Aeronautical engineers focus on developing and creating new technologies for use with aircrafts, including airplanes, helicopters and missiles. Aeronautical engineering is interrelated to astronautical engineering and aerospace engineering. Astronautical engineering focuses on craft design for use in space, while aerospace engineering deals with all aspects of aerospace and aeronautics. The job of aeronautical engineers often involves aviation, guidance, navigation and production of aircrafts. Aeronautical engineers work in a number of industries such as aviation, commercial air travel and military defense.

An aeronautical engineer can fulfill contracts on aircraft design, aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, flight testing or communication systems. A specialized in-house aeronautical engineer offers flexibility to provide services within and outside the firm for a range of contacts from initial design to structure and materials, to flight-testing and routine maintenance. When developing in-house solutions for aeronautical engineers consider the following:

1. Locate specialized aeronautical engineers to fill short term and contracts.

2. Increase local projects by ensuring staff receive the latest training in aeronautical engineering.

3. Purchase professional software to assist in researching, completing analysis and handling aeronautical engineering jobs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use an online aeronautical engineering provider to locate job candidates

Job boards and staffing agencies simplify searching for candidates with specialized training and advanced degrees in aeronautical engineering. List your requirements to receive resumes or matches to appropriate engineering professionals, to expand your in-house team.

I recommend: Find aeronautical engineering professionals suitable for contract and short-term projects for your small business at Kelly Engineering Resources. Post job openings and locate skilled engineering professionals at IHireEngineering.

Ensure staff is kept updated on changes in aeronautical engineering

The rapid changes in small business technology with in-house engineering firms must keep current. In addition, aeronautical engineering jobs require advanced knowledge and specialized learning gained through advanced degrees.

I recommend: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers programs designed for working professionals with online tutorials, classroom learning and home based learning modules. Complete a MS in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University through distance learning. A MS in Aeronautical Science from Emery-Riddle Aeronautical University can help small business employees keep up with industry changes.

Save money and time by using software designed for use by aeronautical engineers

Provide aeronautical engineering services in-house as opposed to contracting outside your firm to reduce overhead costs to the budget. Reduce calculation errors with software designed for aeronautical engineering. Information provided in professional software programs calculate complex calculations, saves time and reduces workload.

I recommend: Develop cost saving strategies when analyzing airfoil and creating 3D wings with software from Hanley Innovations. Advanced Aircraft Analysis software is industry recognized, capable of providing aircraft design and analysis. Order software from Aerorocket useful for Computational Fluid Dynamics, Computer Assisted Drawing and flight stimulation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Aeronautical engineering is a highly complex and constantly evolving field. In-house engineers should continue to study literature and take advantage of updated software to remain knowledgeable.