Become a Propulsion Engineer - Learn to Work with Rockets & Spacecraft

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the educational pathways and necessary skills for becoming a propulsion engineer, particularly in the context of working with rockets and spacecraft engines. Participants explore various aspects of the field, including required courses, competitive nature of the industry, and the diverse skill sets needed in large engineering teams.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to work as a propulsion engineer and seeks advice on necessary courses for their degree.
  • Another participant suggests that understanding available options in the degree program and reviewing SpaceX job descriptions would be essential for tailored advice.
  • There is a recognition of the competitive nature of the field, with an emphasis on performing well academically.
  • One participant notes the collaborative nature of modern aerospace projects, highlighting the variety of specialties involved beyond just propulsion engineering.
  • Another participant mentions the importance of being skilled in tools like CAD and computational fluid dynamics, which are highly utilized in the industry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the competitive nature of the field and the importance of diverse skills in engineering teams. However, there is no consensus on specific courses or pathways, as the discussion remains exploratory and open-ended.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific details about the degree options available or the exact requirements for becoming a propulsion engineer, leaving some assumptions and dependencies on individual educational institutions unaddressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering, particularly in propulsion systems, as well as those seeking insights into the skills and educational background relevant to working in the aerospace industry.

BarChen
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Hi guys, I'm about to start my degree in a few months and I know what field I want to major in but I don't know what track I should take. In the future I want to work with rockets and spacecraft engines, I want to help develop the new generation. Correct me if I'm wrong but it's called a propulsion engineer, ultimately the dream is to work for spaceX. What do I need to study in my degree, I mean what courses do I need?? Please help me because the internet has made me more confused
 
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Not my area but there's clearly some important information you haven't told us:
- what options are available on your degree course?
- what did you find out when you read through the various SpaceX job-vacancy descriptions on their website? E.g. what particular work-areas are there that interest you?

That's the sort of essential information someone familiar with the field would need to advise you.

I expect it's very competitive, so performing at the top end of your course will be important.

Good luck!
 
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Steve4Physics said:
I expect it's very competitive
I see you're practicing understatement today :smile:
 
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Well, after all, it is rocket science!
 
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I don't know anything about SpaceX, but these days, big projects are carried out by large teams of people with diverse specialties, each person uses their talent/background to contribute a small piece of the overall end. It isn't like Robert Goddard building rockets in his shed. They (SpaceX) probably have hundreds of engineers, with degrees in mechanical, aero, electrical, chemical, and on and on... physicists, mathematicians, accountants... probably even a few poets.

I suspect being very good at what you do is more important than exactly what you do. Plus enthusiasm and ability to produce without a lot of instructions.
 
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Aerospace Engineering
 
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CAD has a very high ratio of use in industry to college students who know it well. Computational fluid dynamics (using existing software, not from scratch) is similar
 
PeroK said:
Well, after all, it is rocket science!
It's not exactly brain surgery though.
 
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