How do you land your first rocket engineering job?

During your education, get involved in a rocket club at your school. You will gain excellent experience that you can bring into whatever organization you will join. It definitely provides an advantage to new hire candidates as well as candidates for internships.

"It's not rocket science" is a popular trope and a running joke. Almost every kid wants to be an astronaut at some point, but not everyone wants to be a rocket scientist. Rockets are the poster child of the engineering, so in order to get in, you're going to need a solid background in physics, materials, maths, computing, complex problem solving, and more.

Whatever department you are in, your contribution will be essential for rocket engineering. This field is a combination of all disciplines. For example, if you are a mechanical engineering student, in addition to your curriculum, you may need to learn tools like ANSYS, Fusion 360 and Openrocket. These tools are available in free versions. You can learn how to use them for free on YouTube. Many rocket workshops happen around the world; you can email them to inquire about learning opportunities. When you take one step out of your comfort zone and invest that extra bit of hard work to become a rocket scientist, you can break into this field.

Current tools like computational simulations and collaborative design environments are crucial but not enough. Traditional processes like CONOPS, PDR, CDR, FDR consume excessive time and resources before testing, where real insights could be gained earlier. Too much focus is placed on theoretical breakthroughs from academia and government-funded research, which slows practical innovation. Instead, aerospace should shift to an agile approach: using COTS components, designing efficiently, building quickly, testing through flight, and iterating rapidly. More investment should go to production designers focused on practical execution, not just product designers caught in lengthy design cycles.

In addition to a rigorous college program, I think internships and cultivating a network are key in landing a role in the rocketry industry. Having a demonstrable track record that is backed-up by individuals in your network is key.

I remember the times when I struggled without guidance, just like how you might struggle without a guide in a new place. Having a mentor is crucial in this domain. 1. Connect with retired rocket scientists via platforms like LinkedIn to secure a mentor and undertake an internship or project under their guidance. Leveraging mentorship from retired ISRO scientists can pave your path to esteemed institutions like ISRO. 2. List down 25+ companies and email each one until you get a chance. However, make sure you're prepared with a sufficient amount of training and self-made projects before you attempt to secure an internship.

It's a good time - private sector rocket engineering is booming, so you're no longer restricted to places like NASA, ULA and Arianespace. Get all over the websites of SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, Virgin Orbit; follow them on social media. Follow their launches, failures and successes. Check out Everyday Astronaut on YouTube.

First hand I would suggest that you are very passionate about the journey you're about to embark upon. Internships and co-ops with startup companies is a great way to learn and practice in real time the knowledge you currently possess. Ask questions, learn as much as you can for the next step in your career.

Consider also going to the space-themed events, like the Space Tech Expo and Spacecom. At the minimum, you will gain some awareness of who's who, the companies and the people worth knowing in the industry. And if you're lucky you might network yourself to a dream job right there.

In a biostimulant production project, I found that developing niche technical skills, such as sensor integration, set me apart from others. In rocket engineering, I would recommend acquiring specialised skills such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), propulsion system design, or materials science. For example, mastering CFD tools like ANSYS or OpenFOAM allows you to model & simulate airflow around rocket bodies, a crucial skill for understanding aerodynamic performance. Developing such niche competencies makes you more competitive in the job market, as you bring targeted expertise that rocket companies rely on for their projects.