Aerospace Engineer
Designs and tests aircraft, satellites and their propulsion and control systems.
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- Typical pay
- €32k–€68k
- Usual education
- Degree
- Outlook
- Competitive but growing with European space, defence and sustainable aviation programmes.
A day in the life
Running a simulation, checking a component against certification requirements, then a supplier call.
Ways in
- Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree
- Airbus/ESA internships
- Masters in aeronautics
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Austria
HTL – Technical college
A common destination for students on this track.
Denmark
HTX – Technical gymnasium
A common destination for students on this track.
Spain
Bachillerato de Ciencias y Tecnología
Portugal
Ciências e Tecnologias
France
Bac général — spécialités
Germany
Oberstufe — Leistungskurse
Exams you'll need
The gates between you and this job, and when each one comes.
EBAU / Selectividad
University-access exam grades decide which engineering school you can enter — maths and physics weight heavily.
Usually neededTOLC-I (ingegneria)
Aerospace faculties such as Politecnico di Milano select on TOLC-I results.
Skills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
BEng Aerospace Engineering
Aircraft, satellites and propulsion, with heavy maths and aerodynamics.
Direct route; internships matter as much as grades.
Helpful school subjects: Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Avionics, Materials
BEng Mechanical Engineering
Machines, thermodynamics and manufacturing — the broadest engineering degree.
A safe broader base if aerospace places are scarce.
Helpful school subjects: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing, CAD