The New Space Industry Needs You
The space industry has transformed. What was once the exclusive domain of government agencies and defense contractors is now a vibrant commercial sector. SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, and hundreds of other companies are building rockets, satellites, ground systems, and space-based services. Software is eating space just as it ate everything else.
For women in tech, the space industry offers unique opportunities: cutting-edge technology, mission-driven work, and a sector actively working to diversify its historically homogeneous workforce.
The Modern Space Industry
Industry Segments
Launch:
- Companies: SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Blue Origin, Relativity, United Launch Alliance
- Roles: Propulsion, avionics, software, manufacturing, operations
- Growth: Dramatically reduced launch costs opening new markets
Satellites and Constellations:
- Companies: Starlink/SpaceX, OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper, Planet Labs
- Applications: Communications, Earth observation, navigation
- Roles: Spacecraft engineering, ground systems, data processing
Space Data and Services:
- Companies: Spire, Maxar, BlackSky, Capella Space
- Focus: Turning space-gathered data into useful products
- Roles: Software, data science, product development
Space Infrastructure:
- Companies: Astroscale, Orbit Fab, Axiom Space
- Focus: Servicing, debris removal, space stations
- Emerging: Commercial space stations, in-space manufacturing
Career Paths in Space
Software Engineering:
- Flight software (runs on spacecraft)
- Ground systems software
- Mission operations software
- Data processing and analytics
- Simulation and testing systems
Hardware Engineering:
- Avionics and embedded systems
- Propulsion systems
- Structures and mechanisms
- Power systems
- Communications systems
Systems Engineering:
- Mission design and analysis
- Integration and test
- Requirements and architecture
- Mission operations
Data and Analysis:
- Satellite imagery analysis
- Geospatial data science
- Machine learning for space data
- Climate and weather applications
Getting Into Space Tech
Pathways In
Aerospace background:
- Aerospace engineering degree
- Experience at NASA, defense contractors, or traditional space companies
- Direct path to space-specific roles
Software/tech background:
- Standard software engineering skills transfer well
- Ground systems, data processing, and infrastructure roles
- Flight software possible with embedded experience
Transitioning from other industries:
- Many skills transfer: systems engineering, embedded, data science
- Learn space fundamentals through courses and self-study
- Start with roles that leverage existing expertise
Relevant Skills
Software:
- Python (ubiquitous in ground systems and data)
- C/C++ (flight software, embedded)
- Systems programming
- Cloud infrastructure
- Real-time systems
Domain knowledge:
- Orbital mechanics basics
- Space environment understanding
- Mission lifecycle
- Reliability and testing requirements
Resources for Learning
- MIT OpenCourseWare: Aerospace courses
- AIAA resources and publications
- Space-related open source projects
- NASA educational materials
- Commercial space company tech blogs
Compensation in Space
Space tech compensation varies significantly:
Traditional aerospace/defense:
- Generally below big tech
- Government contractor pay scales
- Benefits often strong
New space companies:
- Closer to tech market rates
- Equity potential at startups
- Varies widely by company and funding stage
Typical ranges (software engineering):
- Entry-level: $80,000-$120,000
- Mid-level: $120,000-$180,000
- Senior: $160,000-$250,000
- Staff/Principal: $200,000-$350,000
Women in Space Tech
The Challenge
Aerospace has historically been male-dominated:
- ~20% women in aerospace workforce
- Legacy defense culture can be challenging
- Technical roles particularly underrepresented
The Opportunity
New space is actively changing:
- Commercial space companies building new cultures
- Visible women in leadership (Gwynne Shotwell, others)
- Active diversity initiatives
- Mission-driven work attracts diverse talent
- Industry recognizing value of diverse perspectives
Finding Good Environments
- Research company culture before applying
- Look for women in visible technical and leadership roles
- Ask about diversity initiatives in interviews
- Connect with women already working at target companies
Unique Aspects of Space Careers
What’s Different
- Long timelines: Projects take years from concept to launch
- High stakes: Mistakes can mean mission failure
- Testing culture: Extensive verification before flight
- Hardware/software integration: Tighter coupling than pure software
- Security clearances: Some roles require clearance
What’s Rewarding
- Tangible impact: Watching your work launch is unforgettable
- Mission purpose: Space exploration, Earth observation, connectivity
- Technical depth: Genuinely hard problems
- Historic moment: Industry is being remade
Getting Started
If space tech interests you:
- Assess your fit: Do you have relevant skills or a path to develop them?
- Learn the basics: Orbital mechanics, space environment, mission concepts
- Research companies: Understand the landscape and identify targets
- Build relevant experience: Projects, learning, or roles that develop applicable skills
- Network: Connect with people in space industry
- Apply: Many companies are actively hiring and building pipelines
Organizations and Communities
- Women in Aerospace (WIA): Professional organization and networking
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Aerospace track
- AIAA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Space conferences: SATELLITE, Space Symposium, SmallSat
- Online communities: Space-focused Discords, Reddit communities
The Future Needs Diverse Perspectives
Space exploration and commercialization is humanity’s next frontier. The decisions being made now—what we build, how we build it, who benefits—will shape space development for generations. That future should be shaped by diverse perspectives, not just those who’ve historically dominated aerospace.
If you’re drawn to space, your perspective is needed. The industry is more accessible than ever, and the barriers that kept many out are falling.