Career Aspirations

Every week, Hubble collects an average of 18 gigabytes of science data. Our Hubble scientists and astronomers analyze and study this data to understand the latest discoveries that Hubble has made of the universe we live in. If you love science, astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or instrumentation, you'll love working on the Hubble science team.

Hubble is made of 27,000 pounds of many different instruments, electronics, mechanisms, optics, and protective materials that work in tandem to create one powerful space telescope, which is expertly operated by adept engineers. In addition to engineering, math, and science prowess, engineers are highly valued for their excellent creativity and problem-solving skills, which are vital to any NASA mission's continued success. Hubble employs engineers in a variety of different fields, such as aerospace, mechanical, software, and electrical engineers.

The Hubble mission is managed by a small group of civil servants that have overall responsibility for the success of the mission. Their responsibilities not only include ensuring that all technical work and processes are complete and accurate, but also the day-to-day activities of procurements, staffing, budget, facilities, equipment, and communications.

The Hubble business team is responsible for all of the financials for the mission. This not only includes paying the bills, but also preparing the budget packages needed to secure the necessary money to run the project. They are also responsible for awarding and executing the two major contracts (mission operations and science operations), other associated contracts (e.g. communications), and a subset of the science grants.

A space telescope uses software in everything. From the processors inside Hubble's instruments, to the flight computer onboard the spacecraft, to the control center that issues commands, to the archive that stores its data, millions of lines of software are needed to make Hubble run. Having Hubble team members knowledgeable in computer software and programming is paramount to communicating properly and analyzing the information that it sends us. Computer programmers and software experts are in high demand in the technology industry, and NASA is no exception.

Floating at about 340 miles above the Earth and made up of many different parts, it's only natural that Hubble would need frequent supervision to ensure everything is working properly. Our space operations crew directly communicates with Hubble from the ground at Goddard Space Flight Center, and are capable problem solvers who can remain cool under pressure and adapt on the fly to handle any unexpected problems or situations that may arise.

Computers and networks are a critical part of the Hubble mission and ground system. Additional custom hardware that simulates the spacecraft is also an integrated part of the mission operations. Our team of information technology experts keep this equipment operating and secure to ensure the safe operations of the observatory.

Hubble's countless exciting and groundbreaking discoveries are not meant to be limited to scientists and astronomers alone. As a government organization, NASA considers it essential to have teams of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable communicators to share the exciting revelations of its many missions and projects with the world. Through press releases, engaging videos, take-home materials, social media posts, and outreach events, the Hubble communications team revels in spreading the word of the telescope's amazing work to the general public.