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Aeronautical Engineer, Aircraft Engineer, Aviation Engineer, Professional Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Engineer, Satellite Engineering
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Aerospace engineers work on:
Aerospace engineers may specialize in:
Aerodynamics engineers deal with the forces created by motion through air as it relates to aircraft performance and the pilot. Working with design engineers, they use computers and wind tunnels to simulate flight and resulting fluid dynamics. This helps them to:
Structural engineers determine whether an aircraft or spacecraft can safely carry the loads it is designed to carry. Through structural and stress analysis and testing, they figure out safety margins for aircraft, rockets, and spacecraft.
Design engineers design and develop new aircraft, spacecraft, and their components. They also improve on existing designs. Design engineers:
Aerospace engineers specialize in experimental testing. They build models and analyze prototypes to test the aerodynamics, stability, control, propulsion, and structural performance of a proposed design. They change the design and study test results to find out how factors like weight distribution affect the design.
They also test how well aircraft, spacecraft, engines, or components will perform by:
Materials engineers select heat- and cold-resistant materials with high strength-to-weight ratios for each section of the aircraft or spacecraft. They:
Project management engineers develop work plans and schedules to ensure that quality products are produced on time without cost increases. They:
Aerospace engineers work mostly indoors in offices, testing labs, and hangars. They use computer programs to model, simulate, calculate, record, and analyze data. They may supervise work carried out at production sites or manufacturing plants. They may also work at a field site such as a launching pad.
Aerospace engineers may have to work overtime to meet project deadlines. Project managers may be called back to work when problems arise with projects. They must deal with a lot of pressure regarding deadlines and design standards. They may need to travel.
Although rare, an aerospace engineer may work alone. More often, they work as part of a larger team of specialists. As a direct supervisor, they may have a team of skilled technicians reporting to them.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to investigate, report and recommend corrective actions for structural, component and system failures, and to develop operational specifications and maintenance schedules
Interest in precision working to develop and conduct computer simulations using advanced mathematical modelling
Interest in supervising and co-ordinating the manufacturing, assembly, modification, repair and overhaul of aircraft and spacecraft; and in co-ordinating ground and flight tests
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Aerospace engineers need:
They should enjoy:
The minimum educational requirement for an entry-level job as an aerospace engineer is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in engineering or applied science. Most advanced specialist engineers in the aerospace industry have at least a master’s degree. Aerospace engineers who do research and development often have doctoral (PhD) degrees.
A high school graduate may enroll in any undergraduate-level engineering or science program and then specialize in aerospace engineering at the post-graduate level. Several universities have mechanical engineering programs with some emphasis on aeronautical and aerospace disciplines.
As well, several Canadian post-secondary schools offer degree programs related to aerospace engineering:
For current information about programs, admission requirements, and mature student admission policies please check post-secondary calendars or websites.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.
You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment in aerospace engineering is concentrated in cities such as Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Winnipeg, and on military bases. There is some aerospace-related activity in:
Aerospace engineers usually start out under the direct supervision of senior engineers. With experience and a good track record, they receive more responsibilities. They may be promoted to positions such as project manager, department head, division manager, and vice president.
The Minister of Transportation may delegate aerospace engineers to approve design changes to aeronautical products. Legislation governing such delegation can be found in the Canadian Airworthiness Manual. Opportunities for advancement or entrepreneurship depend on the level of delegation granted by the Minister of Transportation, and can be significant.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2146: Aerospace engineers occupational group, 80.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
Aerospace Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) website: forces.ca/en/career/aerospace-engineering-officer/
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
