Space Job Market Pulse · October 2025

Executive Summary

October sustained high hiring momentum across NewSpace. EnduroSat’s $100M+ raise and a new Space Center in Bulgaria signal Europe’s expanding manufacturing base. Thales Alenia Space launched a €100M Smart Factory in Rome. iCOMAT opened a composites plant in the UK, reinforcing the continent’s industrial footprint. In the US, Stoke Space raised $510M to accelerate reusable rocket production. FCC actions and US Space Force awards opened new hiring channels for launch, communications, and defense contractors. ESA regulatory reforms streamlined cross-border talent mobility. Funding and facility activity remained strongest in Europe and the US, though major layoffs at JPL and RGNext signaled contraction within the US government contracting segment. South Africa partnerships marked emerging manufacturing growth. Roles most in demand include systems engineers, composites specialists, propulsion experts, and manufacturing technicians.

Top 7 Hiring Signals

1. EnduroSat raises $100M+ and opens new Space Center

   The Bulgarian satellite platform company raised over $100M and opened a Space Center for higher-volume satellite production. Hiring expected across engineering, production, and operations. Read more.

   Browse spacecraft engineering roles on SpaceJobSearch

2. Thales Alenia Space inaugurates €100M Smart Factory in Rome

   The new facility focuses on the production of micro and small satellites, capable of manufacturing over 100 spacecraft annually. Hiring demand will center on satellite assembly, testing, and production engineering as operations ramp up by year-end. Read more.

3. Stoke Space raises $510M Series D

   The US launch startup secured $510M to scale reusable rocket development. Hiring rises in propulsion, integration, and software systems. Read more.

   Browse launch operations roles on SpaceJobSearch

4. ESA/EU implements unified space regulatory framework

   New EU-wide rules simplify licensing, encouraging cross-border hiring for satellite, launch, and data-service companies. Read more.

5. iCOMAT opens advanced composites manufacturing facility in Gloucester, UK

   The £8.2 million automated plant will produce lightweight structures for satellites and spacecraft, creating up to 2,000 new jobs. The site strengthens the UK’s domestic supply chain and demand for specialists in composite materials, process engineering, and automation. Read more.

   Browse manufacturing and materials roles on SpaceJobSearch

6. HyImpulse secures €45M Series A

   The German small-launcher startup closed €45M to expand rocket development. Hiring targets propulsion, test, and manufacturing roles. Read more.

7. US Space Force awards launch contracts to SpaceX and ULA

   New allocations sustain growth in launch operations and mission assurance roles across multiple states. Read more.

Funding and Investment

• EnduroSat, Bulgaria/EU: $100M+; facility expansion and production scale-up. Source.
• Stoke Space, USA: $510M Series D; reusable launch development. Source.
• HyImpulse, Germany/EU: €45M Series A; small-launcher expansion. Source.
• Regional manufacturing, South Africa: Mura Space & ASRI partnership advances localized production. Source.

Contracts and Grants

• US Space Force: Multi-launch awards to SpaceX and ULA sustain contractor hiring. Read more.
• ESA/EU: Grants and modernization programs support infrastructure and R&D. ESA STAR.

Launch and Regulation

• FCC: Streamlined licensing supports faster satellite network deployments. FCC Space Bureau.
• ESA/EU: Regulatory harmonization improves access to EU-wide projects and mobility. Read more.
• Test and launch prep: HyImpulse and Stoke advance campaigns under updated compliance pathways. FAA.

Expansions and Workforce Updates

• EnduroSat: New Space Center in Bulgaria, 180+ roles expected across engineering and operations. Source.
• Thales Alenia Space: Rome Smart Factory drives automation hires. Source.
• iCOMAT: UK composites manufacturing expansion. Source.
• South Africa: Mura Space & ASRI partnership grows regional workforce. Source.

Layoffs:

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) - 550 employees laid off in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, following NASA budget constraints. Read more.
• RGNext - 500 employees affected in Brevard County, FL, after losing a major Space Force contract. Read more.

These reductions contrast strong private-sector hiring, highlighting a shift in demand from federal contractors to commercial and manufacturing roles.

Roles in Demand, October 2025

• Engineering: Propulsion, composites, systems, avionics
• Operations: Manufacturing, launch operations, quality assurance
• Support: Program management, automation control, mission assurance
• Regions: Europe (Bulgaria, Italy, UK, Germany), US hubs, South Africa emerging

Methodology and Sources

This report compiles October 2025 announcements from Payload, European Spaceflight, SpaceNews, FCC, FAA, and ESA STAR. Events are scored on a five-point scale for expected hiring impact within 3 to 12 months. Rankings weigh funding size, contract value, immediacy, and regional scope.

If you notice any discrepancies or missing information, please contact us at team@spacejobsearch.com.