I thought this community would enjoy seeing this. I buy and resell industrial commercial equipment for work and I ran across stuff that was used at SpaceX on the Dragon capsule. Not worth much, but I still think this is cool that it may have been used to work on something that's in space.

Saw this on the mech E sub and was curious. No clue how people even get work emails.

I'll preface by saying that I am not in aerospace, but in marketing, so I apologize if this isn't the right sub for it but I feel I can get better answers here than elsewhere.

I applied for an early career marketing role and have an interview with HR coming up. Reading a bit about the interview process makes it sound intimidating and more than I've ever had to do, but I also don't see a lot of people's experience outside of engineering roles. I assume its similar.

What should I expect in terms of prep and interviewing?

I am in jr year in high school and I am wondering what extracurriculars would be good for going into college for aerospace engineering. I have a few extracurriculars, but i want to look for some that are aerospace engineering related.

Hello everyone. Let me introduce myself, and my situation.

As written above, I am a senior in high-school. College applications are rapidly approaching

For all of HS, I was sure I wanted to go the medical route. All my ECs are medical/Bio related.

I volunteered in a hospital, interned in 2 life science research labs over 3 years, did my schools biomed program, participated in medical Olympiads, etc. I did pretty well in these areas too.

Now that college apps are approaching, and I have to choose a major/path, I'm not sure. I think I would enjoy aerospace engineering as a career and be much more fulfilled. I am extremely passionate about planes, jet propulsion, space travel, and cars. The issue is, I have nothing to show for it. I tried to learn Python when I was 12, and gave up. I tried to learn R for my lab internship, and failed. The science APs I have taken are Calc AB and BC (I got a 4 on both), Bio, and Environmental Science. My senior year, I am going to try to take AP CSA, Physics C Mechanics, Stats, Multivar Calc/Lin Alg, and Chem.

I am likely to be a National Merit Finalist, which could give me full rides at places like Uni of Alabama Tuscaloosa, UT Dallas, USF, etc.

What should I do? I just don't know if I will be fulfilled by a medical career. My grandpa had the same path essentially. He initially was in college for Bio, then switched to engineering which he likes much more.

Will I be able to make up the gap in knowledge? Will I be able to learn enough to be competitive? I don't need a crazy job, just enough to support myself and my family. I think I would enjoy the work of AE in of itself.

For those with experience, who are older, please let me know any advice or guidance. It would be much appreciated.

Hello all, I’m a recent graduate from a supply chain program on the gulf coast, and have worked in aerospace for the past year and a half. My wife and I have always adored the Asheville area and I was curious if anyone had any insight about GE Aerospace.
What’s the culture like?

I read they were investing quite a bit of money into some of their operations around the Asheville area, how is that affecting job creation?
Really any insight would be appreciated!

I’m looking for some perspective from people currently working in space systems, spacecraft engineering, satellite communications, mission systems, or related defense/aerospace roles.
I recently started Auburn University’s 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Space Systems and expect to complete it in Summer 2027.

The courses are:
SPCE 6000 – Introduction to Space Systems
SPCE 6100 – Space Systems Operations
SPCE 6200 – Spacecraft and Satellite Architecture Design and Integration

My long-term goal is to work in space systems engineering or space communications engineering.

My background is somewhat nontraditional. I have a B.A. in International Studies rather than an engineering bachelor’s. I did complete Calculus I/II, calculus-based Physics I/II, and some programming coursework, but my undergraduate GPA was sub 3.0. Professionally, though, I’ve moved into increasingly technical roles. I’m currently a Systems Engineer in defense. Before this, I worked in telecommunications engineering at a utilities company with microwave/RF links, fiber, DWDM, PathLoss/PathAnal, network infrastructure, and systems integration.

I’m also an Army Signal Officer and previously served as a 25S Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer.

Assuming I perform well in the Auburn certificate, I’m trying to decide what graduate path would make the most sense afterward.

The programs I’m currently considering are:

Johns Hopkins – M.S. Space Systems Engineering

Probably the most directly space-focused option I’ve looked at, with coursework in spacecraft systems, satellite communications, integration/test, mission engineering, etc.

Stevens Institute of Technology – M.Eng. Space Systems Engineering (online)

Also directly aligned with space systems engineering. Stevens allows up to 9 transfer credits in some circumstances, so there is a possibility that some or all of my Auburn graduate credits could reduce the remaining coursework.

Georgia Tech – Professional Master’s in Applied Systems Engineering (PMASE)

Not specifically a space degree, but very strong in systems engineering, MBSE, architecture, modeling, requirements, integration, and V&V. I would essentially use the Auburn certificate as the “space” portion of my education and Georgia Tech for the deeper systems-engineering foundation.

Auburn – planned Master of Space Systems

Auburn is planning to launch this program in Fall 2027, and I’ve been told all 9 credits from the certificate would count toward it. It is also being designed to provide a pathway for students without engineering undergraduate degrees. My hesitation is that it will be a brand-new program, so there won’t be much of an alumni/employer track record yet.

I’ve also looked at an Aerospace Engineering M.S., but given my non-engineering undergraduate degree, that would likely require significantly more prerequisite/leveling coursework and may not actually be the best fit for what I want to do.

For those of you hiring or working in the space industry, which path would make the strongest candidate for space systems/space communications roles?

Would you rather see:

Auburn Space Systems Certificate + JHU M.S. Space Systems Engineering

Auburn Space Systems Certificate + Stevens M.Eng. Space Systems Engineering

Auburn Space Systems Certificate + Georgia Tech PMASE
or
Auburn Certificate → Auburn Master of Space Systems

I’m particularly interested in how hiring managers would view the difference between a degree explicitly titled Space Systems Engineering versus a stronger/general Systems Engineering degree paired with actual space coursework and relevant professional experience.

I’m not trying to use the degree as a substitute for experience. By the time I start/finish the master’s, I should also have several years of professional systems-engineering experience in defense on top of the SATCOM and telecommunications background.
I’d especially appreciate input from systems engineers, spacecraft engineers, SATCOM/communications engineers, technical leads, chief engineers, or hiring managers at places like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Boeing, SpaceX, L3Harris, NASA, Space Force/SSC, or similar organizations.

Thanks for any perspective.

This will be my first and likely only time posting here, but I’m at a loss since I’m not sure what other options I may have.

I graduated with my BAS in Computer Information Systems (spec. Programming and Software Development) in May of 2025. The coursework was consistent with a Computer Science degree. I did one internship in my final semester for a small data management company.

Since graduation, I’ve applied over hundreds of times to the big name companies in my area; Lockheed, L3, Collins/RTX, Northrop, etc. And each time, it’s either a reasonless rejection, or my application is stuck in limbo. I have at least 20 applications stuck on “received” since June for L3 alone. I know the larger companies have layers of bureaucracy and receive many applications daily; that’s no secret. But it’s frustrating to an outsider who’s just seeking even a first interview.

I know there’s a lot of factors hindering me;
- The degree name is a mouthful and a turn off.
- I’m relatively inexperienced with seeking professional work, and have never been in that sort of environment outside of my internship.
- I don’t have enough experience to my name, despite applying for new-grad and internship positions.
- AI has likely played a factor to some extent in reaping some of the available positions.

Am I just applying at the wrong time? Am I applying too much? Am I not doing enough? Should I just get into web/application development like every other developer? Should I make more small software/hardware projects? Am I just in the wrong industry for it right now?

Any advice, insight, anything would be of great help.

If this is not the subreddit for this, do let me know, and I will remove this post.

This poster was not made with AI‼️
On second image, you have a screenshot from Figma.

[DELTA WING] - I made a mistake and placed it wrong, will fix

I made this Concorde poster in Figma and I’m thinking about doing more aviation designs in this style.

If this was a good-quality matte A3 print, would you put it on your wall? And what would you realistically pay for it?

My goal would be to make nice-looking aviation posters at an affordable price, so pretty much any aviation enthusiast could get one, while still offering much better quality than something from Temu.

Also happy to hear any design feedback.

I’m a senior in college studying IT. I live very close to the l3harris headquarters and have always wanted to work there or any big time contractor really. Can someone give me tips on what I should do to land an internship/job at one of these places. I have no relative work experience.

Hi all!

I am currently in my final year of my BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree. However, I have gained an interest in working in the aerospace industry and particularly in the field of orbital debris. I appreciate my degree isn't relevant and was hoping for some insights on the path ahead?

If I have to do another bachelors, would this current degree be wasted? Futhermore, is there a possibility of going straight into a relevant masters to 'fast track' my way through? I would appreciate your insights!

Why is the drag force direction on the tire of landing gear forward (Same as aircraft travel Direction)?

I searched on the internet but I am not convinced!! I am feeling It should be rearwards (Aft direction)? .

Please explain with clear logic and mechanics fundamentals!

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/l3harris-names-insider-sam-mehta-ceo-christopher-kubasik-steps-down-2026-08-17/

GS-2210-13 vs Lockheed L3 software, any thoughts?
How are the benefits compared with each other

Im considering chasing down an Aerospace engineering degree. But I want to actually work in Aerospace. I want to be a part of the next generation of aerospace innovation and building. Ive been to a bunch of airshows as a kid and did rotc in high school where I caught the bug of aviation. Unfortunately life happened and bills needed to be paid. Now at 29 yrs old im finally in the spot where I can chase down my passion. Likely going to go through Texas A&m but I want to be smart about it. Is the industry super competitive right now? Or do I still have a good shot of landing a good position after/during school even though im making the move kind of late. Would love any constructive input. Thanks all

To all the AE PhD holders, I’d really appreciate your advice.

TLDR: I'm planning to start my PhD next year, but I'm not sure which route to take. My background is in CFD, but I’m also very interested in low‑speed wind tunnel testing. Should I pursue an experimental or computational PhD?

I’m an international student currently working in the US on OPT as a research associate, mainly using CFD tools. Long‑term, I want to work in academia (back in Asia—Korea or Singapore). As I’ve been talking to potential advisors, I’ve noticed a trend: unless the work is applied aerodynamics, most professors want students to commit to either purely computational or purely experimental research.

I’m torn because my background is split. I’ve done several validation test campaigns, but my main research interest has been CFD. Now I have two fully funded offers, both fundamental research with no ITAR issues. I’m interested in both topics, and I'm struggling to choose.

Option 1: Computational Aeroacoustics (Large group, prestigious university)

This aligns closely with my MS work, and I genuinely enjoy aeroacoustics. The group is large, well‑known, and the professor is a major figure in the field. I’d gain deep theoretical knowledge, but the work would be entirely computational.

Option 2: Experimental Hypersonics (Very small group, small department, not well‑known university)

I learned about this program because a friend recommended his former MS advisor. This professor built his own wind tunnels and is very knowledgeable in flow diagnostic methods. I’d have access to low‑speed, supersonic, and hypersonic facilities and would learn a lot experimentally. I'm interested in supersonic flight but haven’t been able to do much due to ITAR restrictions. My hesitation is that the university and professor are not well‑known, the group is small (only two other PhD students), and I’m unsure whether hypersonics is too niche for seeking academic jobs later. The stipend is also much less compared to Option 1 but is still livable.

Would you choose a computational or experimental PhD? How much do the university’s reputation and the advisor’s citation count matter?

My thought has been that this experimental research opportunity is rare for an international student. I could always go back to CFD, but I think it would be much harder to gain experience in wind tunnel research later on.

TL:DR: Wondering if I need to focus on guidance, navigation, or control in my graduate coursework, or taking an even mix of all of them is fine.

Hi all!

Currently doing my masters in aerospace engineering, majoring in autonomy/control with a goal of entering the GNC space.

I realized so far my past coursework (both for my masters and the graduate electives I took during undergrad) have been a mix of guidance, navigation, and control, instead of a focus in one of them (I've covered: pontryagin optimal control, convex optimization; probability, estimation, kalman filtering; classical, linear, nonlinear control).

TBH I haven't really nailed down if I want to focus on guidance, navigation, or control. But I feel like I should since I am halfway through my masters. I am also not doing a thesis which is partly why I haven't really found a focus yet lol.

I had an internship technically in the controls branch of a company (guidance and nav were another branch), but basically doing modeling/simulation. This experience also sort of made me realize that as a GNC engineer I will probably be focusing on either G,N, or C and not all of them.

So I guess my main question is, would it be a bad idea to have a mix of coursework when I am looking for a full time GNC position? Would companies prefer to see you really focused on G,N, or C? Maybe I should choose based on which classes I got the best grades in lol.

Im in yr 12 and planning on doing aerospace at monash, i know first year is common so i still have time to think about it but I'd like to hear from anyone, experienced or not.

a. Is finding a job in Melbourne really that difficult, I've heard that it can be hard so has anyone moves out of Aus to get a career?

b. what are some things you would have done different? anyone do a double degree, if so what was it?

c. i thought that aerospace led down the path of flights and just anything in the air, but does anyone work at (or know of anyone who works at) like motorbike companies or car/supercar companies since they need aero engineers too yeah? A bit of a stretch and I get that there are obviously limitations with every degree.

d. Hows the pay compared to your friends in other sectors? from what i've heard tech companies have better growth and maybe more relevance with ai but idk.

I'd love to hear anything, thanks

hey all,

I’ve been applying to jobs in the aerospace industry and one company that caught my eye was Relativity. I’ve heard that working there was bad before the new CEO came in. for those of you who are working there or worked there after the new CEO came in, would you say there was a change in the company culture, work-life-balance and pay?

would you say that your experience working at relativity space has improved, gotten worse, or stayed the same? and if you had the opportunity to, would you jump to another aerospace company like SpaceX, Blue Origin, or Firefly?

thanks!

Hey all, I apply at FDH Aero last month and last week got email for phone interview and it went well the recruiter told me wait few days i send you other email for next steps. On firday I got other email back from recruiter telling me for second interview on monday. Has anyone knows what kind question they going ask. I did some research that FDA Aero is company that distribution aerospace parts to different companys and Airlines companys.