Name:  Brandie 

Education: Master's degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas
Currently pursuing a doctorate in astronautical engineering at the University of Southern California as an Aerospace Corporation Fellow

What are you working on at Aerospace?
I am responsible for planning and executing special projects aimed at game-changing innovations and supporting the transition of Aerospace technical products into operational use. I also lead a research program developing a novel small satellite propulsion system. 

What is a typical day like for you at Aerospace?
I usually come into my office, which is located in EPIC (Exploration, Prototyping, and  Innovation  Center), where I work with teams on innovation sprints, answer emails, work on theoretical models, and attend meetings. Then I head over to the lab for the afternoon and run thruster or laser experiments in support of my own propulsion research project. 

What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Watching the temperatures rise during a successful test of the thruster I developed here at Aerospace. 

Tell us one thing nobody would guess about you.
Before I wanted to be an engineer, or even knew what an engineer was, I wanted to be a marine biologist. It was joining the FIRST robotics team at my high school that inspired me to instead pursue engineering. 

What excites you about the aerospace industry and space today?
What a time to work in the space industry! Between the amazing triumphs and ambitious goals of not only the government sector but also the blossoming private arena, we are guaranteed to see some awe-inspiring progress in the exploration and habitation of space in the upcoming years. And we get to be a part of that. 

Would you be willing to colonize Mars if it meant never returning to Earth?
Earth has a lot to offer… I’d certainly like the option to return  ? 

Ready to join the Aerospace team? Visit our careers page.