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 you should consider a career in Space. A career in space is not just exciting but also profoundly meaningful, it enables you to become a part of this ground-breaking 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.
That’s a wrap
That’s a wrap on why you should consider a career in Space. If we’ve got you convinced, explore our dedicated Space recruitment and career portal for the latest in the sector, including jobs.
Keep up to date with our latest career advice. Or discover top CV tips and interview tips to master your job search.
If you’re seeking your next job or want to learn more about the current space market, get in touch with our friendly team of experienced engineering recruiters.