1. A Career in Aerospace Engineering
11 December 2018
Matt Jones
Vista Del Lago High School
National Honors Society

2. Who Am I? Hi – I’m Matt Jones
I grew up in South Lake Tahoe, California.
I graduated from South Lake Tahoe High School.
Always liked math and science.
I took all courses that were offered.
Not as many choices were offered then.
Physics was very influential!
I loved the way physics explained
how everything worked.
Predict in class, and prove in the lab.
I always liked to build and fix things.
Auto shop was also influential in
pointing me to engineering.

3. Education I graduated from San Diego State University.
I chose SDSU because it had a good engineering program.
AND I ran track, liked the beach, and wanted to move from NorCal.
Personal interests (outside of major) should not be overlooked.
My degree is Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
Emphasis in propulsion…typically identify a theme for in-major electives.
Chose emphasis in propulsion during my junior year in college.
My path toward rocket propulsion started with a space kinematics course that I really liked.
Communication skills, awareness of economics
and statistics will always serve you well.

4. Career – Air Force Research Laboratory
I started my engineering career at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.
AFRL does research and development for rocket propulsion
for the Air Force.
Includes basic research, proof of concept, technology demonstration.
I started in electric propulsion group, then quickly
moved into liquid propulsion group.
Primary roles were in systems engineering, then program mgt.
I spent a significant amount of time working with
contractors (Aerojet, Rocketdyne, Pratt & Whitney).
I also spent a significant amount of time working with
Government agencies within the Air Force and NASA.
Electric Propulsion
Liquid Propulsion

5. Career – Aerojet Rocketdyne
I moved to Folsom in 2001 to continue my career at Aerojet.
I learned that where I live is very important to me.
Aerojet Rocketdyne career.
Started as systems engineer on COBRA program.
Developed and managed requirements and risk, and ensured
that all components worked together as a system.
Worked several R&D programs, including some involving
solid propulsion.
Moved into project engineering.
Serve as team lead on integrated product teams.
I am currently the project engineer for the preburner
on the Hydrocarbon Boost Technology Demonstration
Program.
Liquid Propulsion
Solid Propulsion

6. What Does a Project Engineer Do?
Project engineer: Responsible for component through entire phase of program. Works with several different disciplines each day.
Systems engineering: Defines requirements (performance, interface, constraints), manages risk.
Design engineer: Creates and modifies design to meet requirements.
Analysts: Analyzes design to ensure requirements are met.
Computational fluid dynamics, thermal, structural, combustion stability.
Manufacturing engineer: Ensures design can be manufactured and assembled.
Materials engineer: Provides understanding of all materials used in design.
Test engineer: Ensure test campaign will provide sufficient data to verify and validate requirements.
Machinists, technicians and inspectors:
Fabricate, assemble and inspect hardware throughout fabrication and assembly.
Procurement personnel: Purchase parts and services needed to build and test design.

7. Any Questions?
Use the resources that are available to you (today and in the future).
Teachers, counselors, friends and family….they know more than you think.
Have a path….and allow it to adapt as you mature and grow.
You don’t need to have all the answers today….they will come.
Contact info: Matt Jones, Aerojet Rocketdyne.
Phone: (916)