New Space Economy – job positions

Space Industry Manager

A Space Industry Manager oversees and manages company-wide operations and strategies in the space industry. They can work for private companies in the commercial space sector, government agencies, or space organizations. Their responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, strategic planning, resource management, and interacting with key stakeholders.

Depending on experience level, salaries can vary significantly[1]. A junior position in Europe can expect an annual salary ranging from €40,000 to €60,000, while a senior professional can earn between €80,000 and €120,000. Globally, junior salaries range between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, and seniors can earn between $100,000 and $150,000+.

 

Business Development Manager New Space

A Business Development Manager in the “New Space” sector focuses on the commercial growth of space companies, exploring new market opportunities, partnerships, and developing strategies to attract investors and clients. They work closely with marketing, finance, and research teams.

Capable of market analysis, project management, and with a deep knowledge of the aerospace sector regulation, a junior Business Development Manager can expect an annual salary in Europe between €45,000 and €65,000, and between $55,000 and $80,000 globally. Senior professionals can earn between €85,000 and €130,000 per year in Europe, and between $100,000 and $160,000+ globally.

 

Product Manager Space Technologies

The Product Manager in space technology manages the lifecycle of a technological product, such as a satellite, a space communication system, or new rocket technologies. They ensure the product meets market requirements, delivery timelines, and budget.

Due to the specialized nature of the sector, a Product Manager in space technology typically earns more than their counterparts in other fields: A junior can earn between €50,000 and €70,000 annually in Europe, and between $60,000 and $90,000 globally. A senior can earn between €90,000 and €130,000 annually in Europe, and between $110,000 and $160,000 in the USA and globally.

 

Space Financial Analyst or Space Investment Manager

A Space Financial Analyst analyzes the profitability and risks of investments related to space technologies, space companies, or space missions. In the increasingly relevant market of private space missions, as in the space agencies of various countries around the world, a Space Investment Manager manages investment portfolios specifically focused on the space sector, evaluating financing opportunities, mergers, and acquisitions.

In the European market, a junior Space Financial Analyst can earn between €45,000 and €65,000 annually, while a senior can earn between €80,000 and €120,000. Globally, juniors can expect between $55,000 and $80,000, and seniors can earn between $100,000 and $150,000+.

 

Space Policy Analyst or Consultant

A Space Policy Analyst or Consultant is a relatively new role in a rapidly growing market. This professional analyzes global space policies, regulations, and legal issues related to space exploration. They often work for government agencies, space organizations, or consulting firms, supporting the development of strategies and regulations for the space sector.

Annual salaries for these professionals range between €40,000 and €60,000 in Europe, and between $70,000 and $100,000 globally for juniors. Senior professionals can earn between €70,000 and €100,000+ annually in Europe, and between $90,000 and $130,000+ globally.

 

Aerospace Operations Manager

An Aerospace Operations Manager oversees and optimizes the day-to-day operations of aerospace companies, such as flight operations, aircraft maintenance, component logistics, and space mission support.

Their skills include operational management, logistics planning, safety management, and flight operations.

In Europe, an Aerospace Operations Manager can expect an average salary between €50,000 and €70,000 annually, and between $60,000 and $90,000 globally. Senior professionals can earn between €80,000 and €90,000 annually in Europe, and between $80,000 and $120,000 in the USA and globally

 

For those with an engineering background, technical professions are available, including:

 

Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, tests, and optimizes air and spacecraft, including airplanes, satellites, rockets, and drones. The aerospace engineer works on various aspects of design, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electronics, propulsion, avionics, and navigation.

They possess advanced knowledge in mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electronics, aerospace materials, CAD design, and simulation software.

A junior aerospace engineer in Europe can expect an annual salary between €40,000 and €60,000, and between $50,000 and $80,000 globally. Senior positions can earn between €70,000 and €120,000 per year in Europe, and between $90,000 and $150,000 globally.

 

Avionics Engineer

An Avionics Engineer designs, develops, and tests onboard electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. These systems include radar, communications, navigation, and automatic flight control.

They specialize in advanced electronics, avionics software, communication and navigation systems, and programming.

A junior Avionics Engineer in Europe can expect a salary between €40,000 and €60,000 annually, and seniors can earn between €70,000 and €110,000+ annually. Globally, juniors can earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, while seniors can earn between $90,000 and $150,000+ annually.

 

Spacecraft Engineer

A Spacecraft Engineer is responsible for designing and developing spacecraft, including satellites, probes, space stations, and rockets. These professionals ensure the optimal functioning of spacecraft and their ability to withstand the extreme conditions of space. They specialize in electronic and mechanical engineering, space propulsion, materials resistant to high temperatures and radiation, and space data analysis.

A junior Spacecraft Engineer in Europe can earn between €40,000 and €60,000 annually, while a senior can earn between €80,000 and €120,000+ annually. Globally, juniors can earn between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, and seniors can earn between $100,000 and $150,000+ annually.

 

Flight Test Engineer

The Flight Test Engineer is responsible for designing and conducting tests on air and space vehicles to evaluate their performance and safety. This professional analyzes flight test data and works closely with designers to improve models and resolve any problems.

They possess advanced knowledge in aerodynamics, telemetry, flight control systems, simulation software, and data collection.

A junior Flight Test Engineer can expect an annual salary in Europe between €45,000 and €60,000, and globally between $55,000 and $85,000. Seniors can earn between €70,000 and €100,000 annually in Europe, and between $90,000 and $130,000+ globally.

 

Satellite Systems Engineer

A Satellite Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation and management of satellite systems, including satellite communications and Earth monitoring satellites. They handle both technical and management aspects related to satellite missions.

With a background in electronic engineering, they are experts in satellite communication systems, simulation software, and data analysis.

A junior Satellite Systems Engineer in Europe can earn between €40,000 and €60,000 annually, and globally between $50,000 and $75,000. Senior professionals can earn between €70,000 and €100,000 annually in Europe, and between $90,000 and $130,000 globally.

 

[1] For all the professional roles analyzed, salaries vary depending on the country and city: in major European capitals (London, Berlin, Paris), salaries are generally higher than in the rest of the EU. For the global market, we consider advanced non-EU countries, averaging salaries from the USA, South America, China, and Russia.

 

Sources: Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn