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← How Much Can I Make? — Real Jobs. Real Stories. Career Insights

Inside a NASA Contractor Job: Systems Engineer Salary & Artemis Missions

April 6, 2026·25m

Systems Engineer This week—timely with Artemis II—we revisit a standout episode with NASA contractor systems engineer Johanna Siegel. Johanna reveals what it really takes to build mission-critical hardware for the Artemis program—and the career opportunities and earnings potential that come with it. In this deep dive, discover how engineers translate complex requirements like radiation protection and life support systems into hardware that protects astronaut lives, plus real salary insights and how to break into aerospace engineering careers. If you're exploring aerospace engineering, space careers, or high-paying STEM jobs, this episode gives a clear look at the real work behind keeping humans alive in space. Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HASSLE, just 5 questions ➡️ Visit howmuchcanimake.info Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people. A former CBS Producer and a documentaries filmmaker. During her years at CBS, Mirav developed a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.