Aerospace/Applied Physics for building robotic exploration vehicles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the educational pathways and qualifications necessary for working on robotic exploration vehicles, particularly in the context of organizations like JPL and defense contractors. Participants share their experiences and insights regarding relevant degrees and job roles in aerospace and applied physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the necessary degrees for working on robotic exploration vehicles, expressing interest in aerospace engineering or applied physics.
  • Another participant suggests that defense companies typically handle hardware components, while system integration is primarily done at NASA, particularly at JPL.
  • A participant mentions that most individuals they know in the field are mechanical engineers.
  • It is noted that working on projects related to robotics and autonomous vehicles is beneficial, and US citizenship may be a requirement for many positions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best educational background for entering the field, with some emphasizing mechanical engineering while others highlight aerospace engineering and applied physics. There is no consensus on a single pathway or requirement.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the specific job descriptions or roles available at JPL or defense contractors, nor do they address the implications of citizenship requirements in detail.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing careers in aerospace engineering, applied physics, robotics, or related fields, particularly those aiming to work on robotic exploration missions.

razidan
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Hello everyone,
I was wondering what degree/s do the people that build all the robotic exploration vehicles have.
I have a bachelor's in physics and a bachelor's in material engineering from a university outside the US.
I have now moved to the US and I would like to continue my education, I was thinking Aerospace eng or applied physics.
I would like to end up working on research robotic missions...

I know most of the robotic vehicles are assembled at JPL but usually have a defense contractor (lockheed, Boeing, Northropp) working on them also.. so what job description involves working on one of these?
Do i need to work at JPL or at one of the defense companies?Thanks,
R
 
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razidan said:
Hello everyone,
I was wondering what degree/s do the people that build all the robotic exploration vehicles have.
I have a bachelor's in physics and a bachelor's in material engineering from a university outside the US.
I have now moved to the US and I would like to continue my education, I was thinking Aerospace eng or applied physics.
I would like to end up working on research robotic missions...

I know most of the robotic vehicles are assembled at JPL but usually have a defense contractor (lockheed, Boeing, Northropp) working on them also.. so what job description involves working on one of these?
Do i need to work at JPL or at one of the defense companies?Thanks,
R
Hey Razidan,

Personally I've dream't of working at JPL and other branches of NASA as a kid hahaha; anyways, I believe the defence companies generally handle hardware components - system integration for the robotic vehicles etc are generally done within NASA (like at the JPL). If you would like to see the entire system come to fruition, you should probably be aiming for JPL :)

Oh, and looking at your qualifications, you're headed in the right direction with engineering degrees - and such a field does not have a strict education background requirement (unless of course, they are needing and hiring only specific specialists in very specific fields).
 
The guys I've known in that game were all mechanical engineers.
 
Mechanical engineering. Try to work on projects that involve robotics, autonomous vehicles, etc. And in case you aren't (I can't tell from your message), get your US citizenship. Many of these positions are likely to require it.
 
Thanks for the responses everyone.
 

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