TheLog

I knew there was something I didn't like about South Dakota...

Matlab is very popular in the simulation world.

Go find another one!! Probably 95% of my co-workers interned or co-oped somewhere.

Are they really the best engine for the job if affordability is the prime driver? RS-25s are pretty complex (i.e. expensive) compared to other engines from what I hear.

Is there budget to support a major redesign to adapt from Shuttle to SLS?

Aerospace engineer here. Your plan of mechanical undergrad and aerospace grad is a pretty good one. The biggest suggestion I have would be to get an internship or better yet, a co-op position with an aerospace company. You get invaluable experience and it can lead right to a job.