In recent times, although there is a lot of scope and future in the aerospace/aviation industry, most of the works are automated. We all know Automation is done through software engineering.
For an aircraft, most of the systems such as the controls, operations and also engine power regulations are all automized to make the pilot’s job easier.
In rockets, most of the avionics and control operations are automated. For example, at the stage of a launch, the pyro cutters that separate the rockets from different stages are all automized to conduct their operations.
Even more so, many satellites are automated in taking pictures from space to downlinking the data and saving it. An aerospace engineer can be very good with his/her basics in subjects but this knowledge is not sufficient.
I will be discussing in point so as to how one can increase his/her chances of getting a job.
Table of Contents
Learning Programming languages
- When you are pursuing engineering, along with the subject knowledge, always focus on the current industry requirements and you will realize most of it has to do with softwares.
- Learning one or two programming languages is a must. Mostly, every industry prefers Python. Python is widely used because it’s an open source software, readable with english like syntax and also very portable.
- Other important softwares that are widely used are C++, Java and Matlab. Matlab is one such software which not only performs mathematical operations but it is also used to design a mission. The coding is similar to python and is quite easy to learn.
- Nowadays you hear a lot about machine learning. Basically, it is used to automate systems. Machine learning is used with python which helps a machine think for itself. For example, you design a robot, machine learning is used where the robot makes its own decision as to turn left or right depending on the requirements. This is not just used in robots but in almost all industries also including physics. Having a basic understanding and learning machine learning is advantageous.
- Just learning a programming language is not sufficient. Try working on projects that make use of your programming skills. That way, it not just increases your chances of getting a job but also your skills.
Online Learning Platforms
You can learn programming languages online through videos on Youtube or ‘Coursera’ is one such platform to learn languages such as Python and machine learning. One other commonly used platform is ‘Udemy’. I advise students to use their opportunities to use platforms such as ‘Coursera’ because they give offers to students and sometimes, the course is for free but without a certificate.
You don’t have to worry about certificates if you have worked on some good projects and have knowledge in your respective fields. It is always better not to spend money on learning because most of the content is available for free. It just requires some good research and guidance.
Even if one wants to go into other streams such as designing, manufacturing, etc., I would still suggest you learn a programming language.
Almost all the flight components are computerized which for an aerospace engineer is important to understand how a system works. Most commonly, all the mathematical equations are coded for convenience.
Suppose in a control system, which basically defines the attitude, the orientation of the aircraft/spacecraft, it is a combination of mathematical models which are computerized that help control a body.
An aerospace engineer is not restricted to only one subsystem but they are responsible to integrate all the subsystems which require acquiring knowledge of the entire system as a whole. If you think it is too late to learn programming languages, remember nothing is too late to learn.
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