Aerospace stress engineers use their knowledge of engineering to determine how powerful a machine is. The primary job of a stress engineer is to test how a piece of machinery relates to stress. They calculate the strain put on a particular machine and its response to stress. They also build models to make the simulation of a machine. Furthermore, they research materials and components to get the best for a device.
Aerospace engineers are the ones who are generously rewarded in the stress engineering field. They earn an average of over $100,000 on the field and as much as $70,000 working from home. Stress engineering is a job that is needed in every engineering category. They help prevent low-quality productions and also minimize accidents. It is a readily available job, hence a good career option to consider. Furthermore, online sites like Jooble can also offer assistance in finding a job for an aerospace load engineer without breaking a sweat.
How to Become an Aerospace Stress Engineer
Aerospace stress engineers work in the aerospace industry. They deal with the stress control of an aircraft and related machines. They also test the stress strength of missiles, space crafts, and military aircrafts. Therefore, you must have some academic experience, certifications, and skills before pursuing this career path.
Below are the steps to implement when planning to become an aerospace stress engineer.
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Get the Necessary Education
Educational qualifications are essential in becoming an aerospace stress engineer. A bachelor’s degree in Material Science and Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or other related fields is required to explore this career path. Professional courses can also give you an edge over other employers.
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Gain Practical Knowledge
Another vital step in aerospace stress engineering is gaining practical knowledge. You can acquire this knowledge by interning in a company. However, you do not need to start your internship in the aerospace industry. You can intern as a stress engineer in other sectors. You can also consider interning in different engineering positions like structural engineering, material engineering, and mechanical engineering.
The bulk of skills gained through these internships will help you do better as a stress engineer. Internships will also give you experience that can help make your CV attractive. You can also get involved in engineering projects or practice during your studies to gain practical knowledge.
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Apply for Entry-Level Engineering Roles
After your studies and internship, you should apply for entry-level jobs. It would be best if you focused on jobs that do not require you to have much professional experience. Applying for an entry-level position will also help you build your way up the professional ladder.
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Consider Getting an Advanced Degree
You still can get the job of an aerospace stress engineer with a Bachelor’s degree, considering an advanced degree would make a difference. With an advanced degree like a Master’s or PhD, you have higher chances of getting employed more quickly and earning more income.
Skills That You Need to Become an Aerospace Stress Engineer
Apart from academic qualifications, professional experiences, and practical knowledge, there are some skills that you should have to be a successful aerospace stress engineer. These skills are:
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Analytical Skills
The primary duty of an aerospace stress engineer is to examine the amount of stress that a machine can go through. This means that the engineer must be able to analyze the proportion of stress to other conditions accurately. This necessitates a stress engineer to have excellent analytical skills and accurately deduce a conclusion from experiments.
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Attention to Detail
Another essential skill for a stress engineer is a keen eye for detail. A slight change in conditions can cause a significant difference in the result. This means that an oversight on the part of the stress engineer can be the primary cause of the machine failure. Hence, to be a sound aerospace stress engineer, you need to be able to observe even minute details.
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Good Assembly Skills
One of the duties of a stress engineer is building prototypes and 3D models. This makes it necessary for a stress engineer to know how to assemble machines. Then, you can create your prototype correctly to get the desired results.
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Fabrication
Another skill set that a stress engineer needs is fabrication skills. The skill is vital for creating and testing prototypes. With good fabrication skills, you can create your models and work with them efficiently.
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Industry Knowledge
You obviously need profound knowledge of the stress engineering industry and engineering generally to be a proficient stress engineer. This inside knowledge will let you know what has failed and what to avoid. It will also help if you are privy to information about trends and materials.
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Proficiency in Using CAD
The world keeps growing now, and the computer is at the center of it all. You can use computer-assisted programs to do the bulk of your work quickly and more efficiently. Hence, you need to find your way around the required software and programs.
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Finite Element Analysis
Another important skill for a stress engineer is finite element analysis. This skill is handy during project simulation and prototype testing for real-world situations.
Conclusion
Starting a career in aerospace stress engineering can be demanding, but it is worth every bit. Stress engineers typically work with and provide engineering support for project engineers, architects, estate developers, plant engineers, and facilities managers. Many stress engineers work in the aerospace and aircraft industries. However, there are also some rewarding career opportunities in the automotive, petroleum, nuclear power, medical, and plastics manufacturing industries.
