\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCareer Spotlight: Engineer (Ages 14-18)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/webb-flickr-4808870003-8558a2628a-k-jpg.webp?w=1536\")
<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat does an engineer do?<\/strong><\/h2>\nAn engineer applies scientific principles to design, build, and test machines, systems, or structures to meet specific needs. They follow the steps of the engineering design process<\/a> to ensure their designs work as planned while meeting a variety of requirements, including size, weight, safety, and cost.<\/p>\nNASA hires several types of engineers to help tackle a range of missions. Whether it\u2019s creating quieter supersonic aircraft, building powerful space telescopes to study the cosmos, or developing spacecraft to take humanity to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, NASA pushes the boundaries of engineering, giving us greater knowledge of our universe and a better quality of life here on Earth.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Crew-1:](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/crew-1_the_mission_-_resize.jpg?w=1620\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are the different types of engineering?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n- Aerospace engineer:<\/strong> Applies engineering principles to design hardware and software specific to flight systems for use in Earth\u2019s atmosphere or in space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Chemical engineer:<\/strong> Uses chemistry to conduct research or develop new materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Civil engineer:<\/strong> Designs human-made structures, such as launch pads, test stands, or a future lunar base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Electrical engineer:<\/strong> Specializes in the design and testing of electronics such as computers, motors, and navigation systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Mechanical engineer:<\/strong> Designs and tests mechanical equipment and systems, such as rocket engines, aircraft frames, and astronaut tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can I become an engineer?<\/strong><\/h2>\nHigh school is the perfect time to build a solid foundation of science and math skills through challenging academic courses as well as extracurricular activities, such as science clubs, robotics teams, or STEM camps in your area. You can also start researching what type of engineering is right for you<\/a>, what colleges offer those engineering programs, and what you need to do to apply to those colleges.<\/p>\nEngineering roles typically require at least a bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Elaine](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/edu_elaine_stewart.jpg?w=600\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow can I start preparing today to become an engineer?<\/strong><\/h2>\nLooking for some engineering experiences you can try right away? NASA STEM offers hands-on activities<\/a> for a variety of ages and skill levels. Engineering includes iteration \u2013 repeating something and making changes in an effort to learn more and improve the process or the design. When you try these activities, make a small change each time you repeat the process, and see whether your design improves.<\/p>\nNASA\u2019s student challenges and competitions<\/a> give teams the opportunity to gain authentic experience by taking on some of the technological challenges of spaceflight and aviation.<\/p>\nNASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA\u2019s Internships website<\/a> to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat does an engineer do?<\/strong><\/h2>\nAn engineer applies scientific principles to design, build, and test machines, systems, or structures to meet specific needs. They follow the steps of the engineering design process<\/a> to ensure their designs work as planned while meeting a variety of requirements, including size, weight, safety, and cost.<\/p>\nNASA hires several types of engineers to help tackle a range of missions. Whether it\u2019s creating quieter supersonic aircraft, building powerful space telescopes to study the cosmos, or developing spacecraft to take humanity to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, NASA pushes the boundaries of engineering, giving us greater knowledge of our universe and a better quality of life here on Earth.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are the different types of engineering?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n- Aerospace engineer:<\/strong> Applies engineering principles to design hardware and software specific to flight systems for use in Earth\u2019s atmosphere or in space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Chemical engineer:<\/strong> Uses chemistry to conduct research or develop new materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Civil engineer:<\/strong> Designs human-made structures, such as launch pads, test stands, or a future lunar base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Electrical engineer:<\/strong> Specializes in the design and testing of electronics such as computers, motors, and navigation systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Mechanical engineer:<\/strong> Designs and tests mechanical equipment and systems, such as rocket engines, aircraft frames, and astronaut tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can I become an engineer?<\/strong><\/h2>\nHigh school is the perfect time to build a solid foundation of science and math skills through challenging academic courses as well as extracurricular activities, such as science clubs, robotics teams, or STEM camps in your area. You can also start researching what type of engineering is right for you<\/a>, what colleges offer those engineering programs, and what you need to do to apply to those colleges.<\/p>\nEngineering roles typically require at least a bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow can I start preparing today to become an engineer?<\/strong><\/h2>\nLooking for some engineering experiences you can try right away? NASA STEM offers hands-on activities<\/a> for a variety of ages and skill levels. Engineering includes iteration \u2013 repeating something and making changes in an effort to learn more and improve the process or the design. When you try these activities, make a small change each time you repeat the process, and see whether your design improves.<\/p>\nNASA\u2019s student challenges and competitions<\/a> give teams the opportunity to gain authentic experience by taking on some of the technological challenges of spaceflight and aviation.<\/p>\nNASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA\u2019s Internships website<\/a> to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.<\/p>\n
NASA hires several types of engineers to help tackle a range of missions. Whether it\u2019s creating quieter supersonic aircraft, building powerful space telescopes to study the cosmos, or developing spacecraft to take humanity to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, NASA pushes the boundaries of engineering, giving us greater knowledge of our universe and a better quality of life here on Earth.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are the different types of engineering?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n- Aerospace engineer:<\/strong> Applies engineering principles to design hardware and software specific to flight systems for use in Earth\u2019s atmosphere or in space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Chemical engineer:<\/strong> Uses chemistry to conduct research or develop new materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Civil engineer:<\/strong> Designs human-made structures, such as launch pads, test stands, or a future lunar base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Electrical engineer:<\/strong> Specializes in the design and testing of electronics such as computers, motors, and navigation systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Mechanical engineer:<\/strong> Designs and tests mechanical equipment and systems, such as rocket engines, aircraft frames, and astronaut tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can I become an engineer?<\/strong><\/h2>\nHigh school is the perfect time to build a solid foundation of science and math skills through challenging academic courses as well as extracurricular activities, such as science clubs, robotics teams, or STEM camps in your area. You can also start researching what type of engineering is right for you<\/a>, what colleges offer those engineering programs, and what you need to do to apply to those colleges.<\/p>\nEngineering roles typically require at least a bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow can I start preparing today to become an engineer?<\/strong><\/h2>\nLooking for some engineering experiences you can try right away? NASA STEM offers hands-on activities<\/a> for a variety of ages and skill levels. Engineering includes iteration \u2013 repeating something and making changes in an effort to learn more and improve the process or the design. When you try these activities, make a small change each time you repeat the process, and see whether your design improves.<\/p>\nNASA\u2019s student challenges and competitions<\/a> give teams the opportunity to gain authentic experience by taking on some of the technological challenges of spaceflight and aviation.<\/p>\nNASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA\u2019s Internships website<\/a> to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Aerospace engineer:<\/strong> Applies engineering principles to design hardware and software specific to flight systems for use in Earth\u2019s atmosphere or in space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Chemical engineer:<\/strong> Uses chemistry to conduct research or develop new materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Civil engineer:<\/strong> Designs human-made structures, such as launch pads, test stands, or a future lunar base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Electrical engineer:<\/strong> Specializes in the design and testing of electronics such as computers, motors, and navigation systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Mechanical engineer:<\/strong> Designs and tests mechanical equipment and systems, such as rocket engines, aircraft frames, and astronaut tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can I become an engineer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
High school is the perfect time to build a solid foundation of science and math skills through challenging academic courses as well as extracurricular activities, such as science clubs, robotics teams, or STEM camps in your area. You can also start researching what type of engineering is right for you<\/a>, what colleges offer those engineering programs, and what you need to do to apply to those colleges.<\/p>\n
Engineering roles typically require at least a bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow can I start preparing today to become an engineer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Looking for some engineering experiences you can try right away? NASA STEM offers hands-on activities<\/a> for a variety of ages and skill levels. Engineering includes iteration \u2013 repeating something and making changes in an effort to learn more and improve the process or the design. When you try these activities, make a small change each time you repeat the process, and see whether your design improves.<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s student challenges and competitions<\/a> give teams the opportunity to gain authentic experience by taking on some of the technological challenges of spaceflight and aviation.<\/p>\n
NASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA\u2019s Internships website<\/a> to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.<\/p>\n
- Mechanical engineer:<\/strong> Designs and tests mechanical equipment and systems, such as rocket engines, aircraft frames, and astronaut tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Electrical engineer:<\/strong> Specializes in the design and testing of electronics such as computers, motors, and navigation systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Civil engineer:<\/strong> Designs human-made structures, such as launch pads, test stands, or a future lunar base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Chemical engineer:<\/strong> Uses chemistry to conduct research or develop new materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"NASA](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wendy_okolo3_0.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n