Designers and engineers work in laboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants, and business offices. They work a standard 40-hour week, Monday through Friday, but they are required to be on site for spacecraft and rocket launches that are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Some designers and engineers travel to meet with clients in their offices, research facilities, or in other settings.
Engineering careers often ranks high on “best job” lists. For example, U.S. News & World Report creates an annual list of the 100 best jobs in the United States. Occupations that rank high on its list offer a good work/life balance, low or manageable stress levels, excellent pay, and strong employment prospects with lots of jobs available. In 2025, U.S. News ranked several aerospace-related engineering careers high on its list, including industrial engineer (19th), mechanical engineer (27th), architectural and engineering manager (31st), and electrical engineer (43rd). Visit https://careers.usnews.com/best-jobs/rankings/the-100-best-jobs to learn more about these occupations and read the complete list.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
- Aerospace Medicine Physicians
- Astrobiologists
- Astrogeologists
- Astronauts
- Astronomers
- Astrophysicists
- Biologists
- Build Reliability Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemists
- Computer Programmers
- Electrical Engineering Technologists
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers
- Engineers
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Hypersonics Engineers
- Hypersonics Technicians
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Robotics Engineers
- Robotics Technicians
- Space Habitat Designers
- Space Lawyers
- Space Meteorologist
- Space Pilots
- Space Port Managers
- Space Systems Operators
- Space Tourism Managers
- Spacecraft Test Technicians