The following are some of the major kinds of roles. Analytical engineers use their knowledge of engineering concepts to analyze data and make conclusions. For example, based on their understanding of aerodynamics and structures, engineers can figure out what makes an airplane fly the way it does and how to make it safer and stronger. Engineers use some of their most creative skills when it comes to design - they determine the size, shape, structure, arrangement, and function of components of airplanes that meet the specifications set by the customer and safety or cost constraints. They also need to keep in mind how the aerodynamics, power requirements and weight will affect the overall design.
Materials engineers study materials, both conventional and composite for use in airplane structures.
Some areas of concern are the strength and rigidity of the material, its availibility, its ease of processing, and its resistance to temperature and fatigue. Because an airplane's design is really the combination of a bunch of smaller sub-systems, a systems engineer tries to look at the big picture. They use their overall knowledge of engineering to determine whether all the systems interface with each other correctly. Often they need to check back with the customer to make sure the design being developed is on the right track and meeting their specifications. Because almost all systems on an airplane are controlled by computers, software engineers design and test the software that control and instruct those computers.