So you're looking for your first job in the space sector. Or maybe you have some space-related experience, but still struggle to find the job you actually want. The truth is, even for the more seasoned among us, it can be difficult to find the right position. If you go to one of the larger, online job boards and type "space" into the search field, you are going to find a bunch of listings from architecture firms, furniture delivery companies, teacher positions, and occasionally an open position at a space or satellite company. Like all job search processes, it is more art than science, but here I will attempt to provide a list of resources to make life a little easier.
When it comes to finding openings, fortunately there are a number of job boards that try to focus on jobs in the space sector. They are all quite different. And as you navigate your job search odyssey, you may pick a favorite or two. It really depends on what you are looking for and what career level you are interested in. Here are a few to get you started.
Space Talent is a job board that also, "prepares jobseekers at all levels for a career in the space-tech ecosystem through our curated resources and insights." It is affiliated with Space Capital, a venture capital firm that focuses on investing into new-space startups, and Space Angels, which provides resources for angel investors. They also have a specialized listing of internships. The platform focuses on space-based technology positions, which means it has a number of listings from recognizable tech companies, but there are a multitude of space and satellite companies posting to this job board.
CAREERSIN.SPACE bills itself as "THE space careers and defence jobs recruitment portal" for the international space industry. Site visitors can create a profile, upload their resume, and browse additional resources in case you are thinking of building your own space startup. The postings include marketing and finance jobs and more with an overwhelming majority of the postings are for engineering positions. This platform also allows you to search specifically for internships as well as exclude them.
EVONA is another interesting place to look. This company is actually a recruitment firm that posts the listings from their clients on a searchable platform. In addition to browsing positions from name-withheld companies, job seekers also have the option to submit their resume to EVONA to be matched with a recruiter. The number of listings on the platform may be fewer than other platforms, but for those looking for mid-level positions it is worth getting in contact with one of the recruiters there.
Space Impulse is building what looks like a social networking site specifically for the space industry. Users can create profiles and interact with fellow space professionals. They also have a job board with a variety of job-types listed. The platform, like many here listed, are quite new. And at this time, users need to be approved before being allowed into the networking site. But it may soon become the place where people who have built or are building their careers in space share knowledge and insights into this unique job market.
That brings me to my last point: nothing beats networking. It is an oft belabored assertion to job seekers, but this is especially true in the space sector. That's because the space sector is a relatively small community which still, paradoxically, struggles to find and retain top talent - poaching is not uncommon. If you know anyone in the space sector, you would do well to reach out and let them know you're looking. If you are new to the industry, you can also use these exchanges to get to know the landscape. Just keep in mind that you may get different perspectives from those in different countries, companies and government agencies. And for those of us who are already employed by and networked into it, remember that the space community is a small world is a double-edged sword. The news you are looking for a new job, in the process of echoing around the stratosphere, could inadvertently come back to your employer. Though it's not always a bad thing, it is important to keep in mind and incorporate it into your job search strategy.
I hope you find this to be a useful list to get you started on your search. If you come across additional resources and think it should be included, please reach leave a comment or reach out and let us know. And above all, good luck with the job search!
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