Want to Work in Space? Australia’s Now One of the Best Places to Do It

Landmark deals with global space giants NASA and the European Space Agency is set to create a universe of opportunities for Aussies looking for a career in space.

Australia’s space industry stood on firm ground this month as Sydney hosted the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) for 2025, drawing more than 7,000 delegates from 90 countries and placing Australian innovation in the global spotlight.

A series of landmark international agreements were rolled out on the event’s main stage, including the signing of a treaty-level Space Framework Agreement between the Australian Government and NASA. The Framework Agreement complements the Australia-US Technology Safeguards Agreement which enables US companies to launch from Australian soil.

The Australian Government has also announced a fresh mandate to negotiate a Cooperative Agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA). While not yet finalised, this move will establish a direct pathway for Australian businesses, researchers, and innovators to join ESA’s vast array of missions and competitive tenders. 

Opportunities for Australian Businesses Beyond the Launchpad

For Australia’s 17,000 space industry employees, and the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, the new deals are a big deal. The agreements extend far beyond rockets and satellites, reaching deep into the supply chain where agile small and medium businesses thrive.

“International partnerships in space underpin many industries that are critical to productivity and growth,” said Assistant Minister for Science Andrew Charlton, pointing to space’s increasingly vital role in agriculture, natural disaster response, and communications infrastructure.

A raft of Australian small businesses have started growing up around the industry, with advanced manufacturing firms using 3D printing to supply lunar rovers or satellite components and data analytics startups leveraging satellite imagery for cutting-edge tools in agriculture, mining, and bushfire prediction. Service providers, from legal experts to insurance, logistics, and specialist recruitment, all stand to benefit as the sector diversifies and expands.

Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres called it “a critical step in boosting Australia’s industrial capability, productivity, and resilience,” making it far easier for local enterprises to compete for contracts, participate in NASA missions, and partner on advanced research.

Importantly, the agreements target not only new high-value roles like robotics engineers, software developers, and data scientists, but also create opportunities for specialist technicians, project managers, and support staff.

Who’s Hiring in Australia’s Booming Space Sector?

The ink is already dry on the US-Australia Framework Agreement, while negotiations for the ESA Cooperative Agreement are now well underway. These announcements give Australian SMEs real, near-term opportunities to tap into the world’s biggest space programs while cementing Australia’s status as a sought-after partner on the international stage.

While these new government agreements are set to supercharge the industry, a number of innovative Australian companies are already on the lookout for fresh talent. Here are a few of the key players likely to be at the forefront of this new wave of hiring:

Gilmour Space Technologies

A leader in Australian rocket manufacturing and launch services, Queensland-based Gilmour is at the heart of building Australia’s sovereign launch capability. As they scale up to send satellites and payloads into orbit, they seek experts across the manufacturing and engineering lifecycle.

Potential roles: Mechanical & Propulsion Engineers, Avionics Technicians, Software and Control Systems Engineers, and Production Managers.

Fleet Space Technologies

Fleet is a trailblazer in connecting the world through its constellation of small satellites, providing crucial data and connectivity to industries like mining, logistics, and agriculture. Headquartered in Adelaide, their focus is on harnessing space-based technology to solve real-world problems on Earth.

Potential roles: Satellite Systems Engineers, Data Scientists, Embedded Software Engineers, and Ground Station Operations Specialists.

The Australian Space Agency

As the government’s lead agency, the Australian Space Agency is the central hub for national and international space strategy and policy. While not a manufacturer, it offers a diverse range of roles for those who want to shape the future of the industry, from international relations to program management.

Potential roles you might find here: Policy Advisors, International Engagement Officers, Project Managers, and Communications Specialists.