Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a controls engineer seeking employment opportunities in the astrophysics field, particularly in relation to telescope facilities and sensory arrays for space vehicles. The conversation explores potential job avenues and the applicability of the participant's skills in this niche area.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses a desire to transition from controls engineering to astrophysics, specifically looking for job opportunities related to telescope facilities and sensory arrays.
- Another participant suggests that telescope facilities typically operate rather than design equipment, recommending a search for positions at National Labs or Universities instead.
- A participant acknowledges seeing job postings at various labs but notes a lack of specific control engineering roles in astrophysics, expressing a preference to remain within their current field rather than switching to optics.
- One reply highlights the narrow niche of controls engineering in astrophysics and suggests networking with individuals involved in telescope development projects, mentioning the JWST as a significant focus of funding.
- The original poster reflects on their experience with distributed control systems and expresses uncertainty about making a complete career change, indicating they will explore opportunities related to the JWST.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the difficulty of finding controls engineering roles specifically within astrophysics, with multiple views on potential job avenues and the relevance of the participant's experience. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to finding suitable opportunities.
Contextual Notes
The discussion does not resolve the specific requirements or expectations for controls engineering roles in astrophysics, nor does it clarify the extent to which the participant's skills align with potential job openings.