A scientist in an aerospace company

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for physicists to work in aerospace companies, exploring career paths, areas of specialization, and the nature of work within the aerospace industry. Participants share insights on qualifications, job roles, and the relevance of physics in aerospace engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that physicists can work in aerospace companies, with many firms hiring individuals with physics backgrounds.
  • There is a discussion about the types of engineering roles available in aerospace, with a focus on the need for practical skills rather than purely academic research.
  • Participants inquire about areas of specialization within physics that would enhance job prospects in aerospace, such as thermodynamics, electromagnetics, and systems engineering.
  • Some express curiosity about the actual work done in aerospace firms, particularly regarding the use of existing software and the roles of computational physicists and applied mathematicians.
  • One participant mentions that many job postings may specify engineering degrees, but physics and math graduates are also considered for similar positions.
  • Concerns are raised about the integrity of companies and the importance of researching potential employers before accepting job offers.
  • Questions are posed about the possibility of internships in aerospace engineering for physics undergraduates to gain relevant experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that physicists can find roles in aerospace, but there is no consensus on the specific paths or specializations that are most beneficial. Multiple viewpoints exist regarding the nature of work in aerospace firms and the qualifications needed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of roles within aerospace, differing opinions on the relevance of physics versus engineering qualifications, and the lack of detailed information on specific job functions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in physics or related fields considering a career in aerospace, professionals seeking to transition into aerospace from other disciplines, and individuals interested in the intersection of physics and engineering.

Aniket1
Messages
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Can a physicist work at an aerospace company?? If yes, which companies offer such jobs?
 
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Aniket1 said:
Can a physicist work at an aerospace company??
Sure.

If yes, which companies offer such jobs?

Pretty much all of them.

But don't expect that the job will be doing "university-type" research and nothing else.
 
I am currently studying an integrated masters in physics course. It is a 5 year course. I am currently in the second year. What should I do to increase my chances of going into aerospace? What should be my area of specialization?
 
Look into what kinds of engineering (and with whom) interest you. Find those job postings, and start adding to your toolbox the things they are looking for.
 
guys what types of aerospace engeneering are there
 
Just make sure that you trust the company that you work for. You don't want to be the 'green guy' on the books if the company does something dishonest and tanks. Research the history of the CEO, CFO, the rest of those guys. If the CFO has a history of fraud allegations... step with caution. (Do this if you have an offer, before then it may be time better spent elsewhere)
 
What fields are appropriate for specialization (while pursuing masters in physics) to have a career in the aerospace field?
 
I'm interested in this as well. For a lot of aerodynamics stuff it seems like the software has been created already, and firms probably just need regular engineers to use it. I read this on a computational fluids forum for aerospace engineering a while ago.

Anyone have information on what exactly goes on in aerospace firms? I'm curious about this career path.
 
hadsed said:
Anyone have information on what exactly goes on in aerospace firms? I'm curious about this career path.


Electromagnetics : EMI, radar, antenna engineering

Thermodynamics: propulsion engineering, heat transfer

Optics: sensor systems, materials

Systems Engineering, Operations Analysis...

and many more...
 
  • #10
Interesting. I sort of assumed that they hired all types of engineers. Still, do you also agree with what I said above that? And is there work to do at aerospace firms for computational physicists or applied mathematicians?
 
  • #11
hadsed said:
Interesting. I sort of assumed that they hired all types of engineers. Still, do you also agree with what I said above that? And is there work to do at aerospace firms for computational physicists or applied mathematicians?

Sure, half of my department when I hired in have advanced degrees in physics and math. My background is in computational physics and I run all sorts of codes and do many types of analysis. You just got to apply, many of the job postings call out engineering, but they also hire physics and math degrees for the same positions.
 
  • #12
Dr Transport said:
Sure, half of my department when I hired in have advanced degrees in physics and math. My background is in computational physics and I run all sorts of codes and do many types of analysis. You just got to apply, many of the job postings call out engineering, but they also hire physics and math degrees for the same positions.

1. What areas should I concentrate on to shape my career in that direction?
2. Can I apply for internships in universities to learn stuff regarding aerospace engineering, being in an undergraduate physics program?
 

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