Navy Officer Subspecialty · Aviation
5400 Aeronautical Engineering
An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.
Overview
An Aeronautical Engineering officer applies engineering principles to the design, performance, safety, testing, and sustainment of naval aircraft. The officer coordinates aircraft technical programs and assesses airworthiness, reliability, and operational readiness.
Core Skills
- aircraft systems engineering
- aerodynamic analysis
- aircraft structural analysis
- propulsion systems
- flight performance analysis
- airworthiness compliance
- maintenance program management
- technical risk management
- engineering test planning
Civilian Software & Tools
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
Civilian Career Paths
- Commercial Aviation
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Mechanical Engineering
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Mechanical
- INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP)
- Aviation Safety Professional Certificate
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
Career Growth
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
What the Work Involves
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
Related Occupations
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: graduate-level education or extensive experience.
Similar Specialties
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
Report an error on this page