From Lab to Launch: Navigating a Career in Aerospace Materials

Materials engineering plays a critical and evolving role in the aerospace industry from launching exploratory spacecraft to sustaining legacy aircraft and developing next-generation aerodefense structures. This talk offers a personal and technical perspective on building a career at the intersection of advanced materials and manufacturing processes for mission-critical applications. Drawing from experience across spaceflight hardware, robotic systems, and structural components for both spacecraft and defense platforms, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, materials selection, and qualification strategies will be highlighted. The discussion will cover pathways in research and development, transitioning technologies from lab to flight, and navigating career opportunities in government, industry, and academia.