Get ready for an inspiring journey as we delve into the story of Richard Wear, an engineer who is proud to be a part of NASA's historic return to the Moon.
A Journey of Learning and Growth
Richard Wear considers himself fortunate to be working at NASA's Stennis Space Center during an era that will go down in history. With the Artemis II mission (https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/), NASA is set to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over half a century.
"The learning never stops," Wear emphasizes, reflecting on his 15-year tenure at Stennis. As the acting chief of the Mechanical Engineering Branch, Wear primarily supports testing operations at the E Test Complex, a hub for NASA and commercial companies to test propulsion systems.
The E Test Complex boasts an impressive infrastructure with four stands and 12 test cells, capable of accommodating a diverse range of engine and component test activities. This versatility has attracted commercial aerospace companies, both big and small, from across the country.
"The unique high-pressure systems we offer are a major draw," Wear explains. He takes pride in having supported commercial partners over the years, some of whom have gone on to achieve global recognition.
A Family Legacy of Education
Education has always been a cornerstone in Wear's life. Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with a math teacher mother and a chemistry major father, it's no surprise that Wear chose to pursue engineering.
After obtaining bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama, Wear began his career in 2006 at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, working as a contractor for Lockheed Martin. He was part of the thermal analysis group, supporting the space shuttle external tank program. His role involved studying heat transfer through the tank's structure and thermal protection systems.
When a thermal analysis position opened up at NASA Stennis in 2010, Wear jumped at the opportunity. Initially hired for thermal analysis, he quickly expanded his expertise to include fluid analysis and thermodynamics. Even in his current supervisory role, Wear remains actively involved in technical analysis and testing support.
A Hands-on, Mission-focused Culture
Wear describes NASA Stennis as a place where everyone rolls up their sleeves and gets the job done. Despite being a smaller NASA center, the culture is serious yet fun, and everyone has the chance to make a meaningful impact.
"I believe this environment accelerates the growth of new employees," Wear says. "It's the same for our test customers and tenants. We guide them towards success by sharing our knowledge, and that's a rewarding experience."
This mission-focused culture has shaped Wear's career trajectory. Since joining NASA Stennis in 2010 as a junior analyst, he has progressed to senior analyst, lead project fluid systems analyst, and then thermal-fluid subject matter expert in 2018. In 2022, he took on the deputy chief position in the Mechanical Engineering Branch and has been acting chief since March 2025.
Even in a supervisory role, Wear draws inspiration from the collaborative spirit at NASA Stennis.
"Here, it's all about the mission, not individual job titles," he says. "That true team effort is what motivates me every day."
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of Wear's favorite aspects of his role is training students. He was particularly inspired by recent interviews with students for the Pathways Internship (https://www.nasa.gov/careers/pathways/). These students shared a passion for NASA, its mission, and space exploration.
"Hard work and good grades are important, but persistence and attitude are crucial too," Wear emphasizes. "We've told our prospective interns that attitude is a key factor in securing a job at NASA Stennis after an internship."
Wear encourages students to be curious and persistent, to research, identify their knowledge gaps, and seek out mentors to fill those gaps.
"That's how I found myself in the right place at the right time as NASA writes a new chapter in space history," Wear concludes.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about technical expertise; it's about the attitude and passion that drive you forward.
So, what do you think? Is attitude as important as technical skills in pursuing a career in aerospace? Share your thoughts in the comments!
