Career Spotlight: Electrician (Ages 14–18)

Electricity powers the world, and electricians make sure it gets where it needs to go. Trained to install and maintain electrical systems and equipment safely and correctly, electricians work on power, lighting, communications and any systems that need electricity.

Electrical technicians focus more on building, modifying and testing electronic devices. At NASA, electricians keep the lights on and power flowing for rocket launches, scientific research and everything in between. They support engineers and scientists in building and testing spacecraft, aircraft, satellites, telescopes and the equipment that enables human spaceflight, ensuring facilities and gear are safe and mission-ready.

Electrical technicians might build and wire control systems, connect tiny sensors to circuit boards, write software for specific device behavior and test instruments in space-like conditions such as extreme temperatures, intense vibrations and vacuum; they use specialized tools, earn certifications and work with great precision.

United States

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