Aerospace engineer
Design and development engineer · Professional · Engineering, design and development
The official framework — 55 requirements.
Every Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour below is the verbatim regulatory text of the Aerospace engineer apprenticeship standard (v1.1). On EngTree, each one becomes a node — verified knowledge entries, training modules and End-Point Assessment evidence all map back to it.
Knowledge (32)
What the apprentice must understand
- K1
Mathematics: the mathematical techniques and analytical methods required to model mechanical and electrical systems: algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, statistics.
- K2
Aeronautical engineering design: the creative design process including defining the problem, creating and evaluating ideas to select the design solution for a given aerospace engineering application and environment.
- K3
Testing the engineering solution: the tools to support the process such as root cause analysis; requirements definition; simulation; production drawings; design for manufacture, cost and maintenance.
- K4
Systems engineering: the system lifecycle from concept to disposal; requirements validation and verification; architecture definition, sub-system design and testing; integration; design for support and maintenance; functional safety, cyber vulnerability, data acquisition and secure data handling.
- K5
Mechanical engineering: theory, design and application of mechanical equipment and systems, and the fundamental laws and theorems that govern them; including force and moment systems, free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, beam theory, hydrostatics, kinematics, Work-Energy and Impulse-Momentum methods, vector algebra, scalar and graphical approaches.
- K6
Aircraft structural engineering: analysis and modelling for the determination of the effects of loads on physical structures, mechanisms, and their associated components: static and fatigue stress, structural failure modes, safe-life and fail-safe design, Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- K7
Materials: the main classes of engineering materials and their associated mechanical, electrical and environmental properties. Techniques for selecting materials to achieve manufacturing and design requirements.
- K8
Thermodynamics: core thermodynamic concepts, system types and the application to engineering systems: basic power cycles and their thermodynamic analysis.
- K9
Electrical and electronic engineering: theory, design and application of equipment and systems which use electricity and electromagnetism, and the fundamental laws and theorems that govern electrical and electronic systems; alternating current and direct current (AC/DC), circuit design, transformers, motors, drives, analogue and digital.
- K10
Aircraft stability and control: theoretical and practical aspects and principles of aircraft flight and performance.
- K11
Aircraft systems: mechanical and electrical flight control systems, sensors, power generation and transmission, flying control surfaces, avionics, fuel, landing systems.
- K12
Software engineering: principles of how to create and use computer programming applied to engineering systems, including real-time applications.
- K13
Data analytics: data handling considerations (data protection and encryption), introduction to machine learning and Artificial Intelligence.
- K14
Manufacturing: techniques for producing finished products efficiently and sustainably; common methods and models for the manufacturing process, Additive Manufacturing, composites and advanced metallic materials.
- K15
Industry 4.0: impacts on organisations, integration of automation, digital systems and manufacturing engineering systems.
- K16
Project management for aerospace activities: project planning, management of risks, commercial awareness, financial management and resourcing.
- K17
Principles of quality control and quality assurance techniques in an aerospace environment.
- K18
Continuous improvement methodologies.
- K19
Problem solving tools and techniques.
- K20
National and international safety requirements: statutory, regulatory, organisational and certification principles in an aerospace environment.
- K21
Computer-aided design: 2D and 3D CAD using software packages.
- K22
Aerodynamics: high and low speed aerodynamic techniques, laminar and turbulent flow, boundary conditions, drag and friction, compressible flow and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
- K23
Fluid dynamics: different fluid flow types and the application to turbo machinery, hydraulics, pneumatics and liquid fuel: laminar and turbulent flow, boundary conditions, drag and friction, compressible flow and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
- K24
Environment and sustainability: end to end value chain for sustainable products; Hydrogen, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels) and electrification. Avoidance, use and disposal of harmful materials according to appropriate environmental regulations.
- K25
Teamwork and leadership: negotiation techniques, conflict management, people development techniques, performance management, diversity and inclusivity.
- K26
Information technology: digital tools for engineering activities, configuration management, research and analysis.
- K27
Information technology: digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration packages.
- K28
Communication techniques: verbal and written.
- K29
Report writing techniques and methods.
- K30
Presentation techniques.
- K31
Time management techniques.
- K32
International standards for engineering representations, drawings, and graphical information.
Skills (17)
What the apprentice must be able to do
- S1
Communicate with stakeholders: verbal and written.
- S2
Write reports: data, technical information, drawings, outcomes and recommendations
- S3
Present information. For example, presenting project progress and key performance information (KPI's) such as cost, quality, time, risk and opportunities. Presenting technical results or trade studies into design reviews.
- S4
Use information technology: digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration packages.
- S5
Use information technology: digital tools for engineering activities, configuration management, research and analysis. For example, exploiting data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- S6
Use problem solving tools and techniques, for example: Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone and Practical Problem Solving (PPS).
- S7
Use continuous improvement methodologies. For example, Kaizen, Lean manufacturing and Kanban.
- S8
Produce and review design solutions, drawings, sketches using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and manual systems.
- S9
Model real-world systems and products using, for example Computer Aided Modelling (CAM), Finite Element Modelling (FEM), Model Based System Engineering (MBSE).
- S10
Assess different designs to identify solutions for a given aerospace engineering application and environment.
- S11
Produce systems solutions considering integrated structural engineering designs.
- S12
Develop and execute test plans to support aerospace product validation and approval.
- S13
Design functional aerospace systems and assemblies from component level. For example, designing elements of a landing gear to produce a complete landing system.
- S14
Apply project management techniques. For example, estimating, programming, risk, cost and budget control, time management and resource management.
- S15
Identify and comply with legal and statutory requirements. For example, health and safety, environmental protection, sustainability, aerospace certification requirements and data protection.
- S16
Plan and manage own time.
- S17
Work with and lead others including, negotiation, conflict management and developing others.
Behaviours (6)
How the apprentice must conduct themselves
- B1
Lead by example to promote health and safety.
- B2
Lead by example and promote environment, ethical and sustainable practices.
- B3
Adapt to challenging or changing situations and be resilient to the effects.
- B4
Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines.
- B5
Lead by example to promote accessibility, diversity and inclusion.
- B6
Commits to their own and others' professional development.
This framework is where Pathways
meets verified knowledge.
Scenarios practise these requirements. Verified entries teach them. The evidence portfolio proves them. One spine, three surfaces.