NASA is most likely the most alluring of all government agencies. While becoming an astronaut may be the best known job at NASA, there are many other career and job paths that are critical towards the overall future success of the space program. One of the top jobs at NASA is to become a computer engineer. Computer engineers are very vital towards the success of any space mission and the overall program. Since most of the machines at NASA are now run off of computers, the engineers are necessary to build new computer programs, fix existing errors, and find ways to make them run more efficiently.
Another job that is necessary at NASA is accounting. While NASA is best known for building and using rocket ships, it is still a very large organization with a huge budget.
To ensure that the organization is staying on budget, and using its funds wisely, it needs teams of accountants. Accountants are hired at NASA for a variety of purposes including financial statement preparation, budgeting and forecasting, and even reconciling bank accounts and other financial accounts.
Another career path for people at NASA is to go into an administrative support role. There are a range of different support roles that are necessary for the future of NASA. Some of the top roles including management assistants, procurement clerks, typists, marketing staff, and even public relations. When it comes to ensuring that the rocket ships are in good shape, engineering technicians are very important.
Media and communications workers document the process to share the information with the public. Scientists of all kinds usually specialize in a particular field—and those who work on space projects are no exception. Regardless of their specialty, scientists whose work focuses on space help to answer questions about our universe.
Lots of different types of scientists contribute to our understanding of space, including the ones described in this section. BLS projects about 8, job openings overall between and for astronomers, atmospheric and space scientists, and physicists.
However, this number includes projected openings for these scientists in all types of jobs, not just in space exploration. Astronomers observe objects within the universe, including planets, stars, and galaxies.
They may rely on earth-based equipment, such as telescopes, or on space-based equipment, such as probes, to collect data on celestial bodies. Analyzing the data they collect provides clues to some questions, such as the age of certain planets. Atmospheric scientists. Atmospheric scientists , including meteorologists, observe weather and climate. They prepare long- and short-term forecasts by analyzing data from computer programs and from instruments such as weather balloons, radar systems, and satellite images.
These scientists also may study atmospheric phenomena, such as the Northern Lights and trade winds. Plasma physicists. These scientists study plasmas, which occur naturally both in interplanetary space and in stars. Their research contributes to our understanding about the universe but also applies to our everyday lives. For example, plasma physicists may study the interaction between the sun and Earth to improve space-weather forecasts, which may help to protect satellites, power transmissions, and aircraft communication systems.
Engineers solve problems, often working on teams. Designing a new rocket, for example, may involve the contributions of several types of engineers. Some engineers may design hardware, such as instruments used to collect data. Others may develop stronger materials. Still others may run diagnostics and tests on products they are developing.
BLS projects about , job openings overall between and for aerospace, computer hardware, electronics, and mechanical engineers. This number includes projected openings for these engineers in all types of jobs, however, not just in space exploration. Aerospace engineers. These engineers design, construct, and test aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.
Computer hardware engineers. Hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and equipment that is used to measure activity in outer space or on Earth. They document their work, writing detailed descriptions of how their designs function so that others may use the products they develop. Electronics engineers. Electronics engineers focus on specific equipment, such as the instrument panels in aircraft and spacecraft.
They may design new components or inspect existing ones to ensure that the equipment is safe. They may also develop maintenance procedures for the components they design. Mechanical engineers. These engineers often partner with other workers to create products—including sensors, tools, engines, or other machines—that support space missions.
For example, mechanical engineers may collaborate with aerospace engineers to develop the steering mechanism on rocket nozzles. Technicians working with engineers or scientists contribute to space exploration in a variety of ways. For example, they might help engineers test designs or determine whether climate conditions are suitable for launching a mission. BLS projects about 44, job openings overall between and for aerospace engineering and operations technicians; avionics technicians; and life, physical, and social science technicians, all other, which includes meteorological aides.
But this number includes projected openings for these technicians in all types of jobs, not just in space exploration. Aerospace engineering technicians. These technicians help engineers design, develop, and test products. For example, an engineering technician working on a space rocket might help with an engine test by setting up and conducting tests, recording results, and comparing those results with test objectives for recommending changes.
Avionics technicians. These technicians attend to the communication, navigation, and other systems central to aircraft and spacecraft. Their tasks may include testing electronic instruments, installing instrument panels, and replacing malfunctioning components.
They also make a record of any problems and repairs, information engineers may then use for improving future designs. Meteorological technicians. Meteorological technicians, also called meteorological aides, measure weather or climate-related conditions to produce data for meteorologists. For example, to ensure that conditions are safe for a space launch, these technicians may release weather balloons to assess wind activity in the atmosphere.
Media and communications workers describe the collaboration involved in developing new technologies—and help the public to understand the importance of the work. These workers use a variety of media to convey information, but they have the same goal: to explain the science of projects or discoveries in an easy-to-understand format. BLS projects about , job openings overall between and for photographers, producers and directors, public relations specialists, and technical writers. This number includes projected openings for these workers in all types of jobs, however, not just in space exploration.
The amazing images from space missions are taken by astronauts or special cameras on spacecraft, not by photographers. Producers are in charge of the budget, the production schedule, and hiring crew members to create educational videos. They may work with directors, who are responsible for creative decisions, and a crew, which may include film and video editors. Videos are helpful for teaching concepts or illustrating processes, such as the steps for assembling a telescope.
Public relations specialists. These workers keep the public informed about space activities and discoveries. For example, they may respond to requests from the media for project details or fulfill requests from schools for educational speakers. Public relations specialists also help prepare the information that is shared through a variety of channels, including news releases and blog entries. Technical writers. Technical writers often work closely with scientists to present complex information in a way that the public can understand.
They may use photographs, diagrams, charts, or other visual material to complement descriptive text. Workers in space careers do a lot of different tasks, but they have similarities when it comes to the rewards and challenges of their jobs. But because the BLS data for these occupations are across all industries, NASA data may be more relevant for assessing what workers in space occupations earned.
About 60 percent of NASA positions are in professional, engineering, and scientific occupations and are usually at the GS-7 to GS levels in the federal pay scale. I feel immense pride knowing that I was a part of that. Workers also say they enjoy sharing their interest in space with the community or their peers. They may answer questions from the public, for example, or hear from scientists who are eager to use new tools.
And some workers have opportunities to try experiences that are not part of their job description. For example, to gain first-hand knowledge of how certain activities affect the body, NASA flight surgeon Joseph Dervay sometimes flies in a 2-seat jet and scuba dives in specially designed water tanks with astronauts who are practicing spacewalks.
As satisfying as a career in space exploration may be, some of these jobs are stressful. Pushing the limits of science and technology often comes with high stakes: minor errors can be costly, resulting in the loss of multimillion dollar projects—or even lives. Workers also say that keeping up with technology is a constant challenge. Often, the time required for a project to be planned, built, and deployed means that better options have since become available.
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