Index
Information for school leavers
So you want to be an engineer!
At RMIT you can choose from eight areas of engineering. All eight disciplines are progressive and focused on work-relevant material, with a strong emphasis placed on the wider social, economical and political implications of the practice of engineering, and the importance of communication and professional team work skills.
Engineering is offered through the College of Science, Engineering and Health via three schools:
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
- School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
About the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manfucturing Engineering
The School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is an ideal choice for anyone who has an interest in aerospace engineering, aviation science, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and designing products, systems and equipment from raw materials.
Frequently asked questions
So what is aerospace, mechanical, automotive and manufacturing engineering and aviation science, and what types of jobs will you find yourself doing?
- What is aerospace engineering?
- What does an aerospace engineer do?
- What is aviation science?
- What do aviation scientists do?
- What is manufacturing engineering?
- What does a manufacturing engineer do?
- What is mechanical engineering and automotive engineering?
- What do mechanical and automotive engineers do?
What is aerospace engineering?
Aerospace engineering is an exciting profession involving analysis, design and operation of aircraft, helicopters and spacecraft.
Aerospace engineering is an existing field which requires talented, creative and highly motivated people with strong mathematics and physical science skills.
What does an aerospace engineer do?
As an Aerospace engineer you are likely to enter the workforce upon completion of your studies into design and manufacturing companies, defence forces, defence and science technology organisations, passenger transport airlines, and general aviation organisations.
Engineers have found themselves in all areas of design, testing and manufacturing of aerospace platforms, including airplanes, rotocraft, missiles and spacecrafts.
What is aviation science?
Aviation science basically involves the operation, management and technology of the aviation industry, which includes airports, airlines, and aviation safety authorities. (It does not include pilot training.)
What do aviation scientists do?
Aviation scientists work in virtually every facet of the aviation industry both in Australia and overseas. Aviation technologists find employment with all types of airports, airlines and aviation organisations.
What is manufacturing engineering?
Manufacturing engineering is a profession which leads to careers in automotive and aircraft engineering, logistics, ship building, project management, service, food and beverage processing and more. It focuses on the design and development of systems and processes that best satisfy customer needs.
What does a manufacturing engineer do?
As a manufacturing engineer you will design and build sophisticated manufacturing machines such as robots and automated plants. You will have significant influence on new product design, facilities engineering, production planning, work scheduling, and quality control.
Career opportunities are as diverse as the field itself.
What is mechanical engineering and automotive engineering?
Mechanical engineering involves the conversion and control of energy and motion in machinery and systems.
Automotive engineering is primarily concerned with developing safe, economical and increasingly environmentally responsible designs for road vehicles.
What do mechanical and automotive engineers do?
You will apply your knowledge of materials, structures, energy and management to solve a wide range of technical problems.
As a mechanical engineer you may be involved in designing, analysing and improving products like refrigerators, washing machines, solar water heaters, pumps, engines, compressors, wind turbines, and air-conditioning systems.
As an automotive engineer you will be involved in designing and building vehicles of the future. These vehicles will have low or zero levels of polluting emissions and needs for fossil fuels, low levels of noise and vibrations, and be made from smart materials that offer increased passenger safety.
Further information
If you need further convincing that engineering is for you, visit the RMIT Future Students website, or contact the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering on phone: 613 9925 6022.
Or visit the Australian Technologies Network website and take part in some of their online surveys and diagnostic tools.
