Also called: Sounding Rocket Technician, Science Payload Integration Technician
Builds and launches the science packages on small rockets that zip into space for a few minutes to study auroras and the upper atmosphere.
At a launch range in Alaska, you bolt a scientist's aurora instruments into a rocket's nose section and run spin and vibration tests. On a freezing night when the northern lights flare, the countdown starts and the rocket climbs 200 miles up. Afterward you help recover data and sometimes the payload.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in electronics, mechanical or engineering technology.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Electronics Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Aerospace Engineering Technology.
Growing about average. NASA flies around 20 sounding rockets a year.
Low risk for 10 years. Software helps testing, but building and launching one-of-a-kind payloads stays hands-on.
Classes: Physics, Electronics CTE, Shop class, Earth science.
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