Aerospace Engineer

An aerospace engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems for aviation and space applications in Australian or international aerospace industries. They apply aerodynamic principles, structural analysis, and propulsion systems knowledge to solve complex engineering problems, working within regulatory frameworks set by bodies such as CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and conducting design work using computational modelling and physical testing. The role spans conceptual design through to manufacturing support and in-service support of aerospace vehicles and components.

Conduct aerodynamic analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimise aircraft and spacecraft designs using software such as ANSYS or CATIA. Perform structural analysis and finite element method (FEM) modelling to verify aircraft components and systems can withstand design loads and environmental conditions. Design aircraft systems including avionics, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical power distribution, and environmental control systems. Develop propulsion system specifications and integration concepts for jet engines, turboprops, or electric/hybrid powerplants. Create detailed engineering drawings and technical specifications in accordance with Australian and international aerospace standards (AS/NZS, MIL-SPEC, DO-178C). Ensure designs comply with CASA certification requirements and conduct or oversee design assurance activities to meet regulatory standards. Participate in design review meetings and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to identify and mitigate technical and safety risks. Conduct or supervise ground and flight testing of prototype aircraft, components, and systems, analysing test data and implementing design modifications.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

The Australian aerospace industry is tiny. You'll likely need to relocate to Melbourne, Brisbane, or abroad, or pivot to defence contracting. Getting up to speed on CASA certification rules, CFD software, and structural analysis takes 2 to 3 years even with an engineering degree. Pay is solid but capped lower than software or finance roles.

Many aerospace roles are tied to defence contracts, which are geographically locked. Remote work is rare because testing and design reviews need in-person collaboration. International work (US, UK, Canada) is common for career growth.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2339, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Adjust engineering designscore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Improvement Identificationcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Digital Literacy
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Negotiation
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboards
• Process Documentation
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026