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AerospaceTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Aerospace Engineer

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

Annual openings

262

Median wage

$156,190

Typical education

Most employers expect a Bachelor's degree. However, some employers have a path from Technician to Engineers Aide to Engineer.

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Most employers expect a Bachelor's degree. However, some employers have a path from Technician to Engineers Aide to Engineer.

Credential requirement

A Professional Engineer license is highly valued by some employers.

Work experience

This can be an entry-level role so no experience is required. However, previous work experience as a Technician is valued by some employers.

Work-based learning

NASA has several internship opportunities starting at age 16 on up.

These jobs are in high demand in the Aerospace Industry.
Employers value the critical thinking, problem solving, and hands on skills developed through things like robotics competitions and working with CubeSats. There is also a need for knowledge of additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
NASA provides several learning opportunities at many points along your education journey along with a good overview of careers.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Engineering and Science
  • Engineering

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
  2. Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
  3. Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
  4. Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
  5. Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
  6. Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
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