HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
Students usually start with strong high school courses in math, physics, and other sciences. A university degree in engineering is commonly part of the pathway, and some workers continue with further university study. In Ontario, engineering is a regulated profession, so people who practise professional engineering must be licensed by Professional Engineers Ontario, although an unlicensed engineering graduate can still do work in the occupation under a licensed engineer’s responsibility. Because employers vary, experience through co-op, internships, or project work can be helpful, but requirements depend on the job and workplace. Some people move into this field after gaining experience in related engineering or technical roles.
THE WORK
What you may do
Aerospace systems engineers plan and coordinate technical work for aircraft or spacecraft systems. They may study requirements, compare design options, and help make sure parts and systems work safely and efficiently together. Their work can include checking performance data, supporting testing, reviewing drawings and reports, and working with engineers from other areas such as design, manufacturing, and operations. They also help solve problems when a system does not meet expectations and may suggest changes to improve reliability, safety, or performance. Depending on the employer, they may work on new products, upgrades, maintenance-related changes, or technical support for government and industry projects.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with team meetings to review project updates, testing results, or design issues. The engineer might spend part of the day reading technical documents, checking calculations, or looking at data from simulations and tests. They often work with other specialists to make sure a system meets safety, performance, and design goals. In the afternoon, they may review changes to a design, help answer questions from manufacturing or maintenance teams, or join discussions about a technical problem. Some tasks are desk-based, while others involve labs, production areas, or test sites. The work often changes from project to project, so planning and clear communication matter a lot.
SKILLS TO BUILD