When we hear the word "space," our minds often leap to images of astronauts, rocket launches, or distant planets. But the space industry is much more than exploration—it’s a dynamic, rapidly growing field that directly impacts life on Earth. From improving global communication to addressing climate change, space technologies have become integral to solving the challenges we face every day.

This blog delves into why a career in space is not just exciting but also profoundly meaningful, and how you can become a part of this groundbreaking industry.

Skyrocketing Demand for Talent

The UK's space sector is rapidly expanding, globally competitive, and plays a vital role in the economy, national security, and daily life. The industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with sector income growing by 5.1% during 2020-2021 despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges (Size and Health of the UK Space Industry 2022).

Valued at over £16.4 billion annually, the sector supports 45,100 jobs and offers exciting opportunities across diverse areas of space innovation and development. The UK has emerged as a major hub for space investment, boasting key centres of innovation and activity. In England, regions like Oxfordshire and Cornwall lead the charge, while Scotland is home to thriving hubs in Cumbernauld, Glasgow, and the Highlands, among others.

Gone are the days when space was solely the domain of government agencies and aerospace giants. The rise of private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab has revolutionised the industry, opening doors for professionals across disciplines.

Whether you’re an engineer, a business strategist, a lawyer, or an artist, the space sector needs your skills.

The industry now offers diverse roles in:

• STEM: Engineering, computer science, astrophysics, and robotics.
• Business and Marketing: Supporting the commercialisation of space services.
• Law and Policy: Addressing issues like space tourism, resource mining, and satellite regulation.
• Creative Fields: Communicating space missions to the public through storytelling, design, and media.

Space Technologies Improve Life on Earth

The extreme environment of space pushes the boundaries of innovation. Many of these advancements, designed for use beyond our planet, find practical applications here on Earth.

• Communication Revolution: Satellites power the internet, television, and mobile networks, connecting the world like never before.
• Navigation and Safety: GPS technology enables seamless navigation, efficient logistics, and disaster management.
• Scientific Breakthroughs: Research conducted in microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS) deepens our understanding of the human body, aiding advancements in healthcare and aging research.
• Environmental Monitoring: Earth observation satellites track climate patterns, monitor natural disasters, and provide essential data for agriculture and urban planning.

Space technologies don’t just explore—they help solve real-world problems, making them indispensable in addressing global challenges.

No Space Experience? No Problem!

The space sector is facing a skills gap, as its rapid growth is outpacing the availability of qualified talent. According to the 2023 Space Sector Skills Survey, 52% of organisations in the UK space sector reported skills gaps in their workforce.

There is also a strong demand for individuals starting their careers in the space sector. The Space Skills Alliance recently analysed 812 job postings from the UK’s early-career space industry to identify the most sought-after skills. The analysis revealed that software development is the top technical skill, appearing in 49% of job listings. In particular, proficiency in C/C++ (22%) and Python (20%) is highly valued. This underscores that the space sector's skills shortage is primarily driven by a lack of tech expertise, highlighting the need for programming skills to be a central focus of the sector's skills strategy.

Moreover, employers are increasingly seeking transferable skills, with interpersonal skills required by 84% of employers and communication skills by 76%.

However, Alexander Associates has been collaborating with space companies to address this challenge by recruiting engineers from our network, with expertise in the automotive, defence, aerospace, and aviation sectors.

Pioneering Technology and Innovation

Engineers working in space-related industries have the chance to work with the latest and most advanced technologies. Space exploration pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in areas like materials science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and energy generation.

Here are some of the latest innovations from UK-based private companies:

• Space Solar: A company focused on space-based solar power (SBSP) to deliver clean, affordable energy. Its £624 million satellite could soon provide power to 3,000 homes from space.
• Skyrora: A Scotland-based company aiming to launch its first suborbital mission from British soil in the spring.
• Orbit Fab: A company working on "cosmic petrol stations" designed to extend satellite lifespans and enable deeper space missions. The company plans to be operational in space by 2027.

Engineers in this field are at the forefront of developing and implementing these groundbreaking innovations, contributing to advancements that often have applications beyond space exploration.

Kickstart Your Career in Space

Interested in exploring career opportunities in the space sector? Connect with our expert recruitment team for an introductory chat about how you can leverage your skills and secure a role with one of our leading space clients across the UK.

Contact:

Peter Webb: peter.webb@alexander-assoc.co.uk | 01959 562 572
Aimee Hall: aimee.hall@alexander-assoc.co.uk | 01959 562 572