Here's how you can receive feedback without becoming defensive as an aerospace engineer.

Firstly, you have to remember that aerospace is the sector that is enhancing rapidly and bringing technology to life. Hence, it's an industry that endorses life-long learning. And that's good because you can never get bored, there's always something new and intricate to learn. Thus, the minute you choose to set foot in this industry, you compulsorily have to keep an open mind. Keeping an open mind not only means to learn new things but also embracing feedback and criticism. Whether you choose to see it as a fun challenge or a new learning, it is extremely important that you have a healthy attitude when it comes to facing constructive criticism and valuable feedback. Think of it as a stepping stone to your bright career in this industry.

Always remember that anytime someone is giving you feedback, it means that you are being noticed. Hence, you will definitely be evaluated on how you are handling it. What has worked for me and my colleagues is to have discussions, brain-storming sessions with other team members and seniors, knowledge transfer, conducting our own personal research and most importantly, asking questions. Asking questions not only shows courage but also portrays that you are willing to learn and be a key player in the team. Like I said, aerospace is an ever growing field and there's lots and lots to learn. If you know someone qualified enough or work with excellent engineers, it would be a waste of opportunity to not ask questions and hold discussions.

In my opinion, this is by far the most important point. Staying positive is what's going to help to cultivate a healthy attitude towards feedback without being defensive. It sometimes happens that the person giving us feedback may have misinterpreted something and hence the debatable accuracy of the feedback. In such situations it is extremely important to not lose spirit and stay polite while explaining and supporting your work with ample references and data. If the feedback is technically accurate, be humble enough to gracefully accept it. While technical knowledge does aid a lot, it's very important to understand that your attitude will ultimately decide your altitude. Thus, stay positive and take only what's meaningful to your work.

Feedbacks are meant to propel you forward only and only if you are willing to work on it. While accepting feedback gracefully and criticisms with humility is important, it is crucial that you work on the problem along the lines of the feedback/solution provided and get back with your progress. Take help if needed in implementing the feedback but always remember to share your progress as well. Not only does it mark a milestone for you but also promotes your image as a dedicated member. Share your progress and welcome feedback.

To know something useful and not implement it is being stagnant. Not implementing valuable feedback by being defensive is the ultimate definition for it. Thus, always keep a healthy attitude towards feedback and implement them wherever relevant. In my opinion, feedback is the fastest way to learn and optimize something. Imagine your senior giving you feedback on your work. It's basically free advice from someone with experience saving you the time and energy for research and pushing you in the right direction instead. Think of it as a nudge in the right direction, hence a privilege. It has helped me. I hope it helps you too!