The aerospace industry offers some of the most challenging and interesting jobs in the industry. From engineers to software programmers and onboard software and hardware developers, everyone’s role is critical to the functioning of the industry. Usually most of the jobs are well paid and careers are easily made if the person has a good track record. In these kinds of jobs, education means everything and also determines the qualifications of the person.

Only people who have done professional courses are considered for the job role, and they also have to get additional qualifications of computer software. Most of the jobs are related to the aircraft in the industry. There are two major divisions in the aerospace industry, be it aero planes to rockets, these divisions apply everywhere. One is the onboard job and one is the ground job.

The on board software is very critical to the functioning of the aircraft and even space craft. Most of the equipment is computerized and is controlled by computer software. People who are required to execute this role should be technologically equipped and should also be computer experts. Many companies hire professionals who have such expertise and the companies who are in need of such experts are aircraft manufacturers, defense machine manufacturers, space craft manufacturers and other high end companies. These roles are very specific to the industry and do not have a cross platform application.

Education

In this industry education plays a large role. If a person wants to work in the aviation or aerospace industry, then they should make up their mind by the time they finish their 12th grade. Even in the 12th grade, they should have specialized in math or science to be eligible to do engineering after their college graduation.

They should also specialize in either mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. It is almost like making up your mind to be a doctor for example. The preparation starts early in life. The track record should be excellent through out graduation. An MS also is preferred in the industry and more preference would be given to such candidates. If the person does not want to do MS, then they should take a course from an accredited university and specialize in aerospace, aeronautics or avionics to find a place in the aerospace industry.

The education required is

Bachelor of engineering in mechanics or electrical
Software design knowledge
Microchip processing knowledge

Skills

The person employed in the position of onboard software developer should be willing to work on satellite platforms and equipment. Some companies may require the same but the platform may be different like for example an aircraft. The candidate will be expected to take care of onboard software project management for clients or the company itself.

The project production management and monitoring falls in the gamut of the developer and the person should also smartly use the resource available in the form of man power and equipment. Sometimes the companies also expect the person to travel internationally to adapt to newer technologies and execute them within the company. Sometimes the trip may also mean going to the customer’s site to rectify problems.

The person who is working in this job should constantly learn about the new developments in the industry and should stay ahead in the field of information. This industry is all about getting ahead and most of these roles are independent as the person who is in this role is expected to be a knowledge expert. So it would mean that he or she will be frequently attending workshops and space agency establishments.

The other capabilities involve preparing project reports and proposals which are integral to the job. The onboard software developer depending on the experience and position can be paid up to $120000 per annum. The beginner level can expect to start at $75000 per annum.

Expected Salary

Beginners: $5000 to $5500
Mid Level: $6500 to $7500
Experts: $8000 to $10000