Aerospace engineers are involved with all phases of research and development in aeronautics and astronautics. Aerospace professionals apply their knowledge to build better aircraft, send a spacecraft to Mars, or design a satellite used in predicting the weather. Aerospace technology has expanded to involve itself with the design and development of new earthbound vehicles such as performance automobiles and high speed rail. Professionals may apply their knowledge to study how the wind will affect a new building in a large urban area, design an energy conserving skyscraper, or do the research for an artificial heart. Aerospace engineering is intimately involved in the design, manufacture, control, and operation of these systems coupled with a consideration of environmental, ethical, and social issues.
Salaries range greatly from one occupation, position, and work setting to another.