How to Find Hidden Space Jobs in the UK Using Professional Bodies like the RAeS, UKSpace & More
The UK space sector is enjoying rapid growth—driven by satellite constellations, launch services, Earth observation, space science, and defence applications. But while demand for engineers, scientists, mission designers, and space analysts is high, many of the most compelling roles are never advertised publicly.
Instead, these opportunities are often filled through professional networks, working groups, innovation clusters, and academic-industry partnerships. This guide will show you how to access hidden UK space jobs by engaging with bodies like the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), UKSpace, British Interplanetary Society (BIS), and regional space clusters.
By leveraging membership directories, special-interest groups (SIGs), CPD events, and funded projects, you can position yourself to be first in line—even before roles are posted.
Why UK Space Roles Are Often Hidden
Space sector hiring frequently occurs off the public radar because positions:
Support defence or commercial missions requiring confidentiality
Are linked to grant-funded R&D and spinouts
Arise in early-stage or stealth startups
Depend on peer referrals within the ecosystem
Are filled via collaborations between academia and industry
To access the best space jobs, you need visibility in the right communities—not just aptitude.
1. RAeS – Royal Aeronautical Society
What It Is:
RAeS supports the aerospace and aviation professions, with strong engagement in space through its Space Group and specialist events.
Why It Helps:
Space Specialist Groups: Join SIGs on satellite systems, launch, space sustainability, and space policy.
Conferences & Technical Talks: Meet engineers and project leads working on missions and commercial constellations.
Networking & Professional Recognition: Membership lends credibility to mission-critical roles.
Job & Recruiter Connections: RAeS often shares exclusive roles with members and delegates.
Insider Tip:
Volunteer for SIG working groups or present mission work—many space organisations actively recruit from RAeS events and panels.
2. UKSpace Association
What It Is:
UKSpace is the UK’s space industry trade body, representing over 200 organisations involved in satellite design, launch, services, and research.
Why It Helps:
Member Directory: Discover companies actively scaling their UK operations.
UKSpace International: Network with global space businesses seeking UK talent.
Policy Roundtables & Events: Meet organisation representatives planning new missions or contracts.
NextGen & Start-up Support: Engage with incubators, accelerators, and roles built around emerging companies.
Insider Tip:
Attend UKSpace events and connect with founders—they often hire staff quietly through networking before public search.
3. British Interplanetary Society (BIS)
What It Is:
BIS is the world’s oldest space organisation, supporting space science, exploration, technology and advocacy in the UK.
Why It Helps:
Specialist Sections: Groups covering rocketry, space architecture, propulsion, and mission design.
Publications & D&I Events: Position yourself as a thought-leader by contributing articles or talks.
Networking: Meet engineers, influencers and research partners working on advanced space systems.
Insider Tip:
Submissions to the BIS journal or event talks can elevate your profile among space start-ups, research organisations, and integrators.
4. UKRI, Innovate UK & Space‑related R&D Projects
Why It Helps:
Strategic Space Grants: Follow funding calls—from satellite missions to space tech demonstrators.
Project Consortia: Funded groups often need systems engineers, mission analysts, and product specialists.
Academic Spin‑outs: Discover start-ups emerging from universities that are quietly expanding.
Insider Tip:
Use the UKRI Gateway to Research to track funded UK space projects, then contact partners—even before formal jobs are advertised.
5. Regional Hubs & Community Space Projects
Notable UK Clusters:
Harwell Space Cluster (Oxfordshire)
Westcott Venture Park (Buckinghamshire)
Space Hub Yorkshire & Humberside
Scotland’s Space Sector Cluster
Northern Space Consortium (Manchester)
Why They Help:
Innovation-led Hiring: Regional clusters host spinouts and SMEs quietly recruiting.
Demo Days & Hackathons: Projects often grow into staffed positions after showcases.
Local Collaboration: Many roles pass through cluster connections, not job boards.
Insider Tip:
Join events, give lightning talks or volunteer at sandbox sessions—clusters are excellent places to make strategic connections in space.
6. University-led Student & Research Communities
University spaces such as at Surrey, Leicester, Cambridge & Glasgow often host publicly funded projects—hubs for hidden hiring.
Why It Helps:
Student Satellite Projects (e.g., STRaND, UKube‑1): Often bring graduates into industrial roles.
Industrial Partner Networks: Companies sponsoring academic projects often hire via project contacts.
Graduate Fellowships: Early-career funded roles can transition into long-term positions.
Insider Tip:
Apply to industry-partnered research programmes or submit proposals as a collaborator—they may offer job continuity after funding ends.
How to Use These Networks to Find Space Jobs
✅ 1. Build a Precise Professional Profile
In directories and event attendee lists, include terms like:
“Satellite Systems Engineer | GNC | Propulsion | Mission Architect | CEng | UK/Remote”
✅ 2. Attend with Intention
Engage with speakers and delegates. Follow up on LinkedIn with personalised messages referencing discussion topics.
✅ 3. Volunteer, Present or Collaborate
Offer to co-organise a session, write a whitepaper, or mentor—active participation attracts recruiter attention.
✅ 4. Monitor Funding & Project Awards
Stay alert to UKRI, ESA, BNSC or Innovate UK funded projects. Roles are often added once milestones are met.
✅ 5. Create a Space Project Portfolio
Share GitHub for flight software, blog mission designs, or record small CubeSat contributions to prove capability.
Why Hidden Space Jobs Are So Common
🛰 Mission confidentiality means jobs aren’t public
💼 Roles created around projects, not adverts
🤝 Recruitment from personal referrals or SIGs
🚀 Start-ups staff up quietly during R&D stages
To get these jobs, you must be visible where mission conversations happen.
Final Thoughts: Become a Recognised Space Professional
To unlock the most compelling UK space job opportunities, you must connect, contribute, and be visible within the community.
✅ Join RAeS and UKSpace
✅ Engage in SIGs, policy forums & cluster events
✅ Track grant-funded projects and ecosystem growth
✅ Share your work and participate in community initiatives
✅ Position your profile so opportunity finds you
Explore More UK Space Career Resources
👉 Browse the latest UK space jobs at www.ukspacejobs.co.uk
👉 [Sign up for alerts on mission announcements, cluster news & hidden hiring opportunities.]
💬 CTA for LinkedIn Group:
Want early access to UK space job alerts, mission news & employer conversations? Join our LinkedIn group – UK Space Jobs and connect with engineers, mission leads & industry insiders.
