Mechanics know how machines work, and they fix them when something breaks. At NASA, this job takes many forms. Aerospace mechanics maintain research aircraft at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, mechanics service crawler-transporters, the massive machines that carry rockets to the launch pad. Other mechanics maintain barges that transport rocket sections between NASA facilities, while engine specialists inspect rocket engine controllers at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
Becoming a mechanic usually starts with training after high school. Automotive mechanics often attend trade schools, while heavy equipment mechanics may complete a two-year degree or years of hands-on training. Aircraft mechanics need programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, and military service can also provide certification. Successful mechanics are detail-oriented problem solvers who stay curious about new technology, since safety depends on the accuracy of their repairs.