Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Aerospace Engineer
Aircraft and spacecraft design
What this life looks like
You design aircraft, spacecraft, and the systems that carry humans and machines through the skies and beyond. Aerospace Engineers work on commercial aircraft, satellites, launch vehicles, drones, and emerging urban air mobility systems. Africa's aviation sector and growing space ambitions make this an increasingly important career.
What she actually does
You design aerodynamic structures and propulsion systems, analyse stress, heat, and vibration in extreme environments, develop avionics and control systems, test designs through simulation and physical prototypes, work on satellite design and integration, ensure systems meet rigorous safety certification standards, and increasingly work on drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| National Space Agencies | SANSA (South Africa), NigeriaSat programme, Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute |
| Drone & UAV Companies | Zipline (Rwanda), Astral Aerial (Kenya), DJI Africa partners — rapidly growing sector |
| Aviation MRO & Manufacturing | South African Airways Technical, Ethiopian Airlines MRO, Comair Engineering |
| International Aerospace | Airbus (has African graduates), Boeing, ESA with African collaboration programmes |
Why it matters in Africa
Multiple African nations — South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, and Rwanda — have established or planned space agencies. Africa's drone sector is booming, with Rwanda leading the world in medical drone delivery. South Africa's aerospace manufacturing sector produces aircraft components for global markets. Aerospace engineers are building the continent's aviation and space future.
Your pathway in
- Excel in Mathematics and Physics — they are non-negotiable prerequisites for aerospace engineering
- Study Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering at university
- Gain exposure through model rocketry clubs and UAV competitions while in school
- South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria have aerospace and aeronautical engineering programmes
- Engage with the African Space Policy Institute and national space agencies for career pathways
Skills you will need
- Aerodynamics and flight mechanics
- Structural analysis and materials
- Propulsion systems
- CAD and engineering simulation (ANSYS, SolidWorks)
- Systems engineering
- Aviation safety and certification standards
A woman in this field
Adriana Marais
South Africa
Adriana is a South African physicist and technology director who was a finalist for the Mars One project — a mission to establish the first human colony on Mars. She is a director at the Foundation for Space Development Africa, which aims to develop Africa's space sector, and has become one of Africa's most prominent advocates for the continent's participation in space exploration and aerospace innovation.
Take your first step
- Study Physics and Mathematics at the highest level available to you
- Build model rockets or fly drones to develop hands-on understanding of aerodynamics
- Research aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering programmes at South African, Egyptian, and Moroccan universities
- Follow the Square Kilometre Array and SANSA online to understand South Africa's broader aerospace and space sector