Intro
Embark on a career in the US Air Force as an Aerospace Engineer. Discover the 7 crucial steps to qualify, including education, experience, and certification. Learn about the roles responsibilities, salary, and benefits, as well as the skills required, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems engineering, to excel in this prestigious position.
The United States Air Force (USAF) is one of the most technologically advanced military branches in the world, and its aerospace engineers play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining its fleet of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a USAF aerospace engineer, here are the 7 steps to help you achieve your goal.
To become a USAF aerospace engineer, you'll need to meet specific educational, physical, and mental requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To be eligible to join the USAF as an aerospace engineer, you must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 39, and meet specific physical and mental requirements. You'll also need to score well on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) and pass a background check.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, such as mechanical engineering or physics, is required to become a USAF aerospace engineer. Your degree program should be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Some of the key courses you'll take as an aerospace engineering student include:
- Aerodynamics
- Propulsion systems
- Structural analysis
- Materials science
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
While pursuing your degree, try to gain as much practical experience as possible through internships, co-op programs, or research projects. This will help you build a strong portfolio and make you a more competitive candidate for USAF aerospace engineer positions.
Step 4: Commission as an Officer
To become a USAF aerospace engineer, you'll need to commission as an officer. You can do this through the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC), or the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS).
Step 5: Complete Aerospace Engineering Training
Once you've commissioned as an officer, you'll attend Aerospace Engineering Training at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) or the United States Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS). This training will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to design, develop, and test aerospace systems.
Step 6: Get Certified
While certification is not mandatory, it's highly recommended to become certified as a professional engineer (PE) or an aerospace engineer (ASE). This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
Step 7: Pursue Advanced Education and Training
Finally, to advance in your career as a USAF aerospace engineer, you'll need to pursue advanced education and training. This may include earning a master's or Ph.D. in aerospace engineering or a related field, or attending specialized courses and workshops.
By following these 7 steps, you can become a USAF aerospace engineer and play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining the Air Force's fleet of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles.
Gallery of USAF Aerospace Engineers
USAF Aerospace Engineers in Action
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the steps required to become a USAF aerospace engineer. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.