21390 – Aerospace engineers
Lead statement
Aerospace engineers research, design and develop aerospace vehicles, aerospace systems and their components, and perform duties related to their testing, evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance.
Main duties
- Design and develop aerospace vehicles, systems and components such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites and space-based communication systems
- Develop and conduct computer simulations of aerospace vehicles, systems and components using advanced mathematical modelling
- Prepare specifications for materials and processes to be used in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair or modification
- Supervise and coordinate the manufacturing, assembly, modification, repair and overhaul of aircraft and spacecraft
- Coordinate ground and flight tests of air and spacecraft
- Develop operational specifications, maintenance schedules and manuals for operators
- Develop the technical phases of logistical and operational support for aerospace vehicles and systems
- Investigate and report on structural or other component or system failures, accidents or incidents and prepare recommendations for corrective action.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or in a related engineering discipline, such as mechanical engineering or engineering physics, is required.
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Example job titles
aerodynamics engineer · aeronautical engineer · aerospace engineer · aerospace engineer - design and development · aerospace engineer - flight operations · aerospace engineer - flight support · aerospace engineer - flight test · aerospace engineer - mass properties · aerospace engineer - materials and processes · aerospace structural engineer · structures aerospace engineer · aerospace engineer - systems analysis · aircraft design engineer · aeronautical project engineer · propulsion engineer - aerospace vehicles · aerospace engineer - propulsion systems · space reliability specialist · aerospace reliability specialist · stress engineer - aerospace · aerospace engineer - material stress · aerospace test engineer · engineer weight analyst - aircraft design · aerospace engineer - weight and balance · aerospace systems engineer · weight and balance engineer - aerospace · aerospace engineer - systems · aerospace engineering officer - Canadian armed forces
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $33.76 | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $28.92 | $47.00 | $70.73 |
| Quebec | $34.00 | $47.60 | $100.00 |
| Ontario | $31.25 | $56.41 | $100.00 |
| Manitoba | $34.42 | $48.49 | $63.08 |
| Alberta | $28.51 | $43.76 | $67.36 |
| British Columbia | $33.70 | $47.47 | $69.60 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.