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

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.

"How Much Can I Make?" Is nominated for 2026 Women in Podcasting Award!

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

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About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced 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.