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How would a Mechanical engineering undergraduate go about pursuing an Engineering career with the goal of working on rockets/spacecraft?
I'm a sophomore in college who wants to work on rockets/spacecraft, my school does not offer Aerospace Engineering. I know that ME is the same as AE (in undergrad) but what's the best course of attack? Trying to find a job after undergrad or getting a Master's in AE to help? Any advice would be helping, thank you
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Abdikarin’s Answer
Hello, my name is Abdikarim Ibrahim. I am class of 2021 Mechanical Engineering graduate.
To answer this question based on my experience, I am at my third job after college and all were Aerospace and current job is space technology working on rocket engines. Because space technology is accelerating so fast and we’re just beginning knowing about it, there’s a job for every Engineer so just do mechanical or electrical and start applying in your 4th year in college and don’t worry too much about getting a job, just worry about what skills you’ll showcase at your first interview.
With mechanical engineering degree you’ve almost unlimited options. A few field you can end up is,
Mechanical Design
System engineer
Control system design
Fluid mechanics
Material engineering
Robotic Systems
etc…
Thank you!
To answer this question based on my experience, I am at my third job after college and all were Aerospace and current job is space technology working on rocket engines. Because space technology is accelerating so fast and we’re just beginning knowing about it, there’s a job for every Engineer so just do mechanical or electrical and start applying in your 4th year in college and don’t worry too much about getting a job, just worry about what skills you’ll showcase at your first interview.
With mechanical engineering degree you’ve almost unlimited options. A few field you can end up is,
Mechanical Design
System engineer
Control system design
Fluid mechanics
Material engineering
Robotic Systems
etc…
Thank you!
Updated
Soumya’s Answer
Thanks for the question. If you are a Bachelors in ME, then a Masters in AE would definitely complement as the former would give you the basics expertise/tools to be a Mechanical Engineer in any industry and certainly there are plenty of transferable skills (Mechanical Design, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer) if you move towards the spacecraft industry. Secondly, while you are doing an undergrad, it is advisable to do internships in each of the ME core areas and preferably a research internship/stint in your school. That would enable you to get into top grad schools in AE program and equip you further to pursue a graduate degree. While you are in AE program, you have to tailor your experiences to the rocket/spacecraft industry, thereby being a strong candidate and prospective future contributor.
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Siddharth’s Answer
Mechanical and Materials Engineering does have scope to get into aerospace and/or rocketship industry since the core of mechanical engineering is building equipment based on the mechanics of science and engineering. The same goes with material engineering which can be used in the areas of assessing the right material for rocket ships, space suits etc. Another key sub sector within mechanical that can help you land a job in the space industry is design as well.
Thank you for the information
Aaron