Software engineering instead of mechanical engineering

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision to pursue a master's degree in software engineering versus mechanical engineering, particularly in relation to a career in the aerospace industry. Participants explore the implications of this choice, including the integration of software in aircraft systems and the perceived status of software engineers compared to other engineering disciplines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to work in the aerospace industry as a software engineer, questioning the feasibility of this path given their passion for aircraft and lack of coding experience.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice between working on the physical aircraft or the software that controls it is crucial and recommends starting to learn programming through online resources or community college courses.
  • A later reply confirms that it is indeed possible to obtain a job in the aerospace sector as a software engineer, providing a link to job opportunities.
  • One participant reflects on their evolving interest from physical aircraft to software development for avionics systems, considering a master's in software engineering or computer science as a practical choice.
  • Concerns are raised about the perception of software engineers being viewed as inferior to other engineers, with a participant emphasizing that their choice is based on personal conviction rather than the perceived ease of the path.
  • Questions are posed about the potential for software engineers to transition into systems engineering roles within the aerospace field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding the value and status of software engineering in the aerospace industry. There is no consensus on whether pursuing software engineering is a better choice than mechanical engineering, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the perceptions of software engineers.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention prerequisites for university programs and the importance of foundational programming skills, but there are no specific details on the requirements or the implications of these prerequisites.

cgoetz86
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
I have been talking on this forum for a while about going back to school for engineering. I've been considering though getting a masters in software engineering. I am sort of conflicted though. I like computers but my main passion is aircraft. Since aircraft are becoming increasingly reliant on computers iwould it be possible to get a job in the aerospace industry as a software engineer because this is the field I really want to get into? I don't have any prior experience with writing code or anything like that but that doesn't seem to matter to the university I want to attend just got to complete a few pre requisites, but is there anything I can do on my own to prepare such as taking some classes at the community college? Also I am also it seems like software engineers seemed to be viewed as inferior to other engineers. I feel like I would be selling out by choosing the path of software engineer but I feel that my concerns are unwarranted because it seems that software engineers aint doing that bad, and it seems like the field is pretty stable. Bottom line as long as I can combine computers with working with aircraft Id be happy.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm a junior undergrad computer engineer - it depends on what you want to do, I'd guess. Would you rather work on the physical plane itself, or would you rather work on the software that controls it?

I'd first learn some programming; I've heard coursera is pretty good.

Alternatively, you could go look up a few tutorials to do things in a language (python is a pretty easy start) and try to solve some problems (for example, stuff like http://projecteuler.net/). You could also take some community college courses if you'd rather - just try to start learning programming and see if you'd like studying that sort of thing (and doing it every day!).Also, you say you want to get a masters; did you already get a mechanical engineering degree, out of curiosity?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
cgoetz86 said:
I have been talking on this forum for a while about going back to school for engineering. I've been considering though getting a masters in software engineering. I am sort of conflicted though. I like computers but my main passion is aircraft. Since aircraft are becoming increasingly reliant on computers iwould it be possible to get a job in the aerospace industry as a software engineer because this is the field I really want to get into? I don't have any prior experience with writing code or anything like that but that doesn't seem to matter to the university I want to attend just got to complete a few pre requisites, but is there anything I can do on my own to prepare such as taking some classes at the community college? Also I am also it seems like software engineers seemed to be viewed as inferior to other engineers. I feel like I would be selling out by choosing the path of software engineer but I feel that my concerns are unwarranted because it seems that software engineers aint doing that bad, and it seems like the field is pretty stable. Bottom line as long as I can combine computers with working with aircraft Id be happy.

The answer is simply yes, you can get a job in the aerospace industry.
http://jobs-boeing.com/careers/software-engineering-jobs
 
Thanks for the feedback. I thought in the beginning I would always like too work on the physical plane, but now I've been looking into other tech fields in which I can still work with aircraft. So I guess what I am trying to say is I am interested in the devolopment of software that control the aircraft and the avionics systems. No I do not have an undergrad in mechanical engineering but I started to get a second degree in it, I decided to restart but now I am wondering if a masters in software engineering or computer science might be a more practical choice. The university in my area said that doesn't matter I would just have to take some prerequisites. I have been looking at tutorials, they are helpful but I feel a traditional class would work better for me. Like I said bottom line as long as I can be part of the team to develop aircraft Id be happy.

Also I've been looking at the field of systems engineering, Can a software engineer enter the field of systems engineering for aircraft?

I just wqnt it known that I am not choosing this because I think its easier path which I am sure it isnt. I am doing it because It just feels right.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Considering Switching from Physics to Computer Engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Other After an Engineering Physics BSc, can I enroll in a Physics MSc?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Programs Engineering Triple Major (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K
Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Programs CS vs Software Engineering degree
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Engineering Opportunities in the US: Mechanical vs. Software
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
10K
Good Software to download and familiarize myself with
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Which topics are best to focus on in my spare time for engineering?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Looking for AEDsys software (aircraft engine design)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Most Fundamental or Important Class for Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K