This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.

Embraer Celebrates 25 Years of Its Elite Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Program

In March 2026, Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is marking the 25th anniversary of its Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Program, known locally as the Programa de Especialização em Engenharia (PEE). Launched in 2001, the initiative serves as the company’s premier pipeline for highly specialized engineering talent, operating in close partnership with Brazil’s prestigious Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA).

According to the official press release, the program has successfully graduated over 1,800 engineers since its inception. These alumni have gone on to play instrumental roles in designing and developing some of Embraer’s most recognizable modern aircraft, including the E-Jets commercial family, the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, and the Phenom and Praetor executive jets.

As the global aerospace sector faces ongoing talent shortages, Embraer’s proprietary educational pipeline stands out for its remarkable retention and success metrics. Company statistics indicate that the program boasts a historical hiring rate of over 96%, effectively transitioning students from the classroom directly into the manufacturer’s engineering workforce.

A Highly Competitive Pipeline for Innovation

Program Structure and Selectivity

The PEE functions as a professional master’s degree recognized by Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC). Embraer notes that the curriculum spans 18 months of full-time dedication, utilizing a blended learning approach. Classes are conducted both remotely and in-person at Embraer’s headquarters and the ITA campus in São José dos Campos, São Paulo.

Demand for the program is exceptionally high. Embraer reports receiving an average of 5,000 applications annually from across Brazil for a cohort of just 45 to 90 available spots. Currently, 90 professionals are enrolled in the training, which encompasses approximately 3,000 hours of theoretical and practical “learn by doing” instruction. The courses are taught by a combination of ITA professors, seasoned Embraer professionals, and external aerospace consultants.

Financial Support and Student Benefits

To attract top-tier talent, Embraer provides substantial financial backing to its participants. According to program details, selected students receive a monthly scholarship of R$ 5,000 (approximately $925 USD), which increases by 20% during their second year. Additionally, participants are granted comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and meal allowances.

Eligibility is broad yet rigorous. The program accepts recent graduates from nearly 30 different engineering disciplines, ranging from Aerospace and Mechanical to Software and Robotics. Advanced English proficiency is a strict prerequisite, reflecting the global nature of Embraer’s operations.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Engineers

Diversity and Soft Skills Development

Beyond technical prototyping and aeronautical technologies, Embraer emphasizes that the PEE curriculum heavily integrates interpersonal skills. Training modules focus on leadership, communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence. This holistic approach is designed to prepare engineers not just for technical problem-solving, but for collaborative leadership roles within the company.

The program is also making strides in diversifying the aerospace engineering field. Embraer highlighted that its most recent cohort achieved a record 29% female participation, signaling a positive shift in gender representation within a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Company leadership views the program as a cornerstone of their corporate strategy. Andreza Alberto, Vice President of People, ESG, and Corporate Communications at Embraer, emphasized the program’s evolutionary nature:

“Over these 25 years, the PEE has been in constant evolution to adapt the specialization of professionals to the company’s needs and challenges. In addition, it provides a unique career opportunity through the development of technical and personal skills…”

Similarly, Luís Carlos Affonso, Vice President of Engineering and Technological Development, credited the program with driving the company’s product success:

“The PEE has allowed us to attract and develop differentiated talents who, over the last 25 years, have greatly contributed to the creation of hugely successful products such as the E-Jets, KC-390, Phenoms, and Praetors.”

Strategic Importance Amidst Record Growth

AirPro News analysis

We view the 25th anniversary of the PEE program not just as an educational milestone, but as a critical component of Embraer’s broader corporate momentum. In early March 2026, Embraer reported record-breaking financial results for the 2025 fiscal year, generating $7.58 billion in revenue, an 18% year-over-year increase. Furthermore, the company delivered 244 aircraft and saw its firm order backlog surge to an all-time high of $31.6 billion.

To execute on a $31.6 billion backlog, securing intellectual capital is just as vital as securing physical supply chains. While global competitors like Boeing and Airbus frequently grapple with engineering bottlenecks and talent attrition, Embraer’s deep, 25-year integration with ITA provides a reliable, highly calibrated talent moat. By funding and shaping the curriculum of its future workforce, Embraer ensures that incoming engineers are immediately productive and aligned with the company’s specific technological roadmaps, particularly in the development of next-generation sustainable aviation technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Embraer PEE program?

The Programa de Especialização em Engenharia (PEE) is an 18-month Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering program run by Embraer in partnership with the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA). It serves as a specialized training and recruitment pipeline for the company.

What is the hiring rate for graduates?

According to Embraer, historically over 96% of the program’s participants are hired by the company upon completing their training.

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is open to recent graduates from nearly 30 engineering fields, including Aeronautical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software engineering. Applicants must also possess advanced English proficiency.

Sources: Embraer Press Release