Aeronautical Engineering Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Vidhi JainContent Writer
Aeronautical engineers use their artistic skills to design and build airplanes that take people places and curate every step for a successful flight defying gravity. At the forefront of this technology lies an impeccable science of Aeronautical Engineering in India driving students towards learning design, construction, and maintenance of aircraft and other missile systems.
The primary job of an Aeronautical Engineer is to devise aircraft and propulsion systems, but with time, the engineer is given many more responsibilities to carry out, such as testing aircraft systems and their maintenance. Aeronautical Engineering career in India can prove to be extremely promising for students after they complete their Aeronautical Engineering course.
Popular Aeronautical Engineering jobs for freshers include Aerodynamics Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Propulsion Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Missile Systems Engineer, Aeronautical Research Scientist, etc. There are a plethora of job opportunities for aeronautical engineers in India with decent salary packages being offered by top recruiters in the country. The average Aeronautical Engineering salary in India is approximately INR 11 LPA, which varies on the basis of experience, skill set, and academic qualification.
Relevant Links for Aeronautical Engineering Career in India:
Aeronautical Engineering Salary in India vs Worldwide
Top Aeronautical Engineering Job Profiles
Aeronautical engineers are experts in creating and maintaining aircraft and aircraft-related technologies to enhance the functioning of the defense and aviation industry. Aeronautical Engineering courses offer a wide range of career options in India. Candidates can seek a career in the government and private sector as well as big MNCs. Aviation and defense are the top sectors that offer rewarding career options to Aeronautical Engineering graduates. Students can go through some of the popular job options along with the average salary figures below:
| Aeronautical Engineering Jobs |
Average Aeronautical Engineering Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | |
| Aerospace Engineer | INR 12.1 LPA |
| Aerodynamics Engineer | INR 9.8 LPA |
| Structural Engineer (Aerospace) | INR 8.2 LPA |
| Flight Test Engineer | INR 4.5 LPA |
| Avionics Engineer | INR 6.7 LPA |
| Propulsion Engineer | INR 7 LPA |
| Defense | |
| Military Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | INR 13.8 LPA |
| Missile Systems Engineer | INR 15 LPA |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Engineer | INR 12 LPA |
| Airlines | |
| Airline Maintenance Engineer | INR 13.8 LPA |
| Airline Systems Engineer | INR 14.4 LPA |
| Airline Operations Engineer | INR 4 LPA |
| Research & Development | |
| Aeronautical Research Scientist | INR 11.6 LPA |
| Aeronautical Simulation Specialist | INR 12 LPA |
| Aeronautical Composite Materials Engineer | INR 4.2 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com, and hence may vary.
Useful Link for Careers in Engineering:
Why Engineering is Still a Highly Paid Career Stream?
Aeronautical Engineering Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education
Aeronautical Engineering courses help students explore many work profiles as mentioned before. Students can also become air traffic controllers and maintenance technicians as they get hands-on experience in aircraft manufacturing, mechanics, and engineering. Aeronautical Engineering being a technical skill requires professionals with keen observation and strong calculative skills. Aeronautical Engineering courses can also be pursued at the postgraduate or doctorate levels, which will help professionals to gain promotions.
Courses after Graduation in Aeronautical Engineering
Students in India with an Aeronautical Engineering degree or even a well-settled job in the aviation sector have various options to advance their professional career and areas of expertise. Following are some of the course options, they may choose after completing Aeronautical Engineering courses at the undergraduate level:
|
Courses |
Course Description |
|---|---|
| MTech in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering | A two-year postgraduate level programme where students get exposed to the advanced-level theoretical knowledge and practical aptitude in aircraft and spacecraft design, testing, and maintenance. This could get students placed at a high-paying position across sectors like defense, aviation, and research. |
| PG-Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering | A one-year professional programme for providing detailed information regarding all aircraft-related verticals, including cutting-edge technologies, component manufacturing, maintenance, etc. |
| Specialized Certificate Courses in Aeronautics and Space Science | These specialized short-term courses can lead to advancement in career prospects with enhanced technical expertise and analytical efficiency regarding space technology and aeronautics. Recruiters prefer such professionals, offering them excellent salary packages. |
Aeronautical Engineering Core Industries and Top Recruiters
Nowadays, India is one of the countries in the world with talented and diligent young people who may choose the aeronautical field for their future career progress. Students who have a strong academic record and technical expertise in the field of Aeronautical Engineering are hired by top recruiters in India who are ready to offer handsome salary packages. A few core industries who provide Aeronautical Engineering job opportunities are given below:
|
Core Industries |
|
|---|---|
|
Aircraft Manufacturing |
Missile and Space Systems |
|
Avionics and Electronics |
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) |
Below are some of the top recruiters from each popular industry:
|
Aircraft Manufacturing |
|
|---|---|
|
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
Tata Advanced Systems Limited |
|
Mahindra Aerospace |
Bharat Forge Limited |
|
Missile and Space Systems |
|
|
ISRO |
BrahMos Aerospace |
|
Bharat Dynamics Limited |
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) |
|
Avionics and Electronics |
|
|
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) |
Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) |
|
Tata Power SED |
Godrej Aerospace |
|
MRO |
|
|
Air India Engineering Services Limited |
Tata Airlines Engineering Services Limited |
|
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
Indo-Asian Services Limited |
Note: This information is taken from external sites, and hence may vary.
Best Aeronautical Engineering Colleges for Placements in India
|
Aeronautical Engineering Colleges |
Av. Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
INR 12 LPA |
|
|
Dr. Ambedkar Institute Of Technology (AIT), Bangalore Placements |
INR 6 LPA |
|
INR 4.2 - 4.5 LPA |
|
|
INR 6.75 LPA |
|
| Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Hyderabad Placements |
INR 4.5 LPA |
|
INR 8.48 - 8.88 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Aeronautical Engineering Career FAQs
Q. What is the average salary of an Aeronautical Engineer in India?
A. The average salaries are different based on different experiences, company, location, and specialization. The common salary ranges between INR 4-6 LPA for entry-level jobs, while mid-level professionals can earn INR 8-12 LPA, and senior-level engineers can earn INR 15-25 LPA
Q. What are the job prospects for Aeronautical Engineers in India?
A. Public sector organizations like ISRO, HAL, DRDO, and private companies like Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Aerospace, and various airlines and MRO service providers offer jobs in this field where professionals can work at profiles like Aerodynamics Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Propulsion Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Missile Systems Engineer, Aeronautical Research Scientist, etc.
Q. What are the different specializations in Aeronautical Engineering?
A. Aeronautical engineering offers various specializations:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Aircraft Design
- Aerodynamics
- Propulsion Systems
- Aircraft Structures
- Avionics
Q. What are the different sectors in the Aeronautical Engineering industry?
A. The aeronautical engineering industry comprises several sectors:
- Commercial Aviation
- Defense Aerospace
- Space Exploration
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- Aviation Support Services
Q. What are the popular Aeronautical Engineering jobs for freshers?
A. Below are some vacancies for Aeronautical Engineers (freshers) in India -
- Aerodynamics
- Structures
- Avionics
- Propulsion
- Flight Mechanics
- Manufacturing
- Maintenance
Q. Are there enough job opportunities for Aeronautical Engineering graduates in India?
A. There are endless job opportunities for Aeronautical Engineering graduates in India as well as abroad in aviation, defense, avionics and electronics, aerospace research and development, etc. If you are passionate about aircraft designing and manufacturing, the aviation business industry is ready to welcome you with open arms given the increasing demand of airplanes and other flight-driven machinery in the country.
The domestic air passenger traffic has seen growth in the last few years, which has forced the airline companies to increase their number of airplanes. The need for defense military aircraft also makes aeronautical engineering a promising career option. So, you need not worry about the career possibilities and job stability after pursuing BTech in Aeronautical Engineering.
Q. Is it better to look for a job after BTech Aeronautical Engineering or pursue MTech in the same field?
A. This is a very subjective question. It completely depends on your interest areas and future career plans. Some might prefer to enter into the job market right after completing their graduation because it gives a sense of financial security at an early age making youngsters like you feel more independent.
Q. Which job profile is better: Aircraft Design Engineer or Avionics Engineer?
A. See, this depends on your personal interest areas and skill set. Both the job profiles offer promising work opportunities in the aeronautical industry with decent annual salary packages. If you are passionate about aircraft designing and manufacturing, you can consider the profile of an Aircraft Design Engineer who is responsible for the design and development of aircraft models using advanced technology.
On the other hand, if you are interested in electrical and electronic systems, you can go for the profile of an Avionics Engineer who is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the electronic aircraft and spacecraft systems to ensure smooth functioning. You must think about your interests carefully and then come to a conclusion.
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
Chandigarh University offers fully accredited programs in Aeronautical, Automobile, and Mechanical Engineering with ABET and NBA accreditation and AICTE approval. Aeronautical Engineering students have access to labs such as Aerodynamics Lab, Propulsion Lab, Flight Simulator Lab, and Aircraft System
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a month ago
An Aeronautical Engineering degree definitely gives you a strong understanding of aircraft systems and aerodynamics but it is not sufficient for you to become a pilot. To qualify for a pilot position you need specialised flight training, a specific number of accumulated flight hours, a pilot license
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The Aeronautical Engineering syllabus is generally considered tough in comparison to other engineering branches because of its focus on advanced level math and physics concepts, along with complex knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, fluid dynamics, and materials science, all of which coul
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Aeronautical Engineering is a fast growing field with technological advancements taking place every day, where aeronautical engineers need a strong hold over CAD software like CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.; programming proficiency in Python, C+, and MATLAB for aircraft system analysis and develop
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Of course. Aeronautical engineers can easily find high-paying job roles in the defense, space research, and automobile sectors where they can put their skills to use for the research, design, analysis, and maintenance of high-tech systems and high-performance vehicles, including military aircraft, d
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering placements 2025 will be updated here once out. The college is visited by top companies for placements, such as Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Gujarat Flying Club, Vistara Airlines, and others. The key highlights of NDC Institute of Aircraft Mainten
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering has collaborated with various organisations for training and other purposes. The below-mentioned are the NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering collaborations:
| NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Collaborations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Indamer Aviation Private Limited | Parul University | The Gujarat Flying Club |
V
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is one of the first in Gujarat to have received the DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation approval. The students receive high-tech audiovisual classes, an engine airframe system workshop, and an electrical Navigation workshop. The college's alumni are cur
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a good college. The NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering popular programmes are Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (B1.1, B1.2, B1.3 & B2) AME (B1.1/B1.2/B1.3/B2) with BTech Aeronautical. The college students are taught Electrical
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
The mode of NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course admissions is online. Admission to various courses is based on merit and entrance exam scores. The candidate must have a medical fitness certificate that is issued by a doctor with an MBBS degree. The accepted entrance exam is NDCI
I
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering offers Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (B1.1, B1.2, B1.3 & B2) AME (B1.1/B1.2/B1.3/B2) with BTech Aeronautical courses to students. Some of the available programmes are mentioned below:
- Turbine Aeroplane (B1.1)
- Avionics Stream (B2)
- Piston Aeroplane (B1
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of AME was established in 2008 and has received AME DGCA approval. NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering has its own heavy Learjet-23 & Cessna-150 on its campus for practical training on actual aircraft. NDC Institute of AME has well-experienced, qualified & industry-expert
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering offers several courses. Students fulfilling the admission criteria can pursue the following courses at the college:
- AME - Turbine Aeroplane (B1.1)
- AME - Piston Aeroplane (B1.2)
- AME - Avionics Stream (B2)
- AME - Turbine Helicopter (B1.3)
- BTech Aeronautical/
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Students can visit the website of NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. Aspirants can fill out the Admission Enquiry Form. Candidates need to submit the form and wait for the institute's admission desk to reach out.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, you may get into NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering without an entrance exam. Although admissions are primarily entrance-based, the institute also offers direct admissions in certain cases. Students are also admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. The detailed information f
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering admissions are done based on preset admission criteria. Students wishing to enrol in the courses offered by the institute need to fulfil the eligibility requirements to get a seat. An average student may get into the institute provided they meet the
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering admission process consists of multiple steps. Candidates can check below the detailed steps:
1: Check the eligibility of the desired course. The website mentions the general eligibility and selection criteria of all of the courses offered at the insti
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering selection criteria is both merit and entrance-based. The institute admits students based on several parameters. This includes academic merit + medical fitness + fulfilment of eligibility, etc. Further, the institute also conducts an entrance test, i.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering's criteria require students to pass the last qualifying examination. Students need to pass Class 12 or equivalent with PCM as compulsory subjects from a recognised board. Students must have all the relevant certifications and medical fitness to be el
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Aspirants need to go through multiple steps to get admission into any of the courses offered at NDC Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. These steps include application, shortlisting, and seat confirmation. Students can register for the course of choice by filling out the enquiry form. App
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Of course, yes. CAD software and tools are a crucial part of the Aeronautical Engineering syllabus at top colleges, given their importance in modeling aircraft structures and propulsion systems. You design and visualize aircraft and related components through advanced CAD features. Mastery over CAD
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Not at all. You do not need any prior flying experience to go for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. The field is about the design and development aspect of aircraft and other flight-worthy vehicles and not the flying aspect per se. Pilot Training courses cover that part in depth. For Aeronautica
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Of more than 180 top Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India for BTech courses, some popular students choices along with the average courses fees are given in the table below for reference:
College Name | Course Offered | Course Fees |
|---|---|---|
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering | INR 1.63 lakh | |
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering | INR 1.96 lakh | |
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering | INR 1.96 lakh | |
B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering | INR 2 lakh | |
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering BTech in Aeronautical Engineering (Lateral Entry) | INR 4.83 Lacs – 6.44 lakh | |
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering BTech in Avionics (Lateral Entry) | INR 6.91 Lacs – 13.02 lakh | |
BTech in Avionics | INR 9.08 lakh |
Note – This information is taken from official website and may vary.
V
Contributor-Level 10
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