How to become a contract aerospace engineer?

Contract aerospace engineers must follow the same educational path as other aerospace engineers. They must complete a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering; some schools offer five-year programs that allow students to earn a bachelor's and a master's degree. Most contract aerospace engineers work on the staff of an aerospace company for several years before branching out as an independent contractor. Employers often require a federal security clearance, especially if your job involves working on aerospace components for government or military use. You do not need the clearance when you apply; in many cases, you cannot get the clearance without employer sponsorship, so they do not expect you to have it. But continued employment may require getting and maintaining that clearance.