<p>I'm considering what major I want to go into and I was just wondering what typical careers do aeronautical engineers or what companies are big employers of aero engineers</p>
<p>Aerospace engineering is a broad industry which encompasses a lot of roles and other engineering disciplines as well (MechE, EE, AeroE, ChemE, etc.). </p>
<p>In this sense it’s difficult to say what and Aero Engineering would be doing in that particular industry. You could be doing everything from component design to validation to verification testing, failure analysis, controls systems, flight dynamics, federal regulatory issues, fluidics, propulsion, etc. </p>
<p>Having an AeroE degree also does not limit you to that industry in particular. Many of the classes carry over into MechE and for a slightly more rigorous courseload you can double as well. I know a few MechE’s currently working in the Aerospace industry and a few AeroE’s working in other industries as well (Civil, Computer, etc.)</p>
<p>Also, bear in mind that for larger companies you are more likely to be more specialized and work on a (or a few) specific components. My friend who is working at a smaller aero firm just does everything from design to manufacturing because they can only afford to hire a few engineers. </p>
<p>What aspect of the aerospace industry are you interested in?</p>
<p>I’m kinda intrigued by the flight design aspect of aero. Stuff like aerodynamics and propulsion seem really interesting. I suppose more of a focus on the mechanical aspects of aero</p>
<p>When you’re considering this as a career factor in that many of the big companies work on contract (government, defense) so you may be looking for a job every 2-3 years. Also you may find yourself moving across country in search of jobs.</p>