Research Scientist (Aerospace)
Impact: Intellectual, Societal
Conducts fundamental and applied research in aerospace science and engineering. Designs, develops, and tests aerospace systems, components, and materials. Analyzes data, publishes findings, and contributes to advancements in aeronautics and astronautics.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Moderate
- Team vs solo
- Balanced
- Client facing
- Rarely
- Impact visibility
- High
- Travel
- Low
- Schedule flexibility
- Moderate
- Remote work
- Hybrid
- Typical work hours
- 45
- Stress level
- Moderate
At a glance
- Median salary
- $130,000
- Entry-level
- $95,000
- Senior
- $185,000
- Growth by 2033
- 8%
- Demand
- Growing
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- High
- Typical student debt
- $80,000 - $150,000
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Aerospace Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Scientific Research
- MATLAB/Python
- CAD Software
Soft skills
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
Technical complexity: High
How to get there
- Minimum education
- Doctoral or Professional Degree
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 6
- Years to senior
- 12
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Research Scientist
- Senior Research Scientist
- Principal Research Scientist
- Research Fellow/Director
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- 10%
- AI disruption risk
- Moderate
- Demand trend
- Growing
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 7.5/10
- Meaning
- 8.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 7/10
- Prestige
- 8.5/10
- Social perception
- High