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Education Requirements for Radio Telescope Engineers

-- Rachael | March 17, 2023

Question:

Hi, I’m currently studying for a degree in Astronautical Engineering, but these radio telescopes at the VLA have kept my interest for years.

What degree or specialization would I need to train for in order to work hands on with them? I don’t know if I’m on the right track!

-- Rachael

Answer:

Most of the engineers that work on radio telescopes have degrees in either mechanical of electrical engineering. Often a background in communications systems, specifically radio communications, can be beneficial.

-- Jeff Mangum

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
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