r/AerospaceEngineering

Hi everyone,

I’ve been thinking about how companies like Airbus were created, and I’m wondering how realistic it would be to start something similar today (2026).

I’m not talking about a small aerospace startup, but a full-scale commercial aircraft manufacturer competing with companies like Airbus or Boeing.

Some questions I’m curious about:

• Is it even possible today, or are the barriers too high?
• Roughly how much capital would be required (billions? hundreds of billions?)
• What are the biggest obstacles: engineering, regulation, supply chains, or politics?
• Has any new company come close in recent years?

Hey guys. I’m graduating this June with my electrical engineering diploma focused on software engineering. I always loved the space industry and I always wanted to transition towards it but I don’t know what to do now. I’ve taken a lot of programming classes (python, c/c++, Java and JavaScript for web) and also control systems, microprocessors etc.

How could I get into this industry?

What specific field should I look into?

Am I too late because i chose the wrong degree? What do I need to know in order to have a chance at succeeding and not just have a regular job? I don’t mind getting a masters (that’s the plan anyway if I’m being honest).

Any advice, experience or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Hello guys, It's been a year and so since i graduated as an aerospace engineer, problem is I studied in an international university in africa (im from morroco ) and now i feel like im super lost, the opportunities are super slim if not 0 and i really would like to find a job in this field, if anyone has any kind of idea or info that could help it would be highly appreciated and thank you 🙏

Hey everyone,

I could really use some advice. I was recently admitted to Virginia Tech’s Master’s in Data Science program (or Systems engineering in another collecge), but I’m also considering a full-time job offer from GE Aerospace (between 80 to 90k/year, production associate role).

My background is in Industrial & Systems Engineering, and I’m interested in data science / analytics long-term, but I’m also open to operations-type roles. That said, I don’t see myself wanting to stay in a plant/manufacturing environment long-term. Also, not a full time coder (these jobs are changing anyways)

My concern is that this GE role seems heavily manufacturing-focused, and I’m worried about getting stuck in that environment or being pigeonholed into plant roles.

On the other hand, the financial side is really appealing—especially being able to live at home and save.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or taken a role like this and successfully pivoted out later? Or would grad school be the better move here? other idea is to do Masters remote and move internally.