Community and Exploration in Network Engineering

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Have you ever wondered what happens when the networks we build leave Earth's atmosphere? In this mind-expanding conversation with Lexi Cooper, Network Integration Engineer at Blue Origin, we explore the extraordinary world of rocket networking and witness firsthand the emotional impact of watching your work launch into orbit.

Lexi's journey defies conventional career paths—from hating her previous job to discovering networking at community college, live streaming her CCNA studies on Twitch, and landing at Blue Origin through what she calls "pure luck" when someone noticed her social media posts about BGP. Her story proves that intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn publicly can propel careers to literal new heights.

We dive deep into the unique challenges of aerospace networking that terrestrial engineers rarely consider: the weight constraints that limit redundancy options, the extreme temperature fluctuations without air cooling, radiation testing for components, and the absolute necessity for deterministic networking when human intervention is impossible after launch. Lexi explains how every engineering decision becomes a complex risk assessment when the stakes include billion-dollar missions.

For aspiring rocket network engineers, Lexi offers invaluable advice: master networking fundamentals through certifications like CCNA, don't be intimidated by seemingly impossible job requirements, and develop a deeper understanding of the lower networking layers most engineers never explore. She emphasizes that no one is ever fully qualified for these unique roles—what matters most is demonstrating passion, adaptability, and a relentless desire to understand how things work.

Ready to expand your professional horizons? Join us for this inspiring conversation that will change how you think about networking and perhaps open doors to career possibilities you never imagined. Whether you're looking to break into aerospace or simply seeking fresh perspectives on your current role, this episode delivers insights that transcend terrestrial boundaries.

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