Aerospace engineering and aviation

How AI changes this work

Demand is driven by ageing fleets and defence budgets more than by AI; two-thirds of Boeing’s technician forecast is replacing people who retire. Drones grow fast, but count as the autonomous systems WEF sees both creating and removing jobs. Only New Zealand lists aerospace engineers by name; elsewhere the listed need is for aircraft technicians, which usually requires a licence. UK defence aerospace jobs often need security vetting with years of UK residence.

The jobs stay, but the tasks change a lot. Graduates who use AI well and bring human judgement win.

Skills to master

• Aerodynamics, structures and FEA
• Avionics and systems integration
• Airworthiness rules (EASA and CAA Part-66)
• CAD and product lifecycle tools (CATIA or NX)
• Safety-critical documentation
• Teamwork across shifts

Courses to look for

Jobs it leads to

Where aerospace engineering and aviation graduates are needed

• Canada

  Aircraft mechanics, inspectors and avionics technicians are in the transport category for 2026 Express Entry draws (aerospace engineers are not in the STEM category).

• New Zealand

  Aeronautical (aerospace, avionics, aviation) engineers and licensed aircraft maintenance engineers are on Tier 1 of the Green List.

• Malaysia

  Aircraft technicians are on the Critical Occupations List 2024/2025. Malaysia’s aerospace workforce passed about 35,000 in 2025.

• Japan

  Aviation is one of Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker fields, a work route that needs Japanese.

Not on the current lists in the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, South Korea.

Sources: Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook 2025, NZ Green List, WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. Country notes come from each government’s own list; see each destination page for links.