Here’s why engineering in Australia is one of the most exciting launchpads for a space career
When it comes to space, Australia has unusual advantages. Giant skies. Amazing launch corridors. Strong mining and robotics expertise. Deep radio astronomy capability. This combo makes us mission control for the southern hemisphere.
That means it’s not just jobs for astronauts. The industry spans defence, climate tech, mining, agriculture, communications, robotics, AI and more!
The Artemis generation
Earlier this year, Artemis II sent astronauts around the Moon. Still feeling the space hype? Get ready for what’s next!
Artemis III, late 2027
This mission is all about testing lunar landers to make sure they’re safe before sending people down in them.
Artemis IV, early 2028
The first crewed lunar landing since 1972! The astronauts are heading to the Moon’s south pole to conduct science experiments.
Artemis V, late 2028
second lunar landing. The astronauts will get started on building a permanent Moon base!
Then, a Moon mission every year. Could you be part of the action?
Study this and do that!
- Study aerospace engineering and build rockets, spacecraft and flight systems
- Study mechanical engineering and develop off-planet bases, airlocks, thermal control systems and manufacturing in space
- Study electrical engineering and wire up satellites and power systems
- Study mechatronics engineering and construct robots and autonomous systems
- Study systems engineering and run complex space missions
- Study cyber security engineering and protect satellites and digital infrastructure
- Study telecommunications engineering and work on ground stations or space communications
Space stats
By 2030, Australia’s national space strategy is aiming for:
- $12 billion annual space industry value
- 20,000 additional jobs in the sector
Globally, the space economy is projected to reach as much as $2.2 trillion by 2040! That growth is spilling directly into engineering demand.
A day in the life
and orbits engineer. Image: Supplied.
Divya is a technical specialist in Optus’ satellite division, getting the excitement of the space industry, from the comfort of Earth. One day she’s analysing data 36,000km away, the next she’s coding satellite procedures or planning manoeuvres to keep them sky high.
10am: Arrive at work, check emails and read the satellite log. Check if I need to plan any manoeuvres, schedule any satellite operations or investigate any satellite telemetry.
10.30am: Plan or check manoeuvres.
11.30am: Meet with the Satellite Operations team to discuss any recent satellite or ground issues.
12.30pm: Lunch outside if the day is sunny, with a nice view of the satellite antenna dishes!
1.30pm: Head to the Satellite Control Room to execute any required satellite operations.
3pm: Project work for upcoming satellites and reading documentation.
4pm: Coding and testing of satellite procedures on the satellite simulator.
5.30pm: Plan or check more manoeuvres, analyse satellite telemetry data.
6pm: Home time!
Career path
- Bachelor of Commerce (Business Economics), UNSW Sydney
- Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering, UNSW Sydney
- Engineer, Optus
- Senior spacecraft systems and orbits engineer, Optus
Start your career here
Engineering + space + study
- Diploma of Engineering, UTS
- Bachelor of Science (Space Technology), University of Southern Queensland
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Macquarie University
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Telecommunications), UNSW Sydney
- Master of Engineering (Systems), Adelaide University
Engineering + space + jobs
- Aerospace engineer $63K–$151K
- Cyber security engineer $60K–$152K
- Satellite systems engineer $65K–$191K
- AI specialist $51K–$261K
- Telecommunications engineer $51K– $129K
*Salaries according to payscale.com
Written by Jasmine Fellows and Cristy Burne
This article first appeared in Careers with STEM: Engineering 2026.
