Aerospace Engineering

Graduates working in aerospace engineering can expect to take up diverse roles in technically-challenging projects.

Aerospace engineering is an industry undergoing rapid growth in Singapore as the government strives to position the country as a regional aviation hub.

With more than 100 international aerospace companies rooting themselves in Singapore – including major names like Rolls Royce, Goodrich and Pratt & Whitney – and the establishment of aerospace amenities, Singapore is a major player of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market in Asia.

While services these companies offer generally include extensive and thorough nose-to-tail MRO operations, a select few also dabble in aerospace design and manufacturing services locally.

Career overview

The typical core responsibilities of aerospace engineers include a mix of researching, designing, manufacturing, as well as operating and maintaining aircraft.

Between working on civilian and military aircraft, however, some may find the latter to be more exciting, as the military will usually expose them to more advanced and developed aviation technology, such as fighter jets, reconnaissance machines and automated vehicles.

Trends and developments

Sustainable development is a key point of focus in the aerospace industry these days. Most employers within this sector have had to adapt to global events such as environmental concerns related to the aviation field, rising fuel prices, a rampant apprehension of flights due to unnatural aircraft accidents and the unprecedented virus outbreak.

Improving safety measures on aircraft, more stringent quality control on the production of aircraft parts and the search for both alternative fuel sources and more fuel-efficient aircraft engines are also making headlines in the sector.

Career highlights

Opportunity to display creativity

This field requires a lot of creativity and thinking out of the box as graduates will often encounter issues and complications that do not have a one-size-fits-all solution.

While this may sometimes be demanding, it allows for ingenuity and gives opportunities to showcase resourcefulness.

Wide scope of work

Graduates can also expect to encounter a wide variety of job opportunities that will challenge their expertise and facilitate growth as a budding engineer within the aerospace industry – from cuttingedge research on aircraft components to overhaul services.

Skills required in aerospace engineering

• Ability to discern details and think out of the box • Ability to work well in a team • Ability to balance different project requirements simultaneously and effectively • Methodical logic