Aeronautical engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and their systems. Their responsibilities include creating and improving designs for aircraft structures, propulsion systems, and guidance and control systems. They use principles of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, and materials science to evaluate their designs and ensure that they meet the desired performance, safety, and cost criteria. They also perform simulation and wind tunnel testing to validate and optimize their designs.
In addition to design and development, aeronautical engineers are involved in the production and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. They oversee the manufacture of parts and systems, and they may also be involved in troubleshooting and repair of aircraft and systems.
Aeronautical engineers work in a variety of settings, including aerospace and defense companies, government agencies, and research institutions. They may specialize in a particular area of aeronautics, such as propulsion, avionics, or structures.