We get lots of questions from people all over the world asking what the best route into the space sector is.
The short answer is there is no fixed route. Everyone’s journey is different. However, here are some of our top tips combined with useful links and insights shared with us by our network of Lead Educators, Project Scientists ad Space Communicators.
The National Space Academy and the UK Space Agency Career Videos -
We have recently released our very own Career Videos, in association with UK Space Agency, where we have interviewed multiple employees who are currently working in the Space and Science industry. Link for videos and additional learning material below:
Useful links
We are a small core team and don’t generally offer work experience. However, we can help with any questions you might have about reaching a career in the space sector. Get in touch if you have a question and we’ll make sure it gets to the right person.
Advice on Careers
Space is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy, supporting jobs for some 117,000 people. With the motivation, and the right skills and qualifications, you could join them. Careers in space cover everything from building spacecraft and designing satellites, to co-ordinating disaster relief and forecasting future climate. You could also help develop new technology, search for life on distant worlds or work with astronauts.
SpaceCareers.uk is a leading jobs and advice service for anyone interested in a career in the space sector. Whether you’re a student, in the early stages of your career, or have several years of experience, we can help you find your perfect space career.
ESA Education -
The ESA Education Programme uses the fascination and the incredible body of knowledge generated by Europe’s unique space programme for the benefit of the younger generation and for the growth of society at large.
ESA vacancies are posted regularly on ESA's Careers website and can be found under 'Browse current vacancies', or directly from ESA’s recruiting website. To apply for a position, click on the ‘Apply now’ button at the bottom of the job description then register, fill in your candidate profile and upload the required documents and information. After submitting your application, you will be able to track its progress by logging into your profile.
Wherever you are in your journey with physics, we have resources to help you. Whether you're making subject choices at school or college, a physicist considering professional registration as your career progresses or an IOP member looking for CPD support, you can find information and advice here.
Job openings at the National Space Centre, this one is more about just jobs than apprenticeships or graduate programmes.
Be inspired by a range of individuals currently working in the space industry and explore how they use science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills in their everyday lives.
UKSEDS -
(UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) careers page here
Qinetiq -
Join us and you will have the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology and many of the industry’s most brilliant minds. Careers Search
Find a one-stop-shop where you can go to find the best space jobs, where some of the most competent recruiters in the industry can go to share their space jobs. There are plenty of aerospace jobs: entry level aerospace engineering jobs, aeronautical engineering jobs, space engineering jobs. The space industry is blooming.
Catapult Satellite Applications - The Satellite Applications Catapult is currently recruiting individuals who would like to work in an evolving, innovative and forward-thinking organisation.
They also have some FAQ’s for students interested in placements - FAQ's from Students
Space Schools and residential Space Camps
Based at the University of Leicester. Senior (for ages 16-18) and Junior (for ages 13 - 15)
For those interested in what it is like to work in the space industry, students can sign up to our Work Experience Program. This weeklong programme showcases the work and research done by the staff at Leicester to support the space community.
The Scottish Space School 2023 will run in person at the University of Strathclyde from Monday 12 – Friday 16 June. Applications are open to all S5 pupils studying in a Scottish secondary school, and is aimed at those with a specific interest in Maths and Science. The programme will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading figures in space travel, including NASA astronauts and engineers.
The Summer School is open to 60 selected young science and/or engineering students and graduates from among the member, associate and cooperating states of the European Space Agency (ESA)*). The working language of the Summer School will be English.
Sixty European engineering and science students will be selected to participate in a ten-day learning opportunity held in the village of Alpbach in the beautiful Austrian Alps.
(for ages 17-20) – Norway - Andøya Rocket Range. A week-long residential summer school held in Norway – Open to UK students, must meet requirements.
European Space Camp is an annual week-long summer camp held at Andøya Space in Northern Norway. The next camp is held from the 30th of July until the 6th of August 2023.
Work experience and internships
Internship opportunities at ESA are now open for applications! Opportunities are available in most ESA establishments in engineering, science, IT, natural/social sciences, business and administration services and will be open for one month.
Space Internship Network (SpIN) -
The Space Placements in INdustry (SPIN) scheme provides placement opportunities for those considering employment in the space sector and connects space sector organisations who want to find the most talented and enthusiastic people to ensure the future success of their businesses.
Based at the University of Leicester. Senior (for ages 16-18) and Junior (for ages 13 - 15)
For those interested in what it is like to work in the space industry, students can sign up to our Work Experience Program. This weeklong programme showcases the work and research done by the staff at Leicester to support the space community.
Engineering excellence lies at the heart of Lockheed Martin and there are exciting opportunities to join its Early Careers development programme across a variety of different business functions from technical engineering through to functional business support. Whatever your direction, Lockheed Martin UK can help your development with competitive salaries, benefits, flexible schedules and more. They offer Graduate programmes, Placements, Apprenticeships, and work experience.
At Rolls-Royce, you’re not expected to follow a set path. Everyone is unique, so every Rolls-Royce journey is different too. We'll help you to find your way and discover your potential. Your unique personality, passion, and sense of purpose makes us who we are and a place where everyone belongs. And anything is possible. Advanced apprenticeships and graduate opportunities.
Graduate Schemes
Airbus -
The internship or placement program is designed to provide our students the opportunity to consolidate their theoretical foundation through practical experience.
ESA’s Young Graduate Trainee (YGT) Programme offers young graduates the opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience in the development and operation of space missions in an international and multicultural environment.
UK Space -
Most people working in the industry are scientists and engineers who have come through a university, but there are also opportunities for motivated young people who want to study and learn through an apprenticeship, or for people from other sectors who’d like to apply and adapt their skills to the specialisms of the space industry. And of course, every space business needs a plethora of supporting roles to be efficient and profitable.
Qinetiq -
With an exciting and diverse range of opportunities for talented people at all skill levels, we offer a challenging and rewarding career. You’ll be working with dedicated and talented people who enjoy their work and take pride in the impact they have on the world around us. Join us and you will have the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology and many of the industry’s most brilliant minds.
We know that you want to use your talent, skill, and dedication to make a difference and at STFC you will get the opportunity to do just that. Your work will support world-leading science and innovation and enable ground-breaking research that will inspire, shape and define our future. Every one of our graduate roles has an impact on life across the globe.
Telespazio UK understands the excellent contribution that graduates can make across the business, and so we recruit graduates from a number of backgrounds into our technical teams within Earth Observation and Climate, Ground Segment Systems and Software, and Geo-Information.
Funding Opportunities
STFC Apprenticeships (Science and Technology Facilities Council) -
We offer funding and support across all academic disciplines and industrial areas from the medical and biological sciences to astronomy, physics, chemistry and engineering, social sciences, economics, environmental sciences, and the arts and humanities.