Space Job Market Pulse · September 2025

Executive Summary

September signaled strong hiring momentum across NewSpace. Galactic Energy’s $336 million raise set the stage for large-scale recruitment in launch vehicle development. In Europe, Planet secured a €240 million contract and will open a Berlin factory, while Avio received €40 million from ESA to design a reusable upper stage demonstrator. Funding rounds at Apex, ReOrbit, and Hubble Network added to the wave of activity, with demand rising for engineers, technicians, and mission operators. MBRYONICS expanded in Ireland, creating 125 immediate jobs in optics and payload manufacturing. Regulatory approvals from the FAA and FCC supported steady launch cadence, and government contracts in the US and Europe reinforced long-term hiring needs. Demand in September concentrated on propulsion, spacecraft systems, optics, and satellite operations, with hotspots in the United States, Northern Europe, and China.

Top 7 Hiring Signals

1. Galactic Energy raises $336 million

   Chinese launch provider secured $336 million for Pallas-1 and Ceres-1H rockets. This will fuel hiring in propulsion, integration, and launch operations. Read more.

2. Planet wins €240 million and opens Berlin site

   Planet announced a €240 million contract and will open a new Berlin facility. Manufacturing, integration, and testing teams will grow in Germany. Read more.

3. Apex closes $200 million Series D

   Apex will scale spacecraft production in the US. Engineers, technicians, and manufacturing staff are expected to join. Read more.

   Browse spacecraft engineering roles on SpaceJobSearch

4. ReOrbit lands €45 million Series A

   Finnish satellite manufacturer raised €45 million ($48 million). The investment supports avionics, software, and mission operations hiring in Northern Europe. Read more.

5. Hubble Network secures $70 million Series B

   The US IoT satellite operator raised $70 million to expand its constellation. Satellite ops, network engineering, and customer support roles are growing. Read more.

   Browse satellite-ops roles on SpaceJobSearch

6. MBRYONICS adds 125 jobs in Galway

   Irish optics payload company expanded capacity with a new facility, creating 125 immediate jobs. Roles cover R&D, optics manufacturing, and assembly. Read more.

   Browse optics and payload engineering roles on SpaceJobSearch

7. Avio secures €40 million ESA contract

   Italian launch company Avio received €40 million to design a reusable upper stage demonstrator. Hiring expected in propulsion and systems integration. Read more.

Funding and Investment

• Galactic Energy, China: $336 million (Pallas-1 and Ceres-1H). Source.
• Apex, USA: $200 million, Series D. Source.
• ReOrbit, Finland: €45 million ($48 million), Series A. Source.
• Hubble Network, USA: $70 million, Series B. Source.
• K2 Space, USA: $15 million plus a facility expansion. Source.

Contracts and Grants

• Planet wins a €240 million contract tied to a new Berlin site. Read more.
• Avio awarded €40 million ESA contract for reusable upper stage demonstrator. Read more.
• ESA issued additional tenders in Earth observation and satcom. ESA STAR.
• US SBIR awards included propulsion and in-space servicing projects. SBIR.gov.

Launch and Regulation

• FAA issued licenses for new commercial operators and launch sites. FAA Licenses.
• FCC approved filings supporting LEO constellation spectrum access. FCC Space Bureau.
• September launches included maiden flights and repeat missions, sustaining demand for mission and ground operations staff. FAA Commercial Space Data.

Expansions and Workforce Updates

• Planet opens a Berlin manufacturing facility. Production and test teams grow in Germany. Source.
• MBRYONICS adds 125 roles in Galway through a new optics site. Source.
• K2 Space opens a California site for spacecraft assembly and integration. Source.
• Layoffs remained limited and mostly outside core space segments.

Roles in Demand, September 2025

• Engineering: Propulsion, avionics, optics, spacecraft integration
• Operations: Satellite operations, ground segment, network engineering
• Support: Program management, mission assurance, customer success
• Regions: United States hubs, Northern Europe, China, and Italy

Methodology and Sources

This report compiles funding announcements, contract awards, regulatory filings, and launch records from SpaceNews, Payload, European Spaceflight, FAA, FCC Space Bureau, ESA STAR, EU CASSINI, and SBIR.gov. 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.