Newswise — Even as the aerospace and defense industries forecast additional corporate downsizings and a net reduction in hiring in 2010, companies are recruiting engineers to work in specialized areas such as computer hardware, materials, and mechanical and electrical design.
According to Carole Rickard Hedden, the project leader for an annual workforce study produced by Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine, aerospace companies and government agencies report that 40,000 new job openings will be available industry-wide in 2010.
“There is active recruiting across the industry for engineers and other technical talent,” notes Hedden, who will participate in a panel discussion at the ASME Aerospace Early-career Technical Seminar set for Nov. 11-12, 2009, in Seattle, Wash.
While 40,000 job openings might be encouraging to the young engineers attending the two-day seminar at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, the Aviation Week surveys indicate “very specific hiring requirements” in areas of high demand, like mechanical design and operations research. Some firms will seek engineers to fill posts in manufacturing, according to Hedden.
“The aerospace industry is facing some complex challenges with regard to technology development and production operations, so there is a hiring trend to meet specific demands,” said Hedden. “At the same time, companies continue to streamline processes and reduce costs to remain profitable and competitive on a global scale.”
Other emerging trends in the aerospace workforce, according to the surveys, include targeted recruiting at choice engineering schools and the demand placed on highly technical and innovative workers.
“Industry leaders are very concerned about the future of innovation in the United States,” said Hedden. “Innovation, along with advanced research and development, are the real drivers of new jobs in the aerospace industry.”
In addition to the panel on workforce development, the ASME Aerospace Early-career Technical Seminar will include technical sessions and networking opportunities.
About ASMEASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. For more information visit www.asme.org.
RSS