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 Systems Engineer

This week we’re joined by Johanna Siegel, a systems engineer working on some of the most exciting missions in space today. As part of a team contracted by NASA, Joanna helps with the medical needs of the astronauts, design and assess hardware for the Artemis missions to the Moon. From evaluating complex components to ensuring everything works together seamlessly. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support astronauts, explore space, and aim for the stars.

Topics

00:34 Introduction

02:21 What was your journey to landing this job?

05:03 What kind of work do you do on a NASA contract?

06:30 How do you test the function of components?

08:03 Dinner in space

10:18 Monitoring health and wellbeing on a mission

11:17 Potential earnings as a systems engineer

13:01 Biggest challenges

15:35 Accounting for your work after it's out of your hands (and the atmosphere)

19:54 The work benefits all of us, not just the astronauts

22:29 Biggest rewards

Resources

NASA - Fundamentals of Systems Engineering

Embry-Riddle - What is Systems Engineering?

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Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation