Wanted: aerospace engineers

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There are many different viewpoints on the state of engineering employment in the aerospace industry. Aerospace Engineering editors spoke with airframers, suppliers, and academia to get their perspectives on recruiting and retaining engineering talent.

by Frank Bokulich, Ryan Gehm, and Jenny R. Hessler

Over the past several years, the aerospace industry has experienced increased consolidation as well as record-level orders for aircraft. These dynamics have created many new challenges in the industry. While consolidation continues to shrink employment numbers, years of economic prosperity have prompted hiring frenzies in the areas of engineering. For some companies, this dynamic causes a recruitment problem, while for others, such as Boeing, it is just a matter of shifting resources.

College recruits view the Joint Strike Fighter model at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Many airframers and suppliers continue to offer incentives and benefits packages to attract prospective engineers. Some have been proactive in their recruitment activities through education-based programs, internships, and career fairs. Companies have even begun using the Web with the goal of attracting younger engineering talent.

Universities, which hold the key to the future of aerospace engineers, have also had to cope with the changing needs of the industry. Many schools no longer have aerospace departments; others have downsized their aerospace offerings to electives and degree minors. These changes are reflective of the industry's consolidation. However, for some companies, universities cannot produce enough engineers to suit their needs.

Though airframers, suppliers, and universities have different perspectives and concerns regarding the recruitment and retention of aerospace engineers, they all must work together to shape the future of the industry.

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