Also called: Microgravity Materials Scientist
Makes things in orbit that are better without gravity, like ultra-pure fiber optics, crystals for medicines, and printed tissues.
You design an automated mini-factory the size of a microwave, send it to a space station, and study the samples when they return in a capsule.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in materials science, chemistry, or bioengineering.
Ways in: Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Materials Science, Chemistry, Bioengineering.
Growing faster than average. Emerging field not tracked by BLS; depends on NASA Artemis and private investment.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps design experiments; making materials in orbit and studying them stays hands-on research.
Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Biology, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2032.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.