Pathways for a career in space | Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources

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There’s much more to a career in space than being an astronaut. There are many exciting career paths to follow right here on Earth. Space law, medicine, design and manufacturing, robotics and data analysis. We need a range of skills to support our growing space sector.

Building a future workforce

We’re inspiring the future workforce to study subjects and gain experience that will sustain and grow our national space industry.

Our goal is to triple the size of the sector and create up to 20,000 new Australian jobs by 2030. We are:

supporting STEM and space-related initiatives and organisations around Australia
developing programs to enable students and young professionals to gain real-world space-related educational and professional experiences
attracting international space experts into the Australian space education and industrial sectors
inspiring the next generation through the fascinating aspects of space
showcasing the diverse career paths in the Australian space sector and of Australian space professionals working internationally
supporting national activities that inspire an interest in space
collaborating with state and territory governments, industry, academia and research institutions

Launch your career in space

Space is a multidisciplinary domain and needs all sorts of skillsets and types of people.

Technical specialists

Fabricators fabricate, fit, assemble and weld metal parts, structures and equipment.

Cyber security specialist

Cyber security specialists plan and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems.

Space lawyers provide advice and prepare legal contracts and documentation to ensure compliance with Australian and international laws and treaties.

CNC machinists are responsible for setting up manufacturing operations.

CAD drafters and designers

CAD drafters and designers use computer-aided design to create and modify 2D and 3D designs and drawings.

Intelligent game developers

Intelligent game developers build, program and utilise systems and games in virtual reality, augmented reality and simulations.

Electricians and electrical technicians

Electricians and electrical technicians construct, install, test and repair electrical systems, equipment and components.

Avionics technicians

Avionics technicians install, inspect, test, adjust and repair electronic equipment on aircraft and spacecraft.

Mechanical technicians

Mechanical technicians install machinery, parts and equipment onto aircraft and spacecraft.

Assembly technicians

Assembly technicians construct, assemble, fit, fasten and install parts in aeroplanes, spacecraft and satellites.

Automation and robotics technicians

Automation and robotics technicians assist engineers to build, install, operate, test and maintain robots, robotic components, devices and systems.

Astronauts command, pilot or serve as crew on spacecraft.

Flight surgeons

Flight surgeons support the health, safety and wellbeing of astronauts.

Production test technicians

Production test technicians monitor, adjust and test processes and equipment in the production environment.

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Engineers

Robotics engineer

Robotics engineers build, install, operate, test and maintain robots, robotic components, devices and systems.

Propulsion engineers

Propulsion engineers design, test, and manufacture spacecraft propulsion systems.

Electrical, electronics and avionics engineer

Electrical, electronics and avionics engineers design, construct, install, maintain and test electronic and electrical systems.

Space systems engineer

Space systems engineers design, construct and test aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites and equipment.

Software developers and software engineers

Software developers and software engineers design, program, test, implement and maintain software programs.

Machine learning and AI engineers

Machine learning and AI engineers program and deploy artificial intelligence to process and synthesise information.

Engineering technologist

Engineering technologists analyse, modify, test and apply new and existing engineering technologies to solve complex issues in consultation with engineers.

Engineering technician

Engineering technicians work with engineers to design, build and test equipment, conduct experiments, collect data and identify and solve engineering problems.

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Management and administration

Project manager

Project managers plan and manage resources for projects to deliver them on time and on budget.

Network and systems administrators

Network and systems administrators configure, install, maintain and protect software, hardware and the network.

Work, health and safety officers

Work, health and safety officers ensure compliance with health and safety systems, conduct risk assessments and advise staff.

Business roles and management

You don’t have to be a scientist or an engineer to join the space industry. It takes all sorts of people to run a space organisation.

Space communicators and education outreach officers

Space communicators and education outreach officers help the general public and other audiences understand space science and the industry.

Space business development managers

Space business development managers identify new customers and create proposals to gain additional business opportunities.

Communications and marketing professional

Communications and marketing professionals create content for different channels and audiences to promote their organisation and its goals.

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Scientists

Space scientist

Space scientists apply the laws of physics, chemistry and geology to understand the universe and its contents.

Data scientists and analysts

Data scientists and analysts collect, organise, interpret and report on data to gain insights and information for organisations.

Earth observation scientists

Earth observation scientists use satellite and other data to monitor the lifecycles of the Earth from above.

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Contact us

Email info@discover.space.gov.au
Phone 08 8432 1400
Head office: Lot Fourteen, McEwin Building. North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Write to us at Australian Space Agency, GPO Box 2013, CANBERRA ACT 2601