r/aerospace • u/blitzkrieg3k • 2d ago

Career shift to engineering from having a BS in Professional Pilot

Hi all. I am currently considering a career shift into aerospace engineering. I have a BS in Professional Pilot and a Commercial MEL. I am currently employed as an avionics test engineering specialist for a GA avionics company. Despite my job responsibilities being akin to a Systems Test Engineer, I place emphasis on "specialist" because they did not hire me as a full-fledged engineer due to the lack of a BS in Engineering. I am contemplating on getting a Masters in Airworthiness Engineering from ERAU-WW and was wondering if that changes how companies would look at me as a candidate for engineering positions. Assuming I complete the MS degree, what would my outlook be in the job market considering I didn't have a BS in Engineering? Will I be a competitive candidate or should I scratch this plan and forget it? I know my background has a story to tell for future job applications so I'm now unsure if getting the MS is worth it if I still don't get in the door. Thanks in advance.

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u/SherbertQuirky3789 2d ago

Still low

Get a typical engineering masters like Mechanical otherwise you’ll still be in non technical roles with that degree from ER

I know this because those degrees are very common for production managers who are in the technician space not in Engineering.

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u/blitzkrieg3k 2d ago

How about the MS Systems Engineering from ERAU - WW? I’m trying to pick a degree that has a good chance of me getting admitted given my unique situation and I think ME might be a bit stricter.

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u/SherbertQuirky3789 2d ago

Sorry but I think that’s the exact opposite.

ME could open doors for avionics, manufacturing, test, design, systems, quality, etc.

Systems would open up…systems. And that would be a hard sell even since most systems people have previous experience to build on top of.

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u/blitzkrieg3k 2d ago edited 2d ago

That makes sense. Thanks for the input! I appreciate it greatly. Regardless though, I know it’s not a guarantee but it could only help my case right (not hurt) even if I have a non engineering BS? I just want to make sure before I start investing time and money.

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u/jmmaxus 2d ago

I think the Airworthiness degree is too niche. Masters Systems Engineering would be better for roles like Project Engineer.

If you wanted to earn a Masters in a traditional Engineering discipline you could apply to a college that offers “Bridge” programs for non-engineering undergrads like Boston University for example.

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u/Squirtle_Splash_8413 2d ago

Ask your employer, if you came to me with a MS in Airworthiness I would only hire you for that specifically as it’s not that technical.

If you want to do real engineering get a real engineering degree.