Aerospace

Aerospace2

Aerospace

Two main disciplines make up the aerospace industry; aeronautics, the study of flight, and astronautics, the study of travel beyond Earth's atmosphere. Within these divisions are a multitude of space, commercial and military uses for moving vehicles through air and space. 

There is a range of job opportunities within the aerospace and defense industry. If you have a passion for aerospace and defense, odds are there’s a way to channel it into an exciting, fulfilling career. Some jobs within the industry include aerospace engineer, systems engineer, electrical engineer, flight inspector, mechanical engineer, and quality assurance engineer.

Job Title Examples:

Skills Needed:

  • Analytical skills
  • Critical-thinking
  • Mathematical skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Writing skills

Find Opportunities

Irishcompass 01

Using IrishCompass, LinkedIn, and ND’s alumni association directory called myND is the best way to start on the networking front.

Job Databases:

Industry Timeline

It is important to note that some of the largest companies tend to recruit more heavily early in fall, though positions continue to be available throughout the year. Smaller and lesser known companies from this industry may not be as active during the standard on-campus recruiting periods. Employers in these fields may operate on a different schedule based on full-time and internship needs. 

Applying and Interviewing

Resumes

Your resume will often be the first impression for a potential employer.  You want to make sure that your resume is concise, direct, and specific. Ensure that your resume is tailored for the position and for the industry. Highlighting relevant coursework can demonstrate your fit for a particular position. Create a resume that demonstrates strengths in skills such as analytics, business, critical-thinking, math, problem-solving, and writing. Review our guide on resumes for more information on how to construct one.

Cover Letters

A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer. Use the position description to make specific connections between your skills and experience and what the organization is looking for in a candidate. The cover letter should be concise and well-written—if a potential employer reads your cover letter and is intrigued, they will then read your resume. Your cover letter should not repeat your resume verbatim, but enhance it. Together the cover letter and resume can help land you an interview. Review our guide on cover letters for more information on how to construct one.

Interviewing

Most interviews will contain a mixture of resume based questions (questions about your past experience) and behavioral based questions (your ability to handle prospective situations at work.  Most positions will begin with an interview that has a mix of these questions. Review our guide on common interview questions. 

Some companies require assessment tests as part of their vetting process. There are practice tests available online which will help you prepare for the actual assessment.

Preparation is extremely important for interviews. Research the company/organization, current and previous projects they’ve worked on, and even the people that you’re interviewing with. This will not only help provide talking points but will show your knowledge and genuine interest in the position. Utilize our resources on how to best prepare yourself to excel in your interview.

Online Resources

Explore further: 

Professional Associations:

Campus Resources

Chris

Career Counselor:
Chris Washko
Engineering and Innovation Careers Program Manager
Schedule an Appointment

Student Clubs:

Employer Examples:

  • The Boeing Company
  • Airbus
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Rolls Royce Aerospace & Defense
  • BAE Systems PLC Company
  • Raytheon Technologies
  • FAA
  • JPL Systems
  • Aerospace Corporation
  • SpaceX

Join Handshake:

Personalize your feed, explore your curiosities, and get updates that matter to you. Handshake is a dynamic system that works to match students with the most relevant resources and opportunities offered by our office including:

  • Access to personalized job recommendations – This is based on major, career interests, and profile information such as skills and experiences. When students fill out their profile, they’ll be able to see jobs and internships that match their interests and skills.
  • Ability to schedule one–on-one counseling appointments  – Counseling appointments are able to be scheduled through Handshake and held virtually via Zoom. 
  • Ability to Interact with employers – Students can research contact information for local and national employers. Employers can also message students with opportunities and information.
  • Connect with students across the country -  Students can interact with their peers through messaging, get tips and advice, as well as network. 
  • Search for and apply to open positions -  On Handshake, students can see jobs and internships posted specifically for them as well as employers actively recruiting from Notre Dame.