2019 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for students and research at RMIT involved with Aerospace engineering and Aviation (AEA).
From Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd March, the 2019 Australian International Airshow will host some of the world’s leading companies within aerospace and aviation design and innovation. RMIT will have a number of stalls showcasing our cutting edge and industry leading research, which can be found here.
In regards to research, RMIT aerospace engineers have announced they are building a single pilot hovercraft for recreational use, and also the first in Australia.
“A growing number of global ventures are vying to introduce electric-powered air vehicles capable of vertical take-off and landing so it’s vital that Australia keeps pace with the emerging technologies driving this nascent market”, say RMIT Senior Lecturer Dr Graham Dorrington, who is overseeing the prototype’s development.
The project itself is lead by current RMIT students and recent graduates, with guidance from Dorrington and other senior researchers at RMIT. By allowing students to lead the project, the Aerospace Engineering program at RMIT gives students practical experience with strong industry links, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
Opportunities for current RMIT students
RMIT provides multiple opportunities for experimental learning and technical problem solving projects. Opportunities exist with Engineers Without Borders; building, flying and competing with micro-arial vehicles; and countless other projects throughout the school.
Final year students are required to undertake a major project which it either industry-based or a simulation of an industrial situation. Working with industry leaders, students will use the theory and practical experience acquired throughout the program to identify and solve an engineering problem.
Prior to graduation, students are strongly encouraged to complete 12 weeks of industry experience. This allows students to receive first-hand practical experience within an engineering practice environment under the supervision of professional engineers. There is a range of ways that students can undertake these experiences, and the nature and timing can vary. Keeping up-to-date with opportunities provided by the school, in addition to speaking to your lecturers, will allow students to gain experience within their chosen field of expertise.
There are also opportunities for overseas placement of between six and 12 months. Usually occurring during the middle or end of the third year, these placements have the potential to secure work with industry leading companies even before graduation.
The career options for aerospace engineers are as diverse and engaging as the program itself. You can follow your passion into aircraft design, develop new propulsion systems, assemble and test new engines and research the latest in cutting-edge and innovative aerospace materials.
Some of the exciting career destinations for graduates can include design and manufacture companies (Boeing Australia, Airbus, BAE Systems Australia), Australian defence forces (RAFF), Australian and international airlines and airworthiness organisations such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This list is not exhaustive in career options – skills developed within aerospace engineering can be transferable across a number of industries. Research organisations, the automotive industry and software support companies also require the technical knowledge and expertise of aerospace engineers.
You can find out more possibilities at RMIT following the link here