Even if you are not a Trekkie, you cannot help but be aware of the many plans which are afoot concerning the space surrounding our beautiful planet! This article is written to highlight a few of the most prominent ventures and identify how recruiters can potentially tap into the vast sums which will likely be spent. The following projects or programs rise to the fore:
NASA Artemis Program / Lunar Base Development
The major entities working on this program include NASA, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin. The objectives are to return humans to the moon, establish a lunar base infrastructure, prepare a “Gateway” lunar station, and develop a system for lunar logistics. We have already seen the first step in this program with the wildly successful Artemis II’s circumnavigation of the moon and return. Just imagine how easy it looked this time versus the 1960’s moon missions! Planned for next year is a lunar landing, no doubt in real-time, high definition! A lunar base is planned for the 2030’s.
Total capital spending on the Artemis program is estimated to be between $90B and $120B. Yes, that’s “B” for billion. The lunar infrastructure to be developed over several decades could be up to $200B.
Recruiters can start shopping for the following categories of personnel:
Role Typical Annual Salary
Aerospace Engineer $110k - 190k
Systems Engineer $120k - 210k
Propulsion Engineer $130k – 220k
Robotics Engineer $120k – 200k
Space Habitat Architect $100k – 180k
Software/AI Engineer $130k – 250k
Machinists/Technicians $ 70k – 130k
Composite Materials Specialists $ 90k – 170k
The firms likely to be needing these folks include:
SpaceX
Blue Origin
Northrop Grumman
Boeing
Lockheed Martin
Axiom Space
SpaceX Mars Colonization Program
This very ambitious program by Elon Musk plans to develop a “starship” by 2030 capable of reaching Mars and return, develop Mars transport systems (Teslas on Mars?) and, in the longer term, establish a settlement on the planet. It is nice to be able to dream big! But then again, we have all seen what Musk can do.
Spending for this program is estimated to be between $50B – $200B over several decades.
The following categories of personnel are likely to be needed:
Role Typical Annual Salary
Rocket Engineer $140k – 250k
Flight Software Engineer $150k – 300k
Manufacturing Engineer $110k – 190k
AI/Autonomy Engineer $160k – 320k
Avionics Engineer $130k – 220k
Welders/Fabricators $ 70k – 140k
“Golden Dome” Missile Defense / Space Defense Proposal
This defense initiative put forward by the present federal administration has its roots in the Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars!) of the Reagan administration. The intent is to develop and deploy a “Golden Dome” defensive shield against potential enemy missile attack. Early planning is under way and will likely continue through 2035 and beyond.
The capital investment required is estimated to be from $100B - $500B, yes, more billions, depending on the final scope of the program, which is not yet determined.
The following categories of personnel are likely to be needed:
Role Typical Annual Salary
Defense Systems Engineers $130k – 240k
Radar Engineers $120k – 210k
Cybersecurity Engineers $140k – 260k
AI Targeting Specialists $170k – 320k
Satellite Engineers $120k – 220k
Secure Comms Specialists $110k – 200k
The firms or organizations likely to be needing these personnel include:
United States Space Force
Northrop Grumman
Raytheon
Lockheed Martin
Starlink / Global Communications Satellite Networks
Elon Musk’s Starlink will continue to be expanded and made more robust and will be joined by Jeff Bezos’ Amazon Kuiper as a competing global communications network. These massive low-earth orbit satellite internet systems will serve to improve and expand internet connectivity throughout the world.
Starlink is estimated to have a budget of $30B – $50B for their network expansion. Amazon’s estimated capital investment is $10B - $20B.
The following categories of personnel are likely to be needed:
Role Typical Annual Salary
RF Engineers $120k – 220k
Satellite Network Engineers $130k – 240k
Cloud Infrastructure Engineers $150k – 300k
Embedded Systems Engineers $130k – 230k
Launch Operations Specialists $ 90k – 180k
Recruiters have an opportunity to look to the future which is unfolding before our very eyes and get on board! Search out personnel which fit the above criteria and be prepared to offer them as candidates when the need arises. While it may be difficult to gain entry to the major players’ direct hiring systems, there will doubtless be scores or hundreds of sub-contractors who will support their efforts and these smaller firms can be targeted. Do some research on firms that do sub-contracting with the big firms and learn about their staffing needs. With so much capital planning to be spent there is likely to be significant competition for technical knowhow and subsequent turnover in the job marketplace. Many direct-hire, contract-to-hire, and contract positions should be opening up over the next years.
If you enjoyed this article, let me know your comments. I am always happy to discuss what is happening in the marketplace! For more information on Employer of Record Services and Back Office Support contact me at judy@jcsrllc.com, or visit my website at https://www.jcsrllc.com! Feel free to check out my new YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com@judycollinsstaffingresources for informative interviews on business topics. Subscribe so you can always see the latest interview.answer.
