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Space

The Space sector provides technologies and infrastructure which we all access in our everyday lives. For example, satellites providing services which support communications, earth monitoring and navigation to name a few. Whilst most of these technologies are space-based, they are managed and operated by teams of people based firmly on earth! 

In recent decades, human beings have become increasingly ambitious with regards to space exploration and harnessing potential. There are plans to put human beings on Mars as well as continue to examine how we might be able to take advantage of the resources available on other planets. With private investment and innovation, the kind that has made space tourism a reality for the world’s wealthiest folks, the sector growth has been strong, despite Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis. 

The UK government announced the income of the Space sector in the UK is now in excess of £17.5 billion. There are more than 48,800 people employed in the industry with an additional 126,800 people employed in the wider supply chain. The UK’s capabilities within the industry span from broadcasting, satellite communications, defence technologies, transportation right through to research into earth observations and meteorology.  

The industry is truly global with the US government being the biggest financial stakeholder with an annual investment of 0.24% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The UK invests a similar amount to other European countries at 0.05% of GDP. In additional to governmental funding investments, there is also a great deal of private investment taking place in the sector. The industry in the UK is spread widely across the regions with both large £multi-million operations in addition to many start-ups emerging, demonstrating the buoyancy and growth of the sector. For a career which is truly out of this world, read on for useful information and links.

Sector overview and areas of work

With such a broad ranging and interesting series of objectives from supporting life on earth to exploring new frontiers and resources, there is an equally broad and growing range of potential career opportunities. 

For an overview of the main areas of work in the space sector visit the sites below:

  • Space Careers UK explore role profiles in this useful page for common sector roles and opportunities as well as explore how to pursue them
  • Esero - Careers In Space A useful collection of career profile videos

Sector careers advice

  • Space Careers.UK offers a range of advice and information about opportunities within the Space industry
  • UK SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) 

Sector news

If you would like to do further research into this sector, the following webpages may be useful. 

Making contacts

Making contacts is essential for success in this and other sectors. Many jobs in this field come through networking and speculative applications. You could start by speaking with experts and reaching out through events or directly to companies or on LinkedIn. You could find out what others did to secure their role in the sector after graduation. You may also find that the University’s Career Mentor Scheme or Ask An Alum programmes are good opportunities to make relevant connections and gather useful information.   

Events

Explore SEDS  For a list of local and national conference events focussed on the Space Sector including National Student Space Conference and Space-Comm Expo.

National Space Academy Careers Conferences  A specialist conference about careers in the space sector which is a great way to network and discover opportunities. 

Recruitment fairs, open days, talks, and events give insights and opportunities to make contacts. For details of future events visit Handshake. If you have not yet activated your account, select the Single Sign On (SSO) option and follow the onscreen instructions.

Job roles

Careers in the Space industry are as diverse and broad ranging as they are on earth. There are roles and opportunities to join the sector for many skills sets which range from photography to space law so there is something for everyone. The following skills are not definitive and if you are interested in working in the sector, you should explore opportunities which suit your skills set and strengths because there really is something for everyone. 

Skills employers look for:

There are certain key skills sets which remain in demand in the sector because of the engineering and scientific nature of much of the work. Therefore, you are likely to find more opportunities related to STEM subjects such as science, engineering, IT and maths as well as geology and geography. 

  • Engineering: teams of engineers work to design and build various space instruments from spacecraft to control instruments to operate on earth and in space.
  • Natural science skills are used to explore and learn more about the Earth such as the planet’s weather systems and climate change. These skills are also helpful in understanding resources which are available on other planets, too. These sciences include disciplines such as geography and geology.
  • Space scientists explore and research the fundamental questions about the mysteries of the universe. Physicists and astronomers are considering anything from whether there is life on other planets to which asteroids could potentially be a threat to Earth.
  • IT and data skills underpin our technologies and create software and algorithms to help us make sense of all the information we are gathering and communicate the findings.
  • Other business skills are also required in the industry to help the industry to grow. Therefore, from HR to marketing there are opportunities for everyone. 

Explore roles in the sector by visiting the websites below. Each profile covers typical duties and responsibilities, entry requirements and the key skills required for the position.

Work experience and placements

Finding work experience

Getting a graduate role is competitive. Undertaking relevant work experience will not only make your applications stand out, but it will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector.

Volunteering

  • Alpbach Summer School - focuses on various aspects of space science and engineering through lectures and group work to define and design a space mission under the supervision of noted scientific and engineering experts.
  • European Space Camp (ESC) - annual week-long summer camp held at Andoøya Space Center in Norway. (Maximum age for participants is 20). Participants have the opportunity to work on various aspects of a rocket campaign in addition to lectures and other activities. Alumni of the programme are able to volunteer to work on the organisation of the next ESC.

Graduate jobs and schemes

Competition is strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers.

Graduate schemes

Specialist Recruitment Agencies

Finding companies for speculative applications

UK Space Members: This is a list of members of the UK Space (the industry’s Trade Association) which is brilliant for exploring more about the industry. These profiles link through to the organisations’ websites and provide contact details.   

UK Space SME Members  is a list of members which are SME (small and medium sized enterprises). Very handy for exploring the sector and looking for prospective employers or gaining work experience. 

As jobs are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and apply speculatively. Before visiting the sites below you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page.

The Space List – a directory of Space sector companies around the world

Wikipedia list of private space flight companies

Further sources of support

For further advice on finding graduate opportunities, visit at our Finding a graduate job page.

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally.

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal. Log in using your University email address. The worldwide country guides cover everything from job search resources and CV guidelines to cultural advice and visa information. Watch a short training video on how to get the most from GoinGlobal (4 minutes 20 seconds).

Further study and professional development

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to build their skills and knowledge of the sector. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. You may have the option to gain professional qualifications after graduating which will show your commitment towards the industry. Use the sites below to research your further study options.

If you would like to pursue postgraduate study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study. If you are unsure whether further study is for you, you may wish to attend our ‘Postgraduate study: is it right for you?’ session which runs termly. Find these advertised on Handshake.

Masters and PhDs are common in some fields of the Space sector but are not always a necessity.  Make sure you research different organisations and their requirements before assuming you must undertake further study. 

Further information

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Many major graduate recruiters have policies and processes that are proactive in recruiting graduates from diverse backgrounds. To find out the policies and attitudes of employers that you are interested in, explore their equality and diversity policies and see if they offer ‘Guaranteed Interview Schemes’ (for disabled applicants) or are recognised for their policy by such indicators as ‘Mindful Employer’ or as a ‘Stonewalls Diversity Champion’.

The UK law protects you from discrimination due to your age, gender, race, religion or beliefs, disability or sexual orientation. For further information on the Equality Act and to find out where and how you are protected, as well as information on what you need to do if you feel you have been discriminated against, visit the Government’s webpages on discrimination.

To learn more about how to share details of a disability with an employer and the support you can receive applying for jobs and work experience visit our equality and diversity page.