aircraft systems engineer

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Aircraft Systems Engineer: Role, Responsibilities, and Career Path

An Aircraft Systems Engineer specializes in the design, development, integration, and maintenance of the various systems that keep an aircraft operational. These professionals work in aerospace companies, airlines, defense organizations, and regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities of an Aircraft Systems Engineer

System Design & Integration Develop and integrate flight controls, avionics, hydraulics, electrical, and propulsion systems. Work on new aircraft designs, modifications, or upgrades.
Performance Analysis & Testing Use computer simulations, wind tunnel testing, and real-world flight tests. Analyze data to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Regulatory Compliance & Certification Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA, ICAO, and military regulations. Document safety assessments and risk analyses.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance Support Provide technical support for aircraft maintenance teams and pilots. Diagnose system failures and recommend solutions.
Research & Innovation Work on emerging technologies like electric propulsion, AI-driven avionics, and automation.

Key Aircraft Systems Engineers Work On

Flight Control Systems – Ailerons, elevators, rudder, flaps, spoilers.
Avionics & Electrical Systems – Communication, navigation, autopilot, sensors.
Propulsion Systems – Jet engines, turboprops, hybrid-electric propulsion.
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems – Landing gear, braking, actuation.
Fuel & Environmental Systems – Fuel distribution, pressurization, cooling.

Skills Required for Aircraft Systems Engineers

✅ Strong engineering principles (mechanical, electrical, aerospace).
✅ Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA, Solid Works), CFD & FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN).
✅ Understanding of aircraft regulations (FAA Part 25, EASA CS-25).
✅ Knowledge of control systems, automation, and avionics.
✅ Ability to analyze flight data, performance reports, and troubleshooting logs.

Education & Career Path

1. Bachelor's Degree – Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Avionics.
2. Master's Degree (optional) – Specializing in aircraft systems, avionics, or propulsion.
3. Industry Experience – Work at Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, NASA, or airline engineering teams.
4. Certification (optional) – FAA DER (Designated Engineering Representative), EASA Part 66 for maintenance engineers.

Where Aircraft Systems Engineers Work