Young Alumni Council member inspires through service

Opelika native Joseph Moore, ’08 aerospace engineering, has always been fascinated by space. He recalls having a conversation in sixth grade with a friend about his future career – and how he wanted to be an astronaut.

“I’ve had an interest in big machines my whole life,” said Moore. “And when my interest grew in airplanes and rockets, I knew I wanted to work with those machines. At the time, I thought that meant becoming an astronaut.”

His interest in aeronautics was solidified in high school, when he was in an Aviation Explorer program. During that time, Moore met an astronaut—who also just so happened to be an Auburn Engineering alumnus.

“That affirmed my desire to go to Auburn,” Moore said. “I knew I wanted to stay in state and be close to home. Knowing Auburn is a great institution and that they have an amazing program in what I wanted to do … well, it was great.”

Moore’s experience at Auburn was transformative, providing him the tools and education needed to succeed on working on those great big machines he had dreamed about as a kid.

“Engineering classes teach you how to solve problems,” he said. “It’s what I always tell current students. I problem solve every day at work.”

As an engineer for GE Aviation, Moore spends his days working with people and machines.

“I can remember my first day as a field engineer, which was at a Boeing factory 747 flight line. The person giving me a tour stopped and had to pull off to the side of a road as a big airplane was being towed, the wing passing over our heads. I knew at that moment I was in the right field,” said Moore.

He has a successful career in aerospace engineering. But his career was not without its own set of hurdles to start. He graduated in 2008, right at the start of the recession. The downturn in the job market did have its silver linings for Moore. He decided to go back to graduate school, a decision he says helped launch his career.

Understanding the new struggles graduates may face with the COVID-19 pandemic, Moore wanted to help encourage students. He volunteered to write an inspirational letter to recent graduates, which was mailed from the Office of Development in conjunction with the Engineering Young Alumni Council.

“I think the one thing I want to encourage students with and want them to know is that the world always needs engineers. Problem solvers,” he said. “When we come out of this, some of our industry needs may be different, but the need for engineers will always be the same. I would encourage students to keep learning through challenges, and always take solace in the fact the world needs you. You’re going to have a long and successful career.”

As a member of the Young Alumni Council, Moore has the opportunity to connect with, mentor and inspire students. As a student himself, Moore was involved as a Cupola Engineering Ambassador and in the Engineering Academic Excellence Program. His passion for Auburn Engineering and his desire to help future graduates keeps him involved.

“I like being a hands-on problem solver,” said Moore. “I want to help. And by being on the Young Alumni Council, I feel like I can help current students and recent alumni. I want to see everyone succeed.”