At BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, our space team is helping to shape the future of a domain that is transforming how we live, work and stay connected. It's a field that combines innovation, purpose and collaboration, creating opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds to make an impact.
For Rachael Hoyle, Director of the Space business at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, that's exactly what makes the sector so compelling.
"I joined BAE Systems at 16 and never imagined that one day I'd be leading a Space business. If someone had told me then, I'd have been incredibly excited but probably wouldn't have believed them."
Her story is a reminder that careers aren't always linear, and that some of the most rewarding opportunities can come from embracing new challenges along the way.
A sector built on curiosity and innovation
Space has always captured our imagination. Today, it's also one of the fastest-evolving technology environments, creating opportunities across engineering, software development, project management, data, cyber security and many other disciplines.
The opportunity is growing too. The UK space sector now supports more than 55,000 jobs across almost 2,000 organisations and generates £18.6 billion in income annually, demonstrating the increasing importance of space to both economic growth and national security.
For people at the start of their careers, it offers the chance to work on meaningful problems, learn from experts and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
Rachael believes curiosity is one of the most valuable qualities anyone can bring.
"I've always been drawn to things I don't fully understand, and space provides such a big opportunity to grow your knowledge and explore new solutions."
Success depends on diverse teams bringing together different perspectives and expertise to create solutions collaboratively. That means there are opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and experiences to help pioneer what's next.
You don't need a traditional space background
One of the biggest misconceptions about the space industry is that you need previous space experience to work in it.
The reality is that many of the skills needed to support the future of space already exist in industries such as cyber security, software engineering, telecommunications, data science, defence, systems engineering, manufacturing and project management.
Organisations are actively looking for people who can bring transferable expertise, fresh perspectives and different ways of thinking. Moving into space doesn't have to be about starting again, but rather about applying what you already know to an exciting new environment.
Whatever your background, your experience could help shape the next generation of space capabilities.
Solving big problems together
One of the things that makes the space sector so exciting is the scale of the opportunities involved. From developing advanced technologies to supporting customers' evolving needs, every project requires people to think creatively, collaborate effectively and continuously learn.
The ability to bring different perspectives together and solve problems as a team is central to how BAE Systems works.
Rachael is passionate about creating an environment where people can thrive, challenge each other constructively and perform at their best.
"We've got some amazing people within the business. Creating a culture where people trust each other, understand what's expected and feel able to have honest conversations is incredibly important."
For early careers professionals and experienced hires alike, this means joining teams where support, development and collaboration are just as important as technical expertise.
Helping protect what matters
While innovation is a major part of the appeal, a career in space is also about purpose.
As the world becomes increasingly connected, space capabilities play a vital role in supporting security, resilience and prosperity. Satellite-enabled systems underpin everything from communications and navigation to weather forecasting, disaster response and critical national infrastructure.
The technologies being developed today will help customers and allies navigate some of tomorrow's biggest challenges.
For many people, knowing their work contributes to something meaningful is a powerful motivator. As Rachael says:
"BAE Systems has an important role to play in supporting our customers and allies. We're helping protect those who protect others, contributing to a safer and more secure society."
It's this combination of pioneering technology and real-world impact that makes the sector such an exciting place to build a career.
Be part of what's next
The space sector is growing and evolving rapidly, creating opportunities for people who want to shape the future rather than simply observe it.
For people considering where to build their career, this growth is creating opportunities to work on pioneering technologies, develop sought-after skills and contribute to an industry that is helping to shape the future.
Our teams are contributing to landmark programmes and developing capabilities that will support customers for years to come. It's an environment where innovation, ambition and collaboration come together, and where individuals can build long-term, fulfilling careers.
For Rachael, that's what makes this moment so exciting.
"The space domain naturally lends itself to innovation, building capability and creating something significant for the future. It gives people the opportunity to work on exciting projects and shape a career that's continually evolving."
Learn more about Space careers at BAE Systems
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is helping shape the future of Space through innovation, collaboration and technologies that support national security and critical capabilities.
Discover more about Life at BAE Systems, explore our Space career opportunities and read employee stories from people already building their careers in Space.