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Career guide · Space systems technician

How to work in the space industry

The UK space industry builds satellites, launch systems and the software that runs them. Many people get in through aerospace, engineering or software apprenticeships, then move into space companies as technicians.

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Young technician assembling a satellite in a cleanroom

How can I work in the UK space industry without a degree?

Many people enter the UK space industry through aerospace, electronics, engineering or software apprenticeships, then move into satellite assembly, testing or data roles. Maths and physics are the most useful subjects. The National Careers Service lists aerospace engineering technician pay of about £27,000 rising to £50,000.

Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.

What does a space industry technician do?

  • Assemble and test satellite parts in a cleanroom
  • Follow precise build and inspection procedures
  • Use test equipment to check electronics and structures
  • Support engineers, mission control and software teams

Pay

Typical salary: £27,000 as a starter, rising to £50,000 with experience.

Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, earn at least £8.00 an hour from April 2026. Many employers pay more.

Sources: National Careers Service (aerospace engineering technician), gov.uk minimum wage rates. See also how much apprentices are paid.

What you need to get in

  • Usually GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths, English and science
  • A levels, a T Level or a Level 3 engineering course for higher apprenticeships
  • Very careful, precise work habits

Routes in

Aerospace or engineering technician apprenticeship

Level 3 to 4 apprenticeships with aerospace and satellite manufacturers.

Degree apprenticeship

Aerospace, systems or electronic engineering degree apprenticeships lead to engineer roles.

Software and data apprenticeships

Space firms need developers and data analysts to process satellite data.

T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Two years of study with an industry placement.

How to become a space industry technician, step by step

  1. 1

    Focus on maths and physics

    These open the most doors in space and aerospace.

  2. 2

    Build something

    Electronics kits, coding projects or rocketry clubs give you something to talk about.

  3. 3

    Search wider than 'space'

    Look for aerospace, electronics, manufacturing and software apprenticeships; many feed into space work.

  4. 4

    Follow UK space clusters

    Space companies group around places like Harwell, Glasgow, Leicester, Stevenage and Cornwall.

  5. 5

    Apply and specialise

    Once in, you can move into satellite assembly, testing, operations or data.

Skills employers look for

  • Precision
  • Maths and physics
  • Following procedures
  • Teamwork

Not sure you have them yet? Read our guide to transferable skills, or prepare for an interview.

Related guides

FAQs

Can I work in the space industry without a degree?
Yes. Technician and apprenticeship routes in aerospace, electronics, manufacturing and software all lead into space companies.
Are there space apprenticeships in the UK?
Yes. Satellite and aerospace manufacturers offer technician and degree apprenticeships, though they are often advertised as aerospace or engineering apprenticeships.
How much does a space technician earn?
The National Careers Service lists about £27,000 rising to £50,000 for aerospace engineering technicians, the closest standard profile.
What subjects do I need?
Maths and physics are the most useful, plus English. Computing helps for software and data roles.
Where are UK space jobs?
Around Harwell in Oxfordshire, Glasgow, Leicester, Stevenage, Guildford and Cornwall, among others.

Last reviewed 23 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.

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Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.