“What can I do in astronomy with a focus in…”
Are you interested in pursuing a career in astronomy with a degree in
engineering? Graduates in engineering enjoy a large range of job options in
a number of different fields related to the subject of astronomy.
Academic
Non-academic
College/University: Approximately 55%
of astronomers are employed at or affiliated
with higher education institutions. A Ph.D.
is generally required, and teaching is often
a prominent, if not primary, component of
the job. Positions at such places include:
- Professor
- Research scientist
- Facilities director
National institute/lab: Public research labs
employ engineers for satellite design,
optical work, and aerospace/aeronautics.
Additionally, publicly funded observatories
employ engineers as telescope operators,
and instrumentalists. Some examples
include:
- NASA
- National Optical Astronomy
Observatory
- Naval Research Laboratory
- Space Telescope Science Institute
Museum/Planetarium: Engineers could
be employed as technicians for facilities
components or displays. Engineering
skills could be employed in maintenance
of sophisticated equipment and
development of modern, high-tech
demonstration units. Examples include:
- Adler Planetarium
- American Museum of Natural History
Private industry: Private aerospace
companies are growing in number as
NASA cooperates on space missions. You
could be part of program development,
rocket design, robotics, satellites, space
tourism, and even asteroid mining.
- Space Exploration Technologies
(SpaceX)
- Lockheed Martin
- Virgin Galactic
For more information about careers in astronomy, visit the American Astronomical
Society’s website:
http://aas.org/learn/careers-astronomy