Also called: Countdown Conductor, Test Conductor
Runs the countdown script, leading the team step by step through fueling and final checks.
You read the countdown procedure aloud over the voice loops for hours, track every step, and coordinate dozens of engineers. Your calm voice is what people hear on launch broadcasts.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Engineering degree plus years of launch operations experience.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). Part of BLS aerospace engineers category.
Low risk for 10 years. Automated countdown sequencers run more steps; leading the team and handling surprises stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, Speech or debate, Computer science, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2011.
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