Aerospace engineers design and test new aircraft components like engines and wings. They use computer simulations to test their designs before pieces are manufactured. To enter the field, a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering is required from a four-year university program. Starting salaries for aerospace engineers are typically $65,000-$95,000 annually depending on experience, and senior engineers with a PhD can earn over $130,000 per year. The career outlook remains strong as the aerospace industry continues growing.