3 answers
Senih
Student
Omaha, Nebraska
4
Questions
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How does an engineer work at NASA?
I want to know the requirements for being an engineer at NASA.
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3 answers
Jayjeetsinh Jhala
Sr. Cloud Solution Architect
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jayjeetsinh’s Answer
Engineers at NASA work on a variety of projects related to space exploration, aeronautics, robotics, and more. Getting a job at NASA as an engineer typically involves a few key steps:
Education: Engineers at NASA usually have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or physics. Some positions may require higher degrees like master's or Ph.D. for specialized roles.
Experience: Experience in engineering through internships, research projects, or practical work is highly beneficial. Hands-on experience and expertise in relevant areas are often essential.
Skillset: Engineers at NASA need strong technical skills in their specific field of expertise. Depending on the role, this might involve skills in designing, testing, coding, problem-solving, and more.
Application: Applying for a job at NASA involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and possibly other materials through the NASA jobs portal. Tailoring your application to highlight relevant experience and skills is crucial.
Security Clearance: Some positions at NASA might require security clearance due to the sensitive nature of the work.
Interview: If selected, candidates may undergo interviews, which could include technical assessments and discussions about their qualifications and experiences.
Once hired, engineers at NASA work in diverse teams on projects such as spacecraft design, mission planning, robotics, developing new technologies, data analysis, and more. They collaborate closely with scientists, researchers, astronauts, and other engineers to contribute to space exploration and scientific discovery.
Keep in mind that the specifics can vary depending on the particular engineering field and the role within NASA. Networking, staying updated with NASA's projects and initiatives, and continuous learning in your field of interest are also valuable steps toward working at NASA as an engineer.
Filter to what specific area you would like to work on
Look for current job openings and their requirement https://www.nasa.gov/careers/engineering/
Education: Engineers at NASA usually have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or physics. Some positions may require higher degrees like master's or Ph.D. for specialized roles.
Experience: Experience in engineering through internships, research projects, or practical work is highly beneficial. Hands-on experience and expertise in relevant areas are often essential.
Skillset: Engineers at NASA need strong technical skills in their specific field of expertise. Depending on the role, this might involve skills in designing, testing, coding, problem-solving, and more.
Application: Applying for a job at NASA involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and possibly other materials through the NASA jobs portal. Tailoring your application to highlight relevant experience and skills is crucial.
Security Clearance: Some positions at NASA might require security clearance due to the sensitive nature of the work.
Interview: If selected, candidates may undergo interviews, which could include technical assessments and discussions about their qualifications and experiences.
Once hired, engineers at NASA work in diverse teams on projects such as spacecraft design, mission planning, robotics, developing new technologies, data analysis, and more. They collaborate closely with scientists, researchers, astronauts, and other engineers to contribute to space exploration and scientific discovery.
Keep in mind that the specifics can vary depending on the particular engineering field and the role within NASA. Networking, staying updated with NASA's projects and initiatives, and continuous learning in your field of interest are also valuable steps toward working at NASA as an engineer.
Jayjeetsinh recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for giving me the basic understanding I needed to know!
Senih
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Senih,
There are many different flavors of engineering at NASA. Jayjeetsin gave some good advice. You can look up what jobs are currently advertised and what the requirements are, here:
https://www.nasa.gov/careers/
Or on usajobs.gov
Notice there are also internships for high-school and college students:
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/
Doing an internship would be an excellent first step to get a foot in the door and make contacts.
NASA also funds programs at universities, for example:
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-awards-14-million-to-universities-for-supportive-stem-efforts/
So, if you are in a department that has NASA funding, you would be working on NASA projects which might go into space one day.
Good luck!
KP
There are many different flavors of engineering at NASA. Jayjeetsin gave some good advice. You can look up what jobs are currently advertised and what the requirements are, here:
https://www.nasa.gov/careers/
Or on usajobs.gov
Notice there are also internships for high-school and college students:
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/
Doing an internship would be an excellent first step to get a foot in the door and make contacts.
NASA also funds programs at universities, for example:
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-awards-14-million-to-universities-for-supportive-stem-efforts/
So, if you are in a department that has NASA funding, you would be working on NASA projects which might go into space one day.
Good luck!
KP
Thank you for the links Karin. Also, what kind of lecturer are you?
Senih
John Pecore
Engineering/President at Stormin Protection Products Inc. jpecore@earthlink.net (Skype) "Storminprotection"
4
Answers
Updated
John’s Answer
I've taken a look at the responses here, and they're all absolutely correct.
Your enthusiasm is a key element too, remember that.
You also need to be exceptional in mathematics.
Engineering: There's a wide variety of engineering fields, but one less common one is Human Factors Engineering. I believe there's definitely a spot for someone with this unique engineering discipline. Just a thought to consider.
Your enthusiasm is a key element too, remember that.
You also need to be exceptional in mathematics.
Engineering: There's a wide variety of engineering fields, but one less common one is Human Factors Engineering. I believe there's definitely a spot for someone with this unique engineering discipline. Just a thought to consider.
Thank you for the advice man!
Senih