The space tech industry is growing and reaching new heights of innovation, and private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are making space travel more accessible. There are many exciting and rewarding careers in the space industry ranging from engineers and scientists to technicians, pilots, and more. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the space tech industry, here are some essential skills and qualifications you’ll need to master.

Types of Jobs in the Space Tech Industry

So, if you’re researching careers in spacetech, look at the available jobs and see where you may fit best! 

Engineers

Software engineers, mechanical engineers, aerospace engineers, etc., are crucial parts of the space tech industry. They design, build, and test spacecraft and their components.

Scientists

Scientists include all physicists, astronomers, astrophysicists, etc. They study space, planets, and the universe to enhance our knowledge.

Technicians

The space tech industry looks for technicians to engineers and scientists in building, testing, and operating spacecraft, and equipment.

Pilots and Astronauts

Pilots and astronauts are in demand to utilize spacecraft to deploy satellites or transport crew and cargo to space.

Managers

Managers are required to provide leadership and oversight for space missions and programs. They must be qualified in strategic management.

Education and Qualifications

If you’re looking to work in the space tech industry, there are prerequisites you must consider beforehand! 

Degrees 

Firstly, it would be best to have a Bachelor’s or Masters in engineering, physics, astronomy, or other technical fields. It would help to have strong math, science, computing, and problem-solving skills. Next, it is recommended to have certifications such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

Experience 

When it comes to prior experience, extensive on-the-job training, especially for pilots and astronauts, is a prerequisite. Ideally, you must have related work experience in the aerospace industry. These don’t necessarily have to Be defined as contractual jobs but can also be internship opportunities at space tech companies.

Soft Skills 

To master a space tech job, technical skills are of course a prerequisite but there are also some soft skills that you must master to do well and settle in the industry. These mainly include problem-solving skills along with attention to detail and good communication.

Within the industry, you’re usually working in teams where people come from different backgrounds and hence your teamwork skills but be top-notch as well.

8 Skills to Master

Systems Engineering

It involves deg, developing, testing, and managing complex systems involving multiple components and subsystems. Systems engineers need to have a holistic view of how different parts of a system interact and affect each other, as well as how they meet the requirements and specifications of the project. 

Systems engineering is essential for space tech projects because they often involve integrating various technologies and disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, aerospace engineering, etc.

Programming

Programming is writing code that instructs computers or machines to perform specific tasks. Programming is crucial for space tech projects because it enables automation, data processing, communication, simulation, modeling, and more. 

Programming languages vary depending on the application and platform, but some common ones used in space tech include C++ and Python. 

Data Analysis

Data analysis is collecting, organizing, processing, interpreting, and presenting data using statistical methods and tools. Data analysis is vital for space tech projects because it helps to understand phenomena, identify patterns and trends, evaluate performance, optimize solutions, and decision-making. 

Communication

Communication is expressing ideas clearly and effectively using verbal or written language or visual aids such as graphs, charts, diagrams, etc. 

Communication is essential for space tech projects because it facilitates collaboration, coordination, documentation, reporting, and dissemination of information among various stakeholders such as team , clients, suppliers, regulators, media, the public, etc.

Project Management

Project management involves planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources, tasks, risks, and deliverables to achieve specific goals within a given time frame and budget. 

Project management is essential for space tech projects because they often involve large-scale, complex, multidisciplinary, and dynamic endeavors that require coordination among various parties and phases, such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure. 

Creativity

Creativity is the skill of generating novel and practical ideas or solutions that address problems or challenges in new or better ways. Creativity is essential for space tech projects because they often require innovation and originality to overcome technical difficulties and limitations to create competitive advantages or differentiation in the market. Creativity techniques include brainstorming, mind mapping, etc.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is applying logic, reasoning, evidence, and standards to evaluate arguments, claims, or situations objectively and rationally. Critical thinking is vital for space tech projects because it helps to avoid biases, fallacies, assumptions, or errors that might compromise the quality, reliability, safety, or ethics of a system or solution. 

Long Term Learning

Lifelong learning is essential for space tech professionals because they must keep up with the rapid changes, advances, and trends in technology, science, industry, and society that affect their field of work or interest.

Keep learning, get the qualifications, and develop expertise in critical areas like engineering, science, computing, and mathematics. This fast-paced, challenging field requires smooth communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Conclusion

The space industry offers many exciting and meaningful career opportunities at the forefront of technology and exploration. You can land your dream job in the space tech industry with the right combination of education, experience, skills, and ion for space travel and exploration.

If working in space is your goal, stay determined and keep reaching for the stars. With hard work and perseverance, you can make your space career ambitions take flight.