Job Responsibilities
The good thing about working for a "company" like NASA is that
experience is not a problem. You have a lot of "old-timers" who
love to share their experiences with entry level folks. They
realize the potential of every individual and assign
responsibilities accordingly. As an entry level graduate, you are
required to complete what is called a PIP (Professional
Internship Program), a program that is designed for a person to
acclimatize to NASA. PIP I lasts about 6 months where you are
given a project, a mentor and a technical advisor. Successful
completion of PIP I moves you to PIP II, a more in-depth project
but kind of on the same level of difficulty as PIP I. The
projects generally are geared towards some investigation or to
see if some concept is possible. PIP II asks you to analyze more
since a written report is required. So makes it a bit more formal.
In addition, you are assigned a range of duties which can be
anywhere from assisting somebody in analyses to asssisting people
in labs. Most of it depends on your resume. The comfort level is
such that you will be asked to do what you want to do and what
you are good at. I have been busy at IMDC, Integration Mission
Design Center, a facility that answers questions from scientists,
astronomers etc to check the possibility and compatibility of
upcoming or far distant missions. I generally end up splitting my
40-hr week to accomodate these tasks. Finally, you will be asked
to take training classes. From general rocket propulsion to
Visual Basic to Excel for Engineers, you will need to take these
classes time and time again.
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Job Requirements
I completed my undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering with
minors in Computer Sciences from University of Texas at Austin,
Texas. Our program is fairly rigorous but does produce
outstanding engineers. The Dept. has a number of world renowned
researchers. Just like any good school, first 2-3 semesters of
classes are basic english, math "weed-out" classes. Beginning
with Junior year, most classes are very specific and you can feel
the atmosphere change, from classroom to the seriousness of
students. My freshmen aerospace engineering class had 125
students. Only 36 graduated. The workload increases as you go
deeper into the program and peaks out at the end of your junior
year. The senior year involves taking a lot of project oriented
classes that are designed to apply your class room learning. Like
any big campus, getting into classes can be tedious and
frustrating especially during the freshman and sophmore year but
eases out after that. Every school has a system: A particular way
of teaching, the sooner one realizes it, the better your life
becomes. In this day and age, one has to be smart, proactive and
maybe even manipulative to get what you want. Since the amount of
information a person wants to learn depends from person to
person, it basically comes down to picking easy classes and
profs. Just by keeping you eyes and ears open you can sidestep
landmines that jeopardize your college career. Theres profs who
have a 37% passing rate and some that teach the same class with
99% passing rate.
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Uppers
In this day of layoffs and firings, to work for the govt provides job security
like nothing else. I was offered a position from Boeing, Lockheed, L-3
Communications and NASA. The primary reason for picking NASA was job security.
People could not be any nicer and everyone is willing to help you with anything
you need.
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Downers
Since I work for the govt., getting things done in a timely
manner requires skill and manipulation. NASA is covered in so
many layers of scrutiny that ordering a pencil requires the same
amount of paperwork as launching the shuttle (well not really,
but you get the point). One has to be patient and know the right
people to get things done.
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Lifestyle
I have a multiflex work schedule, meaning I can work 5 days a week, 4 or even 3.
Just so long I get my work done, I can do whatever and the managers understand
that. With experience you will be required to travel within and outside US. There
are a number of organizations at NASA Goddard and one can be as involved as
he/she pleases. From dancing classes, to auto club, to flying club, NASA offers
all. The dress code is pretty laid back but business attire is strongly
recommended during presentations etc. There are people from a diverse background
with unique experiences and thats what makes NASA a fun place to work. I have
sensed that M:F ratio is fairly high, which historically is understandable but is
changing rapidly.
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Compensation
Working for the govt., I knew coming in that I will not be
receiving a lot of perks etc. Just like any decent company,
however, NASA provides plenty of retirement funds that one can
enroll in, life insurance etc. Salaries are lower than private
counterparts but they are willing to match should you have a
better offer. They do provide moving expenses and assistance with
looking for accomodation etc.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Make sure you have a strong background in physics and math. If
logic, reasoning and problem solving doesnt turn you on, then
this is not your cup of tea. The field of aerospace engineering
is continuing to grow and for the next 3-5 years, its a "strong
bull-market." My colleague, a NASA employee for 37 years,
mentioned to me the other day "Since the 1960's I have never seen
so much enthusiasm and so much activity in the aerospace field,
as I am seeing today." In this market, job is very easy to find,
and fortunately, you will have choices too.
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