Imagine being part of something truly historic – like helping send humans back to the Moon after a half-century! That's the reality for Richard Wear, an engineer at NASA's Stennis Space Center, who's deeply involved in the Artemis II mission. He considers it an honor, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
Wear's journey at NASA has been a continuous learning experience spanning 15 years. As the acting chief of the Mechanical Engineering Branch, based near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, he's a key player in the testing operations at the E Test Complex. This complex is where NASA and commercial companies put propulsion systems through their paces.
The E Test Complex is impressive, featuring four stands with 12 test cells. This setup is versatile enough to handle a wide range of tests for engines and components. It's not just for NASA; the complex supports both small and large commercial aerospace companies.
"The unique high-pressure systems bring customers from all over the country," Wear says, highlighting the facility's appeal. He's proud of his role in supporting the commercial partners over the years, some of which have become globally recognized successes.
Wear's background is rooted in a strong emphasis on education. With a math teacher mom and a chemistry-minded dad, it's no surprise he was drawn to engineering. He earned mechanical engineering degrees from the University of Alabama before starting his NASA career in 2006 at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. There, he worked on the space shuttle's external tank program, analyzing how heat moved through its structure.
In 2010, NASA needed a thermal analysis expert at Stennis, and Wear eagerly took on the challenge. He quickly expanded his expertise to include fluid analysis and thermodynamics. Even in his current supervisory role, he continues to contribute technical analysis and support testing.
Wear describes NASA Stennis as a "hands-on, get-it-done center" with a culture that's both serious and fun. As a smaller NASA center, everyone has the chance to make a difference, which Wear believes helps new employees meet their developmental goals faster.
"I think that is also true for our test customers and tenants," Wear notes. "Sometimes with our customers at the E Test Complex, they are just starting out, so we can guide them to a successful outcome by sharing our knowledge. We want all our employees and customers to be successful and I think that really shows."
Wear's career has been shaped by this mission-focused culture. He progressed from junior analyst to senior analyst, then lead project fluid systems analyst, before becoming a thermal-fluid subject matter expert in 2018. In 2022, he became the deputy chief in the Mechanical Engineering Branch and has served as acting chief since March 2025.
Even in his supervisory role, Wear finds inspiration in the teamwork around him. "The focus here is always on the mission, not on whose job it is," he says, emphasizing the collaborative spirit.
Wear also enjoys training students. He was inspired by recent interviews with students for the Pathways Internship program. These conversations highlighted their passion for NASA and space exploration.
"Working hard in school and getting good grades is part of it, but I think persistence and attitude plays a huge part," Wear says. He advises prospective Pathways Interns that attitude is a key factor in landing a job at NASA Stennis after an internship.
Wear recommends that students do their research, identify their knowledge gaps, and find someone who can help fill them. This curiosity and persistence have been key to his success, positioning him perfectly as NASA embarks on a new era of space exploration. But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think that attitude is more important than technical skills when starting a career at NASA? What do you think about the balance between academic achievement and soft skills in the space industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
