Career
Jeff Campbell
Simulation Engineer - Launch Team Training
Hometown: Titusville, Florida
Colleges/Degrees
Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering
Why did you decide to study math/science/engineering?
I had been interested in the space program since I was young, so when I went to college I decided to study aeronautical engineering because I wanted to work in the space program.
What inspired you to work for NASA and how did you get hired?
My first inspiration was following the Apollo missions as a child and as I watched the end of the Apollo missions on TV, I became fascinated with space travel. I continued to follow NASA’s success with the Space Shuttle program throughout my high school years. I went to college in the hopes that someday I would work for NASA. KSC personnel interviewed prospective employees while I went to Ohio State and I was fortunate enough to get an interview.
Discuss previous positions held and how they led up to your current position.
I started out as a Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) Systems Engineer in the Mechanical Systems Division. Since this was my first work experience in the Shuttle Program, I spent most of my time out in the work areas watching every task related to getting the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and External Tank (ET) ready for flight. This taught me how the system for preparing the Space Shuttle for flight works and really helped me learn to work with people from different backgrounds. After a few years as a systems engineer, I became the Lead Project Engineer for ET/SRB in the Shuttle Project Office at KSC. As the ET/SRB Project Engineer I participated in many launch countdowns which taught me about the entire launch environment and how all the Shuttle systems interact with one another to make a successful launch. This prepared me for my current position as the Lead Project Engineer for Launch Team Training.
What advice would you give students about how to prepare for a career with NASA?
If you want to work in any technical field (engineering, computer science, medicine, etc.) you will need to be good at math and science, so study hard in high school. Take as many advanced placement or honors courses that you can.