Exploring Non-Academic Research Jobs for Applied Math and Engineering Graduates

  • Thread starter Thread starter cypherscouter
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Jobs Research
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Non-academic research jobs for applied math and engineering graduates exist primarily in national labs such as Los Alamos and Oak Ridge. However, these positions often require substantial programming skills and hands-on work, contradicting the desire for a role without a boss or computer involvement. Fields like computational fluid dynamics and statistical analysis demand extensive use of computers, making them unsuitable for those who dislike programming. Graduates should be prepared for the reality that most quantitative roles involve both theoretical and practical applications of mathematics and engineering.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of applied mathematics concepts such as differential equations (DEs), partial differential equations (PDEs), and linear algebra.
  • Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) principles and applications.
  • Basic knowledge of programming, particularly in languages like C++.
  • Awareness of the structure and hierarchy within government and research organizations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of programming in computational fluid dynamics and its applications in engineering.
  • Explore career paths in statistical analysis and the programming requirements involved.
  • Investigate the job market for mathematical modeling positions in national labs and industry.
  • Learn about the practical applications of applied mathematics in various sectors, including defense and government research.
USEFUL FOR

Applied math and engineering graduates, job seekers interested in research roles, and individuals exploring career options in national labs or industry without a focus on hands-on work.

cypherscouter
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
do these exist outside of industry (in say, government, etc where you don't have to work for a boss) if you get a MS or phD in applied math or engineering? the only ones i can think of off the top of my head would be in the national labs like los alamos, oak ridge, etc

how much do these jobs pay? how competitive are they to get? in these jobs, do you get to use a lot of what you learned in school unlike if you were to work for an engineering company? you don't have to deal with office politics and a rude boss, etc, am i right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What makes you think you don't have a boss in industry or a national lab?
 
also, what are some good careers out there if i like mathematical modeling, applied math (DEs, PDEs, linear algebra, probability,etc) and physics, but want to work on something more applied and less theoretical and i don't want to use too much computer science (i've only taken 1 programming class, c++, and didnt like it). i also HATE hands on work and working on experiments

i also want to find a job in industry or governmental lab.

i've thought about computational fluid dynamics or working on modeling of aircraft and missiles for a defense contractor

working on aircraft and missiles sounds like fun
 
Cypherscouter, you will have a very tough time of it. You are asking for a job that doesn't involve computers, doesn't involve hands on work, and doesn't have a boss.

I'm fairly sure there are no such jobs.
 
I echo Vanadium's puzzlement on where you got the idea that one has no "boss" when working in a Nat'l lab. The person who HIRED you will be your boss, and he has a boss himself, and his boss has a boss, and his boss's boss also has a boss... leading all the way to the Secretary of the Dept. of Energy.

Zz.
 
cypherscouter said:
also, what are some good careers out there if i like mathematical modeling, applied math (DEs, PDEs, linear algebra, probability,etc) and physics, but want to work on something more applied and less theoretical and i don't want to use too much computer science (i've only taken 1 programming class, c++, and didnt like it). i also HATE hands on work and working on experiments

i also want to find a job in industry or governmental lab.

i've thought about computational fluid dynamics or working on modeling of aircraft and missiles for a defense contractor

working on aircraft and missiles sounds like fun

Who in their right mind is going to hire someone to design missles and aircraft, when that person states they don't like computers, don't like 'hands on work', and don't want to perform experiments? You sound like someone who feels it is their right to sit around all day, doing nothing of consequence, and get paid for it.
 
Research often involves plenty of hands on work, but most definitely using computers and lots of experiments. Slide rules went out of date a long time ago.
 
ZapperZ said:
I echo Vanadium's puzzlement on where you got the idea that one has no "boss" when working in a Nat'l lab. The person who HIRED you will be your boss, and he has a boss himself, and his boss has a boss, and his boss's boss also has a boss... leading all the way to the Secretary of the Dept. of Energy.

Zz.

Hell, even the Secretary of Energy's boss is President Obama.
 
cypherscouter said:
also, what are some good careers out there if i like mathematical modeling, applied math (DEs, PDEs, linear algebra, probability,etc) and physics, but want to work on something more applied and less theoretical and i don't want to use too much computer science (i've only taken 1 programming class, c++, and didnt like it). i also HATE hands on work and working on experiments

i also want to find a job in industry or governmental lab.

i've thought about computational fluid dynamics or working on modeling of aircraft and missiles for a defense contractor

working on aircraft and missiles sounds like fun

Computational Fluid Dynamics and modeling are both pretty much full-time programming. In fact, they're pretty much the two areas of physics and engineering which use the most programming.
 
  • #10
cypherscouter said:
also, what are some good careers out there if i like mathematical modeling, applied math (DEs, PDEs, linear algebra, probability,etc) and physics, but want to work on something more applied and less theoretical and i don't want to use too much computer science (i've only taken 1 programming class, c++, and didnt like it). i also HATE hands on work and working on experiments

i also want to find a job in industry or governmental lab.

i've thought about computational fluid dynamics or working on modeling of aircraft and missiles for a defense contractor

working on aircraft and missiles sounds like fun

You should research what type of work is actually involved in the fields you mention.

If you don't want to do hands on work, then your stuck with modeling and theory, which involve a lot of programming, especially in the fields you mention.
 
  • #11
well i guess programming and computers are ok, i heavily prefer it over experimental and hands on work.

what about statisticans for companies? do they get to use lots of math and not use computers as much as those in applied math research?

i'm willing to for a boss
 
  • #12
No, statisticians are also full-time programmers

What you would want is fundamental theory or pure math, both of which have very, very little work in industry.
 
  • #13
ok, i'd be willing to do programming
 
  • #14
I want to play professional basketball, but I don't want to play for a coach. Also, I hate dribbling. Can anybody help me?
 
  • #15
Computers have become a major tool used in theory and mathematical modeling. If you want to work in any quantitative discipline, chances are you are going to be using a computer. It's just part of the job.
 
  • #16
misterme09 said:
Hell, even the Secretary of Energy's boss is President Obama.

Obama's bosses (in theory) are the people, so technically you're your own boss in a round about sense!
 
  • #17
uman said:
I want to play professional basketball, but I don't want to play for a coach. Also, I hate dribbling. Can anybody help me?


I think that this quote was overlooked completely. Love it uman.
 
  • #18
I'm a mathematician and I use a computer more than I use my brain.
 

Similar threads

How Hard is it to find a research job with a Master's degree in Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Programs Is an MS in Operations research worth it?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Can I manage to do both: Computer Science and Research in Physics?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Schools Which University should I go to for my undergrad in physics?
  • · Replies 82 ·
3
Replies
82
Views
8K
Admissions Latebloomer with many past mistakes applying to graduate school
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Admissions Non-thesis masters in Material Science to Material Science PhD
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Deciding between Physics or Engineering after a very turbulent year
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Admissions What are my chances of getting into a competitive physics PhD program?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Programs Electrical Engineering PhD or Applied Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
860