Welcome to Aerospace Engineering!
What Aerospace Engineers Do
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and rockets. Mathematics, physics, engineering principles, and computational skills form the foundation of aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineers also create new technologies in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, structures, avionics, and controls. They use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to model and analyze the behavior of aerospace systems. They conduct wind tunnel tests, structural tests, and flight simulations to assess the performance of aerospace vehicles and their subsystems to ensure they meet performance and safety standards. They also monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot aerospace systems as needed, analyze performance data, identify potential issues, and develop solutions to address these issues, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of aerospace vehicles. Typical specializations among aerospace engineers include the following:
- Aerodynamics Engineers: study the flow of air and gases around moving objects, such as aircraft and spacecraft but also automobiles, skiers, cyclists, soccer balls and golf balls. Design the shape of things to optimize aerodynamic performance.
- Aerospace Structural Engineers: Analyze, design, and test aircraft and spacecraft structures, ensuring they can withstand the forces experienced during flight. They use advanced materials in their design to minimize aerospace vehicle structural weight.
- Airplane Configuration Engineers: Lead multi-disciplinary teams of engineers to design and integrate various subsystems (aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight controls, avionics, landing gear, electrical, fuel management, environmental control, etc.) to ensure they work together seamlessly to meet the mission requirements of the airplane.
- Avionics Engineers: Design communication, navigation, and guidance systems, as well as instrumentation and data acquisition systems for aircraft and spacecraft.
- Control Systems Engineers: Develop control systems for aircraft and spacecraft, such as autopilot systems, flight control algorithms, and navigation systems to ensure stability, maneuverability, and accuracy in performing the mission of the aerospace vehicle.
- Propulsion Engineers: Design aerospace propulsion systems, such as jet engines and rocket engines, improving fuel efficiency, thrust, and overall performance. Develop advanced propulsion technologies, such as electric and hybrid propulsion systems.
- Spacecraft Engineers: Design spacecraft for missions such as satellite deployment, planetary exploration, or space station modules, taking into consideration factors specific to space environments, such as microgravity, radiation, and extreme temperatures.
The BSAE Program
The BSAE curriculum is based on a strong core of mathematics, science, and engineering science designed to prepare students for professional careers in aerospace engineering fields, such as aircraft and space systems research, design, development, and testing. It also provides excellent preparation for graduate study. Modern laboratories support experimental work in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, dynamics, stability and control, aerospace structures, space systems engineering, rocketry, aircraft and spacecraft design. Students have many opportunities to participate in national design-build-fly competitions (aircraft) under the guidance of industry experts, as well as design-build-launch projects (spacecraft) under the guidance of NASA engineers. The BS program in Aerospace Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Student Clubs
The department is the home of several student chapters of aerospace professional societies, which host numerous professional and social events throughout the year, such as tours of aerospace facilities, guest speakers from industry, resume reviews, networking opportunities, participation in professional conferencse and national design competitions, as well as social events. These societies include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Advanced Space Exploration, and the Rocket Club. Students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher are invited to join our chapter of the aerospace engineering honor society (Sigma Gamma Tau). AE students also have the option to participate in other engineering organizations, such as the Black Alliance of Scientists and Engineers (BASE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Mesa Engineering Program (MEP), and others.
Contact
For information about the program please contact our department chair, Dr. Nikos J. Mourtos (nikos.mourtos@sjsu.edu) or the AE Department analyst Ms. Adriana Daudt (adriana.daudt@sjsu.edu). For more information about transferring please contact David Argudo (dargudo@gavilan.edu) or Chynna Obana (chynna.obana@sjcc.edu).
