How to Be Astronaut Flight Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 9, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increased demand for Astronaut Flight Engineers has caused an influx of highly qualified professionals to apply for the position. With the job requiring an extensive knowledge of engineering, mathematics, and physics, the job is highly competitive and requires advanced technical skills. In order to qualify for the position, applicants must have graduated from a university with a degree in science or engineering, have extensive experience with aerospace systems, and have passed a number of rigorous tests.

Astronaut Flight Engineers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of spacecrafts, performing tasks such as monitoring and controlling systems, calibrating sensors, and troubleshooting any malfunctioning hardware. they are responsible for coordinating with mission control, ensuring that a successful mission is achieved. The success of any mission depends heavily on the expertise and skill of the Astronaut Flight Engineer.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or another related field.
Pursue specialized training in astronautical engineering or astronautics, or obtain a Master's degree in aerospace engineering.
Gain experience in the field of space engineering and technology, such as through internships or research positions.
Become certified as a pilot with a commercial pilot's license.
Take the Astronaut Candidate Physical Exam to evaluate physical and mental health.
Apply to become an astronaut candidate through NASA or another space agency.
Complete the necessary training, including the Astronaut Candidates Class and mission-specific training.
Be selected for a mission as an astronaut flight engineer and train for the mission.
Launch into space and participate in the mission as an astronaut flight engineer.

In order to remain competent and up-to-date as an astronaut flight engineer, it is essential to stay informed of technological advances in the aerospace industry and to continue developing professional skills. This can be accomplished by attending conferences, attending workshops, reading industry publications and keeping abreast of relevant research. Furthermore, staying in contact with other astronauts and industry professionals to exchange ideas and knowledge is also important.

participating in simulations and simulations-based training can help to increase knowledge and develop professional skills. staying informed of the latest trends and developments in the field, as well as developing and refining professional skills, are essential for any astronaut flight engineer to remain competent and up-to-date.

You may want to check Astronaut Data Analyst, Astronaut Flight Director Assistant, and Astronaut Safety Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor spacecraft systems and perform various experiments and science operations
Participate in maintenance and repair of spacecraft systems
Assist with pre- and post-flight operations, mission simulations, and crew training
Analyze data collected during flight and prepare reports for mission control and other scientists
Conduct spacewalks to install external experiments or perform maintenance on the spacecraft
Maintain a safe working environment within the spacecraft and manage emergency situations
Provide medical support during flight missions
Maintain communication with mission control, other astronauts, and other personnel on Earth
Coordinate with other flight engineers and astronauts to ensure mission success

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proficiency in aerospace engineering principles and concepts
Knowledge of flight control systems and associated processes
Ability to interpret technical diagrams and schematics
Understanding of spacecraft mechanical systems
Familiarity with space station operations and protocols
Expertise in emergency and contingency procedures
Ability to maintain situational awareness during flight operations
Adeptness in using computers and various software applications
Ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic environment
Excellent communication skills to coordinate with mission control and other crew members

Having the right skills is paramount for an Astronaut Flight Engineer. The most important skill to possess is problem-solving. Being able to quickly assess a situation, identify any issues, and come up with creative solutions is essential in the space environment, where the risk of failure can be catastrophic.

strong communication skills are also essential for an Astronaut Flight Engineer to work effectively with their team and maintain clear, concise communication between the ground staff and the astronauts. An understanding of engineering principles, an aptitude for mathematics, and the ability to quickly learn new technologies are also important skills for this role. All these elements combined will ensure an Astronaut Flight Engineer has the necessary ability to work efficiently and safely in the extreme environment of space.

Astronaut Mission Operations Technician, Astronaut Life Support Technician, and Astronaut Data Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

Describe your experience in the aviation/aerospace industry.
What prior training or experience do you have related to astronaut flight engineering?
How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?
How comfortable are you with working in a confined space or in a weightless environment?
What challenges have you faced when working on teams and how did you resolve them?
How do you remain flexible with changing mission requirements and timelines?
Describe how you would maintain a safe and efficient environment onboard the spacecraft.
What strategies do you use to stay on top of new technologies and procedures related to space exploration?
How do you troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems?
What experience do you have with managing resources, such as fuel and supplies, in space exploration missions?

Common Tools in Industry

Checklist. Used to document and track tasks that need to be completed. (e. g. Pre-flight checklist)
Flight Planner. Used to plan, organize and document flight operations. (e. g. Mission Flight Plan)
Scientific Equipment. Used to collect and analyze data during flight. (e. g. Space Telescope)
Telemetry Software. Used to remotely monitor, control and evaluate systems in flight. (e. g. UAV Telemetry Software)
Troubleshooting Tools. Used to identify and resolve problems with systems in flight. (e. g. Onboard Computer Diagnostic Tool)
Mission Control Software. Used to coordinate, manage and monitor flight operations from the ground or space station. (e. g. Mission Control Center Software)
Robotics Software. Used to program, control and operate robotic systems in flight. (e. g. Autonomous Spacecraft Control Software)
Command and Data Handling System. Used to store, process and transfer commands and data during flight operations. (e. g. Onboard Data Management System)
Navigation System. Used to calculate and control the trajectory of a spacecraft during its mission. (e. g. Spacecraft Autopilot System)
Satellite Communications Systems. Used to transmit and receive data from satellites in Earth orbit or deep space missions. (e. g. X-Band Transceiver System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Astronautical Society
International Astronautical Federation
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Royal Aeronautical Society
International Space University
International Astronomical Union
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
European Space Agency
International Academy of Astronautics
International Space Station Association

We also have Astronaut Communications Officer, Astronaut Launch Control Officer, and Astronaut Flight Test Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Mission Commander. The highest ranking astronaut on a space mission, responsible for making key decisions and leading the mission operations.
Pilot Astronaut. An astronaut who is responsible for the manual operation of spacecraft and other vehicles.
Spacecraft Systems Engineer. An engineer who is responsible for the design, development, testing, and operation of spacecraft systems.
Robotics Engineer. An engineer who designs, builds, tests, and operates robotic systems.
Payload Specialist. A specialist who is responsible for managing the payload during a mission, including selecting and operating the equipment and ensuring that the payload is delivered safely to its destination.
Flight Data Analyst. An analyst who processes and interprets data collected during a mission in order to identify problems and develop solutions.
Mission Control Center. A facility from which a mission is monitored and directed by engineers and technicians.
Life Support System Engineer. An engineer who designs, builds, tests, and operates life support systems for spacecraft.
Spacecraft Communication Engineer. An engineer who designs, develops, tests, and operates communications systems for spacecraft.
Launch Vehicle Engineer. An engineer who designs, develops, tests, and operates launch vehicles for spacecraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Astronaut Flight Engineer?

An Astronaut Flight Engineer is a trained astronaut who performs vital duties on a spacecraft, such as controlling the spacecraft's systems and managing communication with mission control.

What type of training do Astronaut Flight Engineers receive?

Astronaut Flight Engineers receive extensive training in the operation of spacecraft systems and in the emergency procedures used to manage potential risks. They must also be familiar with spaceflight protocols and be able to work in a team environment.

How many Astronaut Flight Engineers fly on a single mission?

It depends on the mission, but as a general rule, two or three Flight Engineers typically fly on a single mission.

What other duties do Astronaut Flight Engineers perform?

In addition to operating the spacecraft, Astronaut Flight Engineers are also responsible for conducting scientific experiments, performing maintenance tasks, and managing communication with mission control.

Who is eligible to become an Astronaut Flight Engineer?

To become an Astronaut Flight Engineer, you must meet certain requirements. These include completing at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, or mathematics and having at least three years of related professional experience. Additionally, you must pass physical tests, psychological tests, and be able to work in a team environment.