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Space Exploration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for the Tower & Launch Mount of the Starship. Located in Cape Canaveral, FL, the role involves design, testing, and integration of ...

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Space Exploration information

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How much do space exploration jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for space exploration in the United States is $15.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is space exploration?

Space exploration is the investigation and study of outer space through the use of astronomy, robotic spacecraft, and human spaceflights. It aims to increase our understanding of the universe, including planets, stars, and other celestial bodies beyond Earth. Space exploration has led to numerous scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and has inspired innovations that benefit life on Earth. Agencies like NASA, ESA, and private companies such as SpaceX are actively involved in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in space exploration roles?

Professionals in space exploration often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving technology, working within strict safety and regulatory standards, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams that may include engineers, scientists, and mission specialists. The work environment can be highly dynamic, with tight project deadlines and the need for meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, roles may require problem-solving in high-pressure situations, especially when supporting live missions or troubleshooting unexpected issues. These challenges are balanced by the excitement of contributing to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a career in space exploration, and why are they important?

To thrive in space exploration, you typically need a strong background in STEM fields, such as engineering, physics, or astronomy, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with specialized tools like spacecraft systems, robotics, simulation software, and, for some roles, pilot or technical certifications is essential. Collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for working in multidisciplinary teams and handling the unique challenges of space missions. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, innovative, and effective contributions to complex space projects and missions.

What is the difference between Space Exploration vs Satellite Technician?

AspectSpace ExplorationSatellite Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, specialized training in aerospace or astrophysicsTechnical diploma or associate degree in electronics or telecommunications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, spacecraft, space agencies, remote field sitesSatellite ground stations, repair facilities, telecommunications companies
Employer & Industry UsageNASA, SpaceX, aerospace firmsTelecom companies, satellite service providers

Space Exploration involves designing, developing, and conducting missions to explore outer space, often requiring advanced degrees and working in research or space agency environments. Satellite Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing satellites, typically working in ground stations or repair facilities with technical certifications. While both roles are in the aerospace industry, they differ in scope, skills, and work settings.

What are careers in space exploration?

Careers in space exploration include roles such as aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, mission controllers, and spacecraft technicians. These jobs often require specialized education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), and may involve working with advanced tools, research, and spacecraft in laboratory or space agency environments.
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What cities are hiring for Space Exploration jobs?

Cities with the most Space Exploration job openings:

What states have the most Space Exploration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Space Exploration jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Space Exploration jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Space Exploration jobs are:

Infographic showing various Space Exploration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,289 per year, or $15 per hour.

Electronics Design Engineer - Space Exploration Electronic Systems

Mclaurin Aerospace

Houston, TX • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

Electronics Design Engineer - Space Exploration Electronic Systems

NASA JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

If selected you will:
  • Report directly to the Electronics and Electrical Section Manager as part of a group of over 45 other Electronics and Electrical Engineers.
  • Work directly with or as a Team Lead and associated Electrical Engineers on a given project.
  • Support new designs from conception, analysis, and manufacturing, through to operational test and deployment.
  • Provide design support and guidance in various aspects of Electronics System Development.
  • Be familiar with NASA specifications for Electronics Component development.
  • Develop component test stand architectures for various components.
  • Design and generate electrical component and lab instrumentation test system designs.
  • Develop and or modify LabVIEW code for various test systems.
  • Develop detailed test verification procedures.
  • Work with electrical and mechanical technicians to build and test designed systems.
  • Develop and test various breakout boxes and digital/analog sensor emulation systems.
  • Perform electrical evaluation/selection of instrumentation (pressure transducers, flow meters, pumps, fans, RTDs, Thermocouples, etc.).
  • Troubleshoot and repair existing test systems.
  • Conduct analog and digital printed circuit board design for various application needs.
  • Develop test software modules to perform specific tests.
  • Work with eCAD designer to develop printed circuit board designs.
  • Work in a laboratory environment, following standard operating procedures.
  • Perform other duties as required and assigned.
Qualifications

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and may be expected to have a related master's degree and normally possess 10-15 years of related experience.
  • Prior experience leading team of electronics design engineers.
  • Experience in requirements definition and architecture development.
  • Prior experience with circuit design of analog PCB, digital PCB, and power PCB, including fabrication and assembly.
  • Prior experience with electrical schematic entry and printed circuit board layout tools such as Altium Designer, and version control software like Subversion (SVN).
  • Prior experience in cable design and fabrication for space applications.
  • Prior experience with JSC standards and processes.
  • Prior experience with data acquisition systems (especially National Instruments) and LabVIEW code development.
  • Prior experience with FPGA circuitry design and coding in associated VHDL development environments (Xilinx FPGA using VIVADO tool) for space applications.
  • Experience in microcontroller circuit design and development of embedded systems, including hands‑on design, build, and testing, as well as proficiency with embedded software development environments.
  • Prior experience with requirements verification.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience programming in C/C++ and Python.
  • Prior experience with circuit simulation tools such as PSpice, OrCAD, Multisim, etc.
  • Experience with test hardware such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, function generators, electronic load banks, power supplies, power analyzers.
  • Familiarity with data interface protocols and associated hardware such as Ethernet, RS232, RS422, RS485, I2C, SPI, etc.
  • Prior experience in design and test of analog instrumentation systems.
  • Prior experience with design and testing of analog instrumentation systems, stepper and brushless DC‑DC control circuits, and of power supply and conditioning systems.
  • Experience in the design, development, and validation of NASA space‑flight hardware.
  • Excellent communication skills, organizational skills and the ability to work in a multi‑disciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers designing and building world‑class, NASA space‑flight hardware.
  • Proficient in MS Office programs, particularly MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, OneNote, OneDrive and Outlook.
Benefits
  • Competitive pay
  • Positive work‑life balance
  • 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Generous PTO
  • 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
  • Education assistance
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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