MechE & Astronomy: Jobs that Combine Both?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jaden44
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Astrophysics
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the dilemma of a freshman mechanical engineering major contemplating a switch to astrophysics due to a strong interest in astronomy. While there are opportunities to integrate mechanical engineering with astronomy, particularly in the area of instrumentation—such as designing and maintaining telescopes—job prospects in astronomy are currently limited. Many participants suggest that pursuing mechanical engineering may provide more stable career options, while still allowing for astronomy to be a personal interest. Taking elective courses in astronomy is recommended to gain foundational knowledge without fully committing to a switch. Additionally, aerospace engineering is proposed as an alternative path that combines engineering skills with space exploration. Overall, the consensus leans towards maintaining mechanical engineering as a primary focus while exploring astronomy as a hobby or supplementary interest.
jaden44
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
currently, I am a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering. but, I've always had a strong interest in astronomy and astrophysics. i was thinking about switching to astrophysics, but also think it might be a bad idea - that it would be better to just keep astronomy as a hobby. is there any way to integrate mechE and astronomy together? as in, are there any jobs involving astronomy/astrophysics that would accept a somebody with a bachelors in mechE? thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are some jobs that would combine astronomy and ME, namely instrumentation (designing, building, programming, and maintaining telescopes and instruments). However, there aren't many jobs in astronomy at all right now, so you might just want to stick with 'astronomy for fun' and ME for a job.
 
eri said:
There are some jobs that would combine astronomy and ME, namely instrumentation (designing, building, programming, and maintaining telescopes and instruments). However, there aren't many jobs in astronomy at all right now, so you might just want to stick with 'astronomy for fun' and ME for a job.

i didn't even think about designing instruments, thanks for the thought. and i figured a ME job would be a safer bet but i was just checking to see if there was any overlap between the two. maybe ill take a couple astronomy courses as electives to get the basics at least.
thanks again
 
Good luck. I used to be more encouraging of people wanting to go into astronomy, but the current job market is horrible. Schools I haven't even heard of are getting 150+ applications for faculty positions, and can't even find a postdoc I feel qualified for.
 
How about aerospace engineering? You could help design the rockets that send probes, and maybe one day people, throughout the solar system.
 

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?'

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
View full post »

Thread 'Tips for a CS and physics major'

Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?
View full post »

Similar threads

Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
Replies
3
Views
3K
Programs I'm a medical physicist, how can I get into astronomy/astrophysics?
Replies
26
Views
3K
Courses Can I go to grad school to be an astrophysicist with a minor in astronomy?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Can an Electrical Engineering Degree Lead to a Career in Astronomy?
Replies
13
Views
4K
Other Should I pursue a degree in physics?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Programs How many REUs should I apply to? (sophomore Physics/Astro double major)
Replies
3
Views
3K
Programs Physics vs Astrophysics: Seeking Guidance for Major Switch
Replies
3
Views
1K
Going into astronomy/astrophysics after EE
Replies
24
Views
3K
Courses What undergrad topics do astronomy grad programs expect you to have taken?
Replies
5
Views
1K
Programs What Should I Major In: Passion or Job Security?
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top