Credit: SpaceX
When we think about going to space, we cannot avoid picturing astronauts entering a rocket to later reach outer space. However, successful launches require a team of professionals who design, build, and prepare the launch vehicles together. Some of these positions require college studies (a Bachelor's degree). Others require an Associate Degree or a high school diploma, along with years of proven experience in the field. Here, I talk about some of these jobs, what they involve, some of their requirements, and how these are critical to the ultimate goal, which is to reach space and embark on space exploration.
As expected, many of these positions are for engineers, like design, test, mechanical, operations, software, and systems engineering; however, other jobs seemingly less associated with engineering or space exploration, also play a critical role in the success of many of these programs. Considering that some companies, like SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, or Boeing, are developing rockets, satellites, and other space technologies at larger scales, the number of skilled people needed to fulfill these positions will continue growing, opening the door to a wide breadth of experience and education.
Providing information about the type of jobs you can find in these companies is one of the goals of this article. The other is to highlight the requirements for many of these positions. As you will see, many require only a high school diploma and years of experience, depending on the position level. However, this is not uniform across the industry. Similar positions in a different company might require an Associate's or a Bachelor's degree, which does not necessarily reflect on the quality, the products, or their success record. SpaceX, one of the companies with many openings for those with high school diplomas, has an unprecedented successful record in the space industry. Therefore, one should not be discouraged by the basic requirements in one place. Instead, focus on gaining the relevant experience and then apply for jobs at companies that are more keen to allow you to demonstrate your abilities.
So, I will start talking about jobs within this industry that only require a high school diploma and one or several years of experience in the field. First in line are the Quality Inspectors for critical elements like valves, avionics, or other spacecraft parts. These positions involve detailed in-process inspections of flight hardware using detailed drawings or CAD models to verify conformance to design requirements - learning about these models sounds quite interesting. Another critical job is that of a Propulsion Technician, who is directly involved in building and testing components for the spacecraft. A Semiconductors Technician, on the other hand, works in the manufacturing operations and processing of microelectronic products.
There are higher-level positions that require 7+ years of professional hands-on experience. Two of these positions are Integration Technician or Sensors and Systems Technician. They work closely with engineers to, among other things, assemble, test, and install flight hardware, sensors, circuits, systems, and other technologies. However, there are also Integration Technical positions at SpaceX that only require 1+ years of experience.
Credit: SpaceX
Other key roles within this education level include the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Starting with IT Services Technicians, who have the skills to deploy and troubleshoot computer hardware, software, and mobile cellular devices. The IT Systems Analysts, who analyze, maintain, improve, and design the information systems. Also, the Telecommunications Technicians, who, among other things install, test, and troubleshoot audio, video, and RF equipment.
As SpaceX continues building many rockets for its flight tests and eventually to take humans to Mars, there is also a great demand for TIG welders, Friction Stir Welding Technicians, NDE inspectors, and Certified Welding Inspectors. Besides a high school diploma, these positions also require experience with welding - inspectors positions also require a CWI certification. Building rockets also requires Machine Maintenance Technicians, Metal Spinning Technicians, or Structures Technicians. They help with the maintenance and repair of production line equipment or the modification, repair, assembly, and installation of rockets and spacecraft. Launching the rockets employs Launch Pad Technicians, who maintain the launch pad mechanical and fluid systems in preparation for launch operations.
Other positions require an Associate degree, typically two years or less of school time to gain the needed knowledge of many technical roles. Positions in information technology, electronics, and other engineering fields fall in this category. An example would be the Engineering Tech position at its different levels. In Level I, a technician might perform entry to routine engineering jobs, while in Level II will perform more complex assignments like constructing, testing, and troubleshooting high-tech circuits and equipment under the guidance and supervision of engineering teams.
The required years of experience in these positions are interchangeable for trade skills programs or higher education; however, the basic education requirements can vary from company to company. For example, Northrop Grumman offers many of these positions only for Bachelor’s engineering degrees.
Also requiring an associate degree in electronics and a few years of experience is the EMI/ EMC Test Technician position. These technicians work with the Electromagnetic Environmental Effects team to ensure the performance of the launch and transport vehicles in some of the harshest and most varied electromagnetic environments imaginable. Someone in this role performs exhaustive analysis, design, and test of the equipment for rockets, spacecraft, and ground support hardware and electronics. If you are interested as I am in electromagnetism, maybe this is a job for you.
There are many non-technical leadership positions, which besides requiring several years of experience, also only require a high school diploma. Among those is the Lead Facilities Technician, who develops Project Management(PM) service programs, schedules daily work, and prioritizes assignments. Another leadership position is that of a Supervisor, Fabrication & Maintenance Technician, who coordinates and steers technician resources on a variety of tasks, like the fabrication and repair of ground system hardware and equipment. This technician also manages the execution of PM plans.
Credit: SpaceX
Moving on to some non-technical positions that require a Bachelor's degree, there is the job of Supply Chain Managers, who, as the name tells us, work on developing supply chain strategies that help engineers and manufacturing departments achieve production goals. Interestingly enough, SpaceX also looks for Industrial designers to help with the conceptual development of consumer products, human spaceflight products, and interior designs. Looking to develop the rockets that will transport humans into space, we can see how important it is to meet the engineering, manufacturing, and operations requirements and the conceptualization of quality designs that, while attentive to physical ergonomics and the customer experience, inspire the world.
Another managerial position at this level is the Quality Assurance Manager. It focuses on reliability, quality, and risk reduction while identifying opportunities that drive efficiency and improvements. Similarly, we have the position of the Environmental Health & Safety Manager, who maintains, develops, or implements site-specific environmental policies, occupational safety programs, etc.
Of course, these are only a few of the multiple jobs you can find in the space industry. If you are in the USA, visit the websites of companies like SpaceX, Axiom Space, United Launch Alliance, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, Relative Space, Virgin Galactic, or Firefly Aerospace, and look for their career opportunities. These jobs are open to skilled individuals with many educational levels. You might also pay attention to the citizenship requirements. Many of these jobs require special clearances that can only be given to U.S. lawful, permanent residents or US citizens.
However, the USA is not the only country where private companies within the space industry offer these kinds of jobs. If you are in Europe, look in the ArianeGroup, a French-German company in operation since 1971. Other companies like Avio in Italy, HyImpulse in Germany, Obex in England, and PLD Space in Spain [1] were founded more recently, and some already started testing their launch vehicles.
As we enter the space age, many more companies across the globe, including Latin America, will start developing space technologies or maintaining launch ports[2]. This later might be possible for Latin American countries, given how close many of these are to the equator, where rocket launches become more efficient, requiring less fuel and therefore allowing them to carry heavier loads. These and other initiatives of entrepreneurs and space enthusiasts might give Latin Americans a spot in humanity’s quest to explore other planets in our solar system, and beyond.
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