Richard Wear, an engineer at NASA's Stennis Space Center, is proud to contribute to the Artemis II mission, which will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. With 15 years of experience at NASA, Wear has continuously learned and grown in his role as the acting chief of the Mechanical Engineering Branch. He primarily supports testing at the E Test Complex, a versatile facility with four stands and 12 test cells, accommodating various component and engine test activities for commercial aerospace companies.
Wear's passion for engineering was influenced by his family's academic background. His mother taught math, and his father specialized in chemistry, which led him to pursue a bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama. His career began at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where he worked on the thermal analysis of the space shuttle external tank program. This experience laid the foundation for his expertise in fluid analysis and thermodynamics, which he further developed at NASA Stennis.
The center's hands-on and mission-focused culture has shaped Wear's career. He has progressed from a junior analyst to a senior analyst, lead project fluid systems analyst, and eventually became a thermal-fluid subject matter expert in 2018. In 2022, he took on the deputy chief position and has been acting chief since March 2025. Despite his supervisory role, Wear remains inspired by the teamwork and dedication of his colleagues.
One of Wear's favorite aspects of his job is training students. He believes that hard work, good grades, persistence, and attitude are crucial for success at NASA Stennis. During his interviews for the Pathways Internship, Wear shared his insights with students passionate about NASA and space exploration. He emphasizes the importance of staying curious and persistent, encouraging students to research, identify knowledge gaps, and seek help from mentors.
As NASA embarks on a new chapter of space exploration, Wear's contributions are invaluable. His dedication to learning, problem-solving, and mentorship make him a vital part of NASA's mission to return to the Moon and beyond.
