Difference Between Aerospace &

Aeronautical Engineering
The differences between aerospace engineers and aeronautical engineers are subtle, but distinct.
Continue reading to review the aspects of these professions that differ, as well as what these
professions have in common.

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Comparing Aerospace Engineer to Aeronautical Engineer

Aerospace engineers and aeronautical engineers share a lot of common duties. The main
difference between these two professions is that aeronautical engineering is a specialization
within aerospace engineering. Workers in aeronautical engineering often work exclusively with
aircraft, while aerospace engineers may also work with weapons or spacecraft; and typically earn
a higher salary than aeronautical engineers.

Responsibilities of Aerospace Engineer vs Aeronautical

Engineer
Aerospace engineers and aeronautical engineers are engineering professionals who work with
crafts, machines, computers or electronics that operate in the air or in space. They perform a lot
of similar tasks, such as developing design proposals and assessing their design plans to make
sure they are safe and functional. Teamwork is crucial, and those who advance to senior
positions may be involved in managing projects and overseeing the work of several different
staff members. Some aerospace engineers specialize in working with different functions of an
aircraft or weapon, such as navigation. Aeronautical engineers specifically focus on working
with planes and other types of aircraft.

Aerospace Engineer

Becoming an aerospace engineer involves earning a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering,

and possessing expert knowledge in aero or thermodynamics. Aerospace engineers apply
technological theories to the development of various aircrafts. Duties include manufacturing and
testing aircraft, space shuttles or weapons. These experts may develop new technologies for
aerospace crafts, satellites or missiles, and can specialize in the development of these systems.
Aerospace engineers may find themselves working on projects ranging from commercial
airplanes to military rockets.

Job responsibilities of an aerospace engineer include:

Develop and evaluate design plans

Have prototypes constructed and assessed
 Revise design plans to improve functions
Assess product safety and standards
Review problems and determine solutions

Aeronautical Engineer

Aeronautical engineers specialize in the design and development of planes and other aircraft, and
possess expertise in fields such as aeroacoustics or fluid dynamics. They need to have a
bachelor's degree in their field or a related engineering field, and earning a license may be
required to advance to senior positions. They spend a lot of time working in offices, although
they may go to factories and other locations where parts are being manufactured or where
aircraft are being assembled as part of their duties. Ensuring that safe aircraft are constructed is a
crucial part of their responsibilities, and they need to be very thorough in their assessment of the
products they work with in order to identify potential issues or determine why a product hasn't
worked properly.

Job responsibilities of an aeronautical engineer include:

Meet with clients to discuss their needs

Review design proposals and determine the cost of production
Modify design proposals to fit a client's budget
Perform tests to assess the safety of aircraft
Study product performance issues and recommend solutions
Determine how to minimize environmental damage from aircraft