What are the most important skills for aircraft engineers?
Aircraft engineers are specialised in the technological and scientific principles of an aircraft. They are primarily involved in the research, design, and development of an aircraft and its components. Since they are responsible for ensuring the comfort and safety of the passengers as well as the airline crew, these individuals can earn huge financial rewards from their job.
Being an aircraft engineer can require you to design, assemble, and/or modify aircraft engines and equipment for different aeroplanes. One major role of these engineers is to perform maintenance tasks along with the service and inspection of any damage.
Those working in the field are fully trained in the technical aspects related to designing and building of an aircraft. Therefore, anyone aspiring to become an aircraft engineer needs to develop applicable skills for this career.
Why are aircraft engineer skills important?
Aircraft engineers contribute to the research, designing, and production of an aircraft and its components, which have wide-ranging impacts on society, in general. Therefore, their role requires accomplishing a certain skill set.
Besides obtaining the relevant qualifications, aspiring engineers also need to hone their skills to carry out the daily tasks assigned to aircraft engineers. With the right skill set, professionals can successfully create ethical, safe, and functional aircrafts.
Essential skills for aircraft engineers
Since their focus is to develop and maintain aircrafts, keeping in mind safety of the features, aircraft engineers possess certain skills and capabilities to accomplish all these tasks and responsibilities. Below is the list of some most important skills required by an aircraft engineer.
1. Operation analysis
One aspect of an aircraft engineer’s job is to perform analysis of aircraft operations including its design, production, and testing. Their ability to assess efficiency and effectiveness of aircraft operations help them to identify any area for improvement. Developing new operations for an aircraft can enhance its safety and improve other processes like testing and production.
2. Problem-solving
Aircraft engineers use their experience and qualification to upgrade the designs and other operational processes. They can also troubleshoot problems to match the requirements of their clients. Problem-solving skills help the professionals find optimal solutions and be able to implement them on time. The skill requires them to research different areas of an aircraft, identify the issues through data analysis or fact-finding, and then propose the best solutions.
3. Critical thinking
Since aircraft engineering is a technical field, it is important for professionals to have critical thinking skills. With these skills, engineers can take into account potential issues that are not yet urgent. Additionally, critical thinking skills can enhance aircraft safety and effectiveness. Engineers can critically assess a situation, evaluate any information, and then find a plausible solution for it.
4. Computer skills
An aircraft engineer must have strong computer skills. Since we’re living in a tech-driven era, all our systems are computer-based and a variety of tasks are completed using technology. The aerospace industry has specialised software that helps the engineers draw blueprints or store data in relevant spreadsheets. Aircrafts are also designed and modified using the latest technology, so knowing computer-based skills can help improve numerous aircraft functions and features.
5. Decision making
It is essential for aircraft engineers to possess decision making skills as they constantly have to make choices relating to the aircraft design or its manufacturing. Today, engineers usually work in teams so that decision making is easy and is not restricted to just one person. Working together as a team helps them make informed decisions which are backed by string research, fact-finding, and analysis. An informed decision making helps in ensuring a secure and updated aircraft design.
6. Interpersonal skills
Strong interpersonal skills ensure that engineers can effectively convey the information and maintain meaningful communication with their peers and team workers. These skills enable them to understand what’s being said and provide a useful, positive response in return. Great interpersonal skills help the professionals deliver their best as they can easily collaborate with other departments of the aviation industry. They can also debrief issues in an aircraft to the ground crew and work together with other teams to enhance safety and effectiveness.
7. Flexibility
Unlike other professions, aircraft maintenance engineer jobs are not 9 to 5. In fact, it requires flexible working hours, so the engineers may have to remain at the airports even on weekends or holidays. Additionally, they have to manage deadlines and also remain available during emergencies. They must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and environments and respond quickly to unplanned situations. Flexibility requires them to continuously improve themselves in various situations.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. What is the most important skill for an engineer?
A: One of the essential skills possessed by an engineer is problem solving capabilities. Since their job requires them to assess a situation, identify problems, and find the best optimal solution for them. Therefore, employers want to see the workers are capable of handling tough situations in their daily routine work.
Q2. What are two soft skills that an aerospace engineer needs to have?
A: Besides the technical skills, aerospace engineers also possess certain soft skills that help them put their best knowledge to use in all sorts of disciplines. Great interpersonal skills and flexibility are two main soft skills that help distinguish the candidates during the recruitment process. These skills also help them during their professional development.
Q3. What is the work of an aircraft engineer?
A: Aircraft engineers are professional personnel involved in the technological and scientific aspects of an aircraft. They are involved in the research, design, and development of the aircraft and its components. Their work involves computer-operated systems to provide solutions and demonstrate models by using technical engineering skills.
