What I do

I am a fairly new ELORET employee working as a contractor in the Thermal Protection Materials and Systems Branch. My work involves using Pro-E where I create blueprint drawings of ceramic material models. The Principal Investigator or Research Scientist gives me the dimensions on what they want the model to look like. I generate the drawings, and the design may change slightly, depending on what the blueprints look like. When this is finalized, the blueprint drawings of TPS models are sent to the machine shop, so that the models can be made, and they are subsequently tested in the Arc Jet environment to see how they perform in a flight-simulated environment.

I help wherever I can, and am currently working in a lab making AETB 12-20 or FRCI-20 ceramic tile billets. I also measure and machine the billet from the previous day or put it in the furnace if it has not been fired to the appropriate temperature.

What I like about my job

I particularly enjoy the diversity of the projects in which I am involved. I have worked in the ballistic range, where samples are tested at super-high velocity to see how they respond. The equipment in the Arc Jet is very interesting. I also like working on the mechanical side with programs to create drawings.

My career path

I graduated recently from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Materials Science. While there, I participated in three internships, all over the four summers. The first was for minority students where I worked with the professor on writing a book, helped with the web page, and also with documentation. For the second internship, I worked at a potato plant in Connell, Washington, where I was testing the graphic design of some data precision software used to help run the potato machines, and to collect data. My next internship was at Hewlett Packard, where I worked for two years. I collected data and checked the accuracy of sensors. The final internship at Hewlett Packard was in materials science, where I tested the mechanical properties and source data, to help discover why a rubber material was failing.

Advice for a student

My advice would be to become as well rounded as possible. Join organizations to network and to do something outside of school. Examples of some I joined are the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), M.E.Ch.A and SAMPE. I also participated in building houses through Habitat for Humanity. In addition, obtain internships. The work environment is very competitive and you need experience. High grades are no longer enough.

In addition, look for scholarships and apply for as many as possible. Do not become discouraged, even if you receive two out of twenty. Network through career fairs and start to communicate with other professionals so you will be ready for your career.