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PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Aerospace and Astronautical Engineer

ROLE IN A WORK CONTEXT

The Aerospace and Astronautical Engineer:

• Develops simplified physical-mathematical models for estimating aerodynamic loads, analyzing flow fields in various aerospace and industrial applications, and calculating aerodynamic loads on different components;

• Conducts experimental testing in controlled-flow environments (wind tunnels, long pipes) and critically interprets the resulting data;

• Designs and manages quality and production systems for manufacturing industries applying advanced technologies in aerospace materials, aerodynamics, and lightweight structures;

• Analyzes and identifies material treatments and functionalization processes (both structural and functional), as well as production processes for specific aeronautical and space components, taking into account the effects that transformation and subsequent processing may have on the structure and properties of the material;

• Ensures the design, development, testing, and management of major conventional and unconventional aerospace systems and subsystems, overseeing production and process optimization;

• Oversees the design and planning of innovative technical solutions within the aeronautical and space industry, from defining specifications through prototype development and industrial production, ensuring reliability and quality control;

• Develops physical-mathematical models to interpret the behavior of aerospace systems and subsystems and their dynamic interaction with the external environment, using specific investigative methodologies such as experimental, analytical, and numerical modeling and simulation;

• Designs onboard systems, subsystems, and installations for aeronautical and space vehicles to ensure operational functionality (vehicle guidance and control, power generation and distribution, avionics and onboard electronic systems, data transmission and processing, thermal control and air conditioning, etc.), as well as ground systems required for mission control and testing;

• Conducts ground and flight testing of aeronautical and space systems, onboard instrumentation, and guidance, navigation, and control systems;

• Designs and develops methodologies, subsystems, and instrumentation for special applications such as remote sensing, and manages aircraft/payload integration for applications involving remotely piloted vehicles;

• Develops physical-mathematical models for performance analysis, trajectory optimization, and the study of the influence of aircraft center of gravity on stability and controllability, as well as the impact of configuration on takeoff and landing performance;

• Critically analyzes and solves problems related to airline fleet management and control, aircraft maintenance, including system modifications and certification, and the management of operational, administrative, and technical-commercial processes;

• Oversees the certification process of remotely piloted aircraft, the authorization process for operations, and provides consultancy in the event of incidents;

• Participates in aerospace scientific research projects in both academic and industrial settings;

• Holds organizational and managerial roles requiring specific technological expertise, particularly in the analysis and management of design and production processes.

SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROLE

The Aerospace and Astronautical Engineer:

• Has in-depth knowledge of atmospheric and space vehicle systems and components;

• Is familiar with innovative techniques for modeling, designing, and prototyping aerospace systems;

• Understands the methodological and operational aspects of industrial engineering disciplines;

• Has basic knowledge of information engineering;

• Is knowledgeable about regulations governing conventional and remotely piloted aircraft operations, as well as international air traffic control regulations;

• Has thorough knowledge of the main experimental and numerical validation methodologies;

• Is familiar with certification procedures for aeronautical components and remotely piloted aircraft;

• Is able to interact and collaborate effectively with colleagues and other professionals in the aerospace industry and research environments.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The specific engineering and technical preparation enables graduates of the Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering to pursue a wide range of professional opportunities in the aerospace sector, including positions of responsibility in industry and coordination roles in research.

The Aerospace and Astronautical Engineer may find employment in:

• Research, Development, and Production sectors of aerospace, naval, mechanical, process, and automotive industries;

• Italian and international aerospace research centers;

• Companies developing remotely piloted systems and operators of remotely piloted aircraft;

• Industries producing machinery and systems with significant relevance to fluid dynamics, advanced materials and lightweight structures, electrical and hydraulic systems and their interaction, as well as wind energy production systems;

• Aircraft maintenance companies and flight schools for obtaining commercial pilot licenses;

• Government agencies responsible for Air Traffic Control;

• National and international space agencies;

• Technical offices within Public Administration.

The Aerospace and Astronautical Engineer may also practice as an independent professional, subject to passing the State Examination and registering with the Order of Engineers.

Continuing to study

It gives access to third cycle studies (Dottorato di ricerca/Scuole di specializzazione) and master universitario di secondo livello.