and military aircraft, and modern fighting techniques. Aerospace Engineers can get high-paying jobs in this
- Commercial Airlines: Aerospace Engineers are almost a necessity for any successful commercial airline, in case of emergencies. An airline’s aeronautical engineer is responsible for ensuring that the company conforms with legal requirements, that specifications for new equipment are satisfied, and that OEMs are informed of any new or evolving requirements.
- Private Industries: There are numerous general non-specific businesses that hire aerospace engineers. General Electric, Boeing, Airbus, Pratt & Whitney, TATA Aerospace & Defense, QuEST Global, Mahindra Aerospace, Taneja Aerospace etc. are some examples of companies that recruit aerospace engineers.
- Airport Design and Administration: Given that all airports have to be designed keeping in mind the designs of the aircraft, aerospace engineers have an important role in airport design. This job requires a licensed expert in the field.
- Aeronautical Development Agency: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is a Society under the Department of Defense Research and Development, Ministry of Defense, Government of India. ADA is a major employer of aeronautical engineers in India. Their job is to carry out research in aeronautical science, design, and development of various types of aircraft and rotorcraft, and to assist, promote, direct, manage, coordinate, and carry out that research.
- Drone Design: Anything that can fly, including drones, aircraft, and helicopters, is designed and built by aerospace engineers. Because aerospace engineer has been trained to design, manufacture, analyse, and test equipment capable of flight, including drones, their expertise is required during the design and development of drones.
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is a statutory body of the Government of India to regulate civil aviation in India. The DGCA is in charge of maintaining all aviation regulations, conducting investigations into aviation accidents and events, and issuing aviation licences.
Average Salary for Aerospace Engineers (in India)
The average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in India is INR 6,07,012 in India. With a minimum salary being INR 2 lacs per annum and a highlight salary of anywhere around INR 20 lacs per annum, depending on one’s skill set, specialisation and line of work.
Job Position |
Average Salary (per month) |
Aerospace Design engineers |
INR 59,062 |
Aerodynamics Engineer |
INR 50,083 |
Senior Aerospace Engineer |
INR 1,50,000 |
Government Organisation Officials (Fresher) |
INR 50,000 |
Private industry Official (Fresher) |
INR 2.1L |
Aerospace Engineer in ISRO |
INR 90,000 |
Top Recruiters for Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineering is a constantly developing field that uses new technologies to advance the creation and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. The pupils now have a wide range of opportunities because of the constantly changing technology environment. Prior to the advent of many private firms, the market was controlled by government organisations, but opportunities are now expanding rapidly. The organisations that employ aerospace engineers in various roles are listed below :
- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
- Civil Aviation Department
- Air India
- Tata Advanced Systems
- Mahindra Aerospace
- Taneja Aerospace
- L&T
- Samtel Avionics
- Pawan Hans Helicopters
- Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
- Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE)
- National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
Top Colleges for aerospace engineering Placements in India
In recent years, courses in aerospace engineering have become extremely popular. Aerospace Engineering offers rich employment options with high compensation. In India, there are about 50 institutes offering B.Tech degrees in aerospace engineering, with over 90% of them being private institutions and 10% being government colleges.
The best college for aerospace engineering in India is the Indian Institute of Space technology in Thiruvananthapuram. These are the top government colleges and the highest CTC packages offered to the students during their placements:
College Name |
Highest CTC Offered during Placement |
IIST Thiruvananthapuram |
INR 8.9 LPA |
IIT Kharagpur |
INR 13.4 lacs per annum |
IIT Madras |
INR 30 LPA |
IIT Bombay |
INR 16.5 LPA |
IIT Hyderabad |
INR 13 LPA |
Top Private Colleges in India for Aerospace Engineering
- Manipal institute of technology, Karnataka
- SRM University Chennai
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Chandigarh University
- NMIT, Bangalore
- Amity University, Noida
How to get a job after aerospace engineering
The education in aerospace engineering is unique and highly intriguing. So please bear the following things in mind if you wish to get a high-paying job in this field:
- Create a resume: A strong CV is typically what stands between a job applicant and their dream job. If you write a strong CV, every firm you apply to will contact you back.
The greatest place to start is by developing your skills to fill in the gaps on your resume. Additionally, keep in mind that an employer may only look at your CV once for 5 seconds, so make it appealing.
- Build a network: The first advice any professional is given when they first start working is to “build a network”, to develop their connection with like-minded professionals
It can be a mutually advantageous relationship as these peers come to know you, and what you have to offer, and you can get quite good job referrals. This is a professional network in action.
- Enhance your skill set: The list of skills that a career in the aerospace field requires is a long one. Analytical skills, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills are a must in this industry. Aerospace Engineering graduates need to be able to spot design parts that might not meet specifications and then come up with alternatives to enhance those elements’ performance.
- Seek for experience: Employers respect experience acquired through internships, summer jobs, or part-time employment. Find a summer internship with a top engineering company if industrial placements are not available for your course. You could also join relevant societies while at university to show your interest and develop skills such as teamwork.
Top Indian Cities to get lucrative jobs after Aerospace engineering
The location of the job is just as important as the job itself. The value of a certain profession differs by, depending on how much the residents of the area are relying on that job or how many related firms have branches in that city. The average salary depends on these aspects as well. Here is a list of top Indian cities with the highest demand and salary offered in the stream of aerospace engineering :
Cities |
Average Salary (monthly) |
Hyderabad, Telangana |
INR 41,312 |
Alandurai, Tamil Nadu |
INR 26,531 |
Bangalore, Karnataka |
INR 26,531 |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
INR 26,330 |
New Delhi |
INR 25,738 |
Bangalore, Karnataka |
INR 21,514 |
Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
INR 19,138 |
Life after Aerospace Engineering
Career opportunities for Aerospace engineers are endless. They may find employment both domestically and overseas after graduating in aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineers work in industries directly related to aircraft. The normal work week for an aerospace engineer is 40 hours, however, they may need to put in more time if necessary to meet project deadlines or the demands of their jobs. They might put in more hours if they are leading a team. According to a survey conducted by careerexplorer.com, Aerospace engineers rated their career happiness 3.4 out of 5 stars which puts them in the top 34% of careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Aerospace Engineering have scope in future?
Q. What are the top institutes for Aerospace Engineering in India?
Q. How long does it take to become an aerospace engineer?
Q. Does NASA hire Aerospace Engineers?
Q. Who are the top recruiters of Aerospace Engineers in India?
Q. What is the average salary of an Aerospace Designer?
Q. Is Aerospace Engineering maths-heavy?
Q. Which are cities that have the highest salary for aerospace engineers in India?
Q. What is the average salary of an IIT graduate Aerospace Engineer?
Q. What is the monthly income of an aerospace engineer in India?
Q. Can I join ISRO after doing Aerospace Engineering?
Q. Which earns more amongst astronautical and aeronautical engineers?
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 15 hours ago
In Siddharth Institute of Engineering & Technology does not offer Aerospace Engineering as part of their B.Tech courses.
R
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 3 days ago
The Amrita School of Engineering BTech in Aerospace Engineering course structure includes various subjects for students to study. All the subjects included help students cultivate a deep understanding of the chosen specialisation. Some of the subjects included in the syllabus are Technical Communica
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
- Early Action: November 1, 2024 (closed)
- Regular Action: January 6, 2025
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
There are around 37 public universities in Germany for B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering that teach Indian students in English. Mentioned below are some of them:
- Technical University of Munich
- Heidelberg University - Germany
- University of Bonn
- RWTH Aachen University
- Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
The extensive curriculum of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering programme is intended to give students a strong foundation in a variety of aerospace-related fields. The core subjects are outlined below-
- Unified Engineering: A series of integr
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
This course is offered by MIT AeroAstro department of the university. The tuition fees to pursue this programme are USD 61,990 (INR 53,03,648). This figure represents the standard tuition cost. Additional expenses such as housing, food, and personal costs together contribute to a total estimated cos
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
The job market for individuals with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is highly favorable. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $130,720 in May 2023. Below is a list of som
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, mathematics is a prerequisite for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering programme at MIT. The Aerospace Engineering curriculum includes advanced mathematics courses so students are expected to have foundational knowledge of mathematics. The General Institute Requirements
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, why not! You can pursue an integrated BTech + M.Tech degree in Aerospace Engineering that is offered at several colleges across India. The duration of the course is usually 5 years. You basically complete both UG and PG at one stretch, saving a lot of time and money.
The course syllabus and pra
V
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Well, there is no straightforward answer to this question of yours. It all depends on your interest areas, passions and most importantly, future plans ahead. Every course in Aerospace Engineering is designed in such a way so as to fulfil a purpose and has its own benefits.
Courses like BTech Aerospac
V
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Aerospace Engineering courses can be pursued by anyone who has passed Class 12 with 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects. If you wish to go for a Bachelor's degree in this field, you need to meet the minimum marks requirement and score well in any of the entrance exams conducted
V
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Aerospace Engineering is a quite interesting and futuristic field that deals with the designing, building, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and weapon systems. It's a diverse field that combines elements of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science Engineerin
V
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
Hello, it's great that you're considering options through AME-CET. If you've selected EASA for a license and Aerospace Engineering for graduation, your choice will largely depend on your career goals. EASA certification is ideal if you aim to work in aircraft maintenance or as an AME professional, a
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The cutoff for admission to the B.Tech. The Aerospace Engineering program at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Trivandrum is determined based on JEE Advanced ranks. For the general category, the 2023 cutoff ranged from an opening rank of 192 to a closing rank of 860. For
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The AEEE cut-off for aerospace engineering at Amrita School of Engineering in Coimbatore in 2017 was 5374 for the open quota and 19892 for the state quota. The cut-off varies for different categories of candidates and for each of the four engineering school campuses under Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam.
Answered a month ago
IIT Roorkee has announced the GATE 2025 exam dates on the official website - gate2025.iitr.ac.in. The exam will be held on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025 in two sessions. The GATE aerospace engineering (AE) paper will be conducted on February 15, 2025 (9:30 am to 12:30 pm). Read GATE 2025 exam
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
When choosing between Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) and Calhoun Community College for Aerospace Technology, you can consider factors such as programme offerings, cost, and opportunities for career advancement:
Program offerings
ESCC offers a short-term certificate programme in Aviation Mai
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
For B.Tech. Aerospace Engineering at Karunya University, admission is based on both the Karunya Entrance Examination (KEE) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) marks. Candidates must submit an online application expressing their interest and proceed with provisional admission by making an initial
A
Contributor-Level 9
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I want to know about the latest cutoff information for B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering at IIEST Shibpur ?