Christian Rivera
Aerospace Structural Analysis Engineer
NASA
Houston, TX USA
“Don’t be afraid to be curious and break down a vague question into smaller questions that you can answer.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationChristian Rivera
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up in Houston, Texas.
I’ve always been interested in engineering, which led me to pursue a mechanical engineering degree from Texas A&M University.
During my freshman year of college, I was so interested in applying the engineering concepts I was learning in school that I bought a car just so I could work on it.
After graduating, I struggled to find a full-time engineering position, so I ended up starting my career in software consulting.
After a few months, I knew I wanted to make my way back to engineering, so I started looking at required skills for engineering jobs and then worked on my own projects at home to apply those skills.
Realizing that other students needed a way to connect to job opportunities, I founded a company to help students craft projects and create a portfolio.
I currently work as a NASA analyst on the jets contract, where I look at the new spacesuits and analyze components to make sure everything will function properly out in space.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University
Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University
Career
Aerospace Structural Analysis Engineer
I analyze NASA's new spacesuits to ensure they'll function properly in space.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Engineering
Technology
Problem Solving
Day to Day
I analyze structures for mechanical, thermal, and impact loads to ensure components function properly for the length of their intended life. I use finite element software and structural mechanics taught to me in college along with various engineering principles that allow me to determine where a part or system may fail, and how to optimize designs and cut down weight and cost.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I'd recommend going further into graduate school for an advanced degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering rather than stopping at a bachelor's degree. You will join the workforce at a higher salary and you will have much more potential to grow within your company.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"You're just wasting your money. You wasted your money on this car and you wasted your money on these surfboards."
Interviewed By
Wide Open Range
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