Job Description for a Rocket Scientist
"I'm no rocket scientist" is a commonly-used expression which means you aren't super smart. Rocket scientists are intelligent individuals, especially in the areas of math and science. It's definitely not a job for just anyone. While "rocket scientist" is used, the job title is typically "aerospace engineer." The two types include aeronautical engineers who develop aircraft and astronautical engineers who develop crafts for outer space, explains the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Duties
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Rocket scientists are instrumental in the production of increasingly advanced technological aircraft, military defense systems and structures for space exploration. They conceptualize and plan the design of spacecraft, rockets, missiles, military planes and other objects. They also supervise the manufacturing process, perform tests to analyze product effectiveness and make adjustments or changes to fix performance problems. While some focus specifically on the production of rockets, most use their expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion, physics and other deeply complex scientific processes toward the development of various projects.
Qualifications
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Aerospace engineers must work well under pressure. Strict deadlines must be met, and constant pressure is felt to come up with the next best design that reaches a farther distance or travels at a faster speed. In space exploration and military defense, the U.S. hopes to continually improve upon existing concepts to stay on the cutting edge of technology. Good communication and writing skills are needed to compile accurate, insightful reports, handbooks and other documents. Other important qualities include strong analytical thinking skills, creativity and ingenuity. Engineers must be detail-oriented, organized and stay current with changing technology in computers and scientific principles.
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Work Environment
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Typical work involves offices, laboratories and manufacturing plants. Since projects are so involved, a team of aerospace engineers often work together, each providing a particular specialization in a scientific area. While many are employed by NASA and the U.S. military, their scientific and engineering knowledge is so valuable and applicable to other situations that they are beneficial in other fields. Some automobile manufacturers have turned to them for help in developing more fuel-efficient vehicles, states the Employment Development Department of California.
Education
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Those interested in the profession must be strong in all mathematical subjects (geometry, algebra, calculus and trigonometry), English, chemistry and physics. Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software is needed to create blueprints and precise design plans. A good grasp of such advanced technologies as robotics, lasers and electronic optics is also essential, explains the Employment Development Department of California. The department advises pursuing undergraduate studies at an institution recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Many continue on to graduate school to obtain higher entry-level positions.
Job Outlook and Pay
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Although limited job growth is expected through 2014, the Employment Development Department of California reports that increased retirement of existing engineers should lead to a fair amount of job opportunities. Rocket scientists are paid handsomely for their wealth of knowledge. Even aerospace engineers straight from college with bachelor's degrees earned an average yearly salary of $56,311 in July 2009, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that aerospace engineers earned an average of $92,520 annually in May 2008.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit rocket image by Daniel Gillies from Fotolia.com
