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Does NASA need mechanical engineers?

Author

Jessica Burns

Published Mar 15, 2026

Does NASA need mechanical engineers?

Mechanical engineers are vitally important to NASA's operations and space projects; whether it's designing mechanical ground support equipment, developing shutter mechanisms for space telescopes, or testing engine components, there are literally hundreds of jobs you could be asked to work on.

Also, can a mechanical engineer work at NASA?

Mechanical engineering is a great degree to set you up to work at NASA (provided you are a US citizen or permanent US resident). It can be highly competitive, but a NASA internship is a possibility, which can lead nicely to full time employment.

Secondly, how do I become a mechanical engineer for NASA? Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering to find a job. These programs heavily emphasize studies in mathematics, so it is important to have math skills. Other qualities employers look for are creativity, listening skills, and problem-solving skills.

Besides, what kind of Engineers does NASA need?

The engineering degrees most in-demand at NASA include aerospace engineering, computer hardware engineering, electronics engineering and mechanical engineering.

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Computer Hardware Engineering.
  • Electronics Engineering.
  • Mechanical Engineering.
  • What to Expect in an Engineering Education.

Do Mechanical Engineers go to space?

As a mechanical engineer that can do all kind of extras sure. Astronauts are the doers. If you want to make it to space start running every day and start weight training and endurance routine yesterday. As a mechanical engineer that can do all kind of extras sure.

Is aerospace harder than mechanical?

Well, Aerospace engineers and mechanical engineers both work on the development and construction of equipment and devices. However, the field of aerospace engineering is more narrow than mechanical engineering, focusing on airplanes and other aerospace-related machines.

Which is better mechanical or aerospace engineering?

Aerospace engineers are more likely to work for the military or government than mechanical engineers, and they may be involved with designing weapons or satellites. Mechanical engineers can be involved with designing and building things as varied as robots and generators to elevator and automobile systems.

How much money does a NASA engineer make?

NASA Salaries
Job TitleSalary
Computer Engineer salaries - 10 salaries reported$112,200/yr
Engineer salaries - 8 salaries reported$153,106/yr
Senior Software Engineer salaries - 7 salaries reported$117,549/yr
Contract Specialist salaries - 7 salaries reported$66,725/yr

What degrees do you need to be a NASA engineer?

The engineering degrees most in-demand at NASA include aerospace engineering, computer hardware engineering, electronics engineering and mechanical engineering.
  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Computer Hardware Engineering.
  • Electronics Engineering.
  • Mechanical Engineering.
  • What to Expect in an Engineering Education.

Which Is Better aerospace or aeronautical?

Aerospace engineering is concerned with designing and building aircraft and spacecraft. A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering would likely include both specializations, whereas a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering would focus solely on those vehicles that fly within the Earth's atmosphere.

Can a mechanical engineer become an aeronautical engineer?

The short answer is yes because in many colleges, aerospace engineering is basically a specialization of mechanical engineering. The reverse is also true however. Studying aerospace engineering doesn't lock you into only aerospace jobsyou can still get mechanical engineering jobs and even other field jobs.

Can a mechanical engineer become a aircraft engineer?

Yes, you can become an aircraft maintenance engineer even after completing your mechanical engineering.

Do mechanical engineers work on rockets?

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. NASA's SLS rocket needs mechanical engineers to work on the many different components of the rocket! Look at the image of the SLS rocket.

Is NASA hard to get into?

It's now 74 times more difficult to get into NASA than Harvard. According to NASA, 18,300 people applied to its 2017 astronaut class — a program that selects eight to 14 individuals to become astronaut candidates. That makes this program 74 times harder to get into than Harvard, according to Business Insider.

What kind of Engineers does SpaceX hire?

Software development jobs at SpaceX.
In the software development space, positions are available for avionics engineers, front-end software engineers, full-stack software engineers, embedded software engineers, wireless protocol software engineers, software test engineers, and solutions architects.

How much does a janitor at NASA make?

The average salary for the role of Janitor at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Miami Metropolitan Area is $26,900.

How do I become a NASA engineer?

You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in one or more of the following: mathematics, engineering, biological science or physical science. Notice that some degrees which may make you eligible for other work with NASA will not qualify you to become an Astronaut Candidate.

What to study to get into NASA?

Education Requirements
To be hired as a NASA scientist, you need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, geology, space science or a similar field. With a master's degree or a Ph. D., however, you'll start at a higher salary.

What type of engineering degree is best?

  • Mechanical Engineering (ME) The most popular engineering degree, by far, is mechanical engineering.
  • Electrical Engineering (EE)
  • Civil Engineering.
  • Chemical Engineering.
  • Computer Engineering (CE)
  • Biomedical Engineering.
  • Industrial Engineering (IE)
  • Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering.

How can I get job in NASA?

To apply for a job at NASA, go to There you'll find the very latest job listings and information that will help you determine if you qualify for the position. NASA prefers to hire applicants with applicable university degrees, or those in the military with aviation experience and backgrounds.

Do aeronautical engineers go to space?

Aerospace engineers don't go to space. They evaluate the spacecraft and aircraft they design using computer technology and inspections conducted in testing facilities.

What kind of jobs do aeronautical engineers get?

The field, Aeronautical engineering is the best career oriented field.

Some of the job profiles are as the following:

  • Thermal Design Engineer.
  • Consultants.
  • Mechanical Design Engineer.
  • Aerospace Designer Checker.
  • Graduate Engineer Trainees.
  • Assistant Technical Officers.
  • Assistant Aircraft Engineers.
  • Aircraft Production Manager.

Does NASA accept foreigners?

Information for Non U.S. Citizens
Other than extremely rare exceptions, you must be a U.S. citizen in order to work for NASA as a civil service employee. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may wish to consider opportunities with one of our International Space Partners: Agencia Espacial Brasileira (AEB)

What is the highest paying job in NASA?

Lead Engineer

What do mechanical engineers do at Apple?

Apple Inc. is looking for mechanical engineers to design new input device products, subsystems, and modules to support the Mac and iOS product lines. You will primarily work on ground up designs in partnership with electrical engineering and firmware cross functional teams.

Can a chemical engineer work at NASA?

I'm a chemical engineer, and I've worked on a number of NASA projects (I work at a national lab). The most interesting was designing a prototype for processing the Martian atmosphere. NASA will benefit from a chemical engineer any time there is a chemical reaction, heat or mass transfer, or process controls.

How can I join NASA after 12th?

So you need bachelors, masters as well as phd degrees in this field. Also you must have many years experience in BARC(Bhabha atomic research center) or ISRO(Indian space research org). However, you can take admission in Aeronautical Engineering 0r space engineering after passing class 12th.

What does a mechanical engineer do?

Mechanical engineers design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Mechanical engineers design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators.

What do NASA engineers do?

Aerospace engineers at NASA are astronautical manufacturers, programmers, designers, researchers and developers of practical technologies and theoretical experiments. They produce hardware and software required for testing and running the full range of spacecraft flight systems inside and outside the atmosphere.

Can aeronautical engineer pilot?

The answer is yes. You can definitely become a pilot after graduating with a degree in aeronautical engineering. You can definitely become a pilot after graduating with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Which degree is best for astronaut?

Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in either engineering, physical science, biology or mathematics. However, an advanced degree is highly recommended.

Are most astronauts engineers?

Nearly three quarters of all astronauts with Master degrees have them in Engineering. Aerospace, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers have the highest numbers by far, especially Aerospace. It looks like if you want to be an astronaut, having a Master degree in one of those disciplines is most valuable.

What do you call a space engineer?

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. "Aeronautical engineering" was the original term for the field.

Are all astronauts engineers?

Nearly three quarters of all astronauts with Master degrees have them in Engineering. Aerospace, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers have the highest numbers by far, especially Aerospace. It looks like if you want to be an astronaut, having a Master degree in one of those disciplines is most valuable.

Can I be an astronaut?

Today, to be considered for an astronaut position, applicants must meet the following qualifications: Be a U.S. citizen. Possess a master's degree* in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, from an accredited institution.

Which engineering is best for astronaut?

There is as such no “best engineering for becoming an astronaut”. You need to have a Btech in aerospace engineering or Bs in physics/chemistry/biological sciences/maths. FYI for joining ISRO as an astronaut you need to clear JEE .

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