Top 10 Space Startups Hiring Now

Mihailo Bozic
Mihailo Bozic
Updated August 31, 2026 · 7 min read

The top space startups hiring right now on Migrate Mate include SpaceX, Firefly Aerospace, and Sierra Space, spanning rocket propulsion, satellite systems, nuclear energy, and geospatial intelligence. Migrate Mate tracks 1,417 live open roles across 10 space startups as of August 31, 2026, updated daily. The commercial space sector is expanding faster than the traditional aerospace industry, making it one of the few fields where engineers, data scientists, and operations professionals can work on missions that did not exist a decade ago.

The 10 Space Startups hiring on Migrate Mate right now

Curated by our editorial team · 1,417 live roles from Migrate Mate, updated daily

  1. 01
    SpaceX

    SpaceX

    AerospaceEngineeringSoftware

    SpaceX has 1,170 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, the most of any space startup we track, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (6) and business strategy (4). SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches rockets, spacecraft, and Starlink satellite internet systems, including the fully reusable Starship vehicle. It is one of the largest private aerospace employers in the world, hiring across engineering, manufacturing, and software at multiple U.S. sites.

    Roles by team

    • Engineering (Non-Software)6
    • Business Strategy4
    • Maintenance & Repair3
    • Allied Health3
    • Data Analytics2

    +32 roles across other teams

    Open roles1,170 open
    Full Stack Engineer, Employee Experience
    Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid
    View Job
    Lead Software Engineer, Finance
    Hawthorne, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Software Engineer (Application Software)
    Memphis, TN · Hybrid
    View Job
    Software Engineer
    Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site
    View Job
    Sr. Software Engineer
    Bastrop, TX · On-site
    View Job
    See all 1,170 roles at SpaceX
  2. 02
    Firefly Aerospace

    Firefly Aerospace

    Launch VehiclesEngineeringLunar

    Firefly Aerospace has 117 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in account management (5) and software engineering (5). Firefly Aerospace builds the Alpha launch vehicle and Blue Ghost lunar lander for orbital and Moon-surface delivery missions. It hires engineers, systems integrators, and mission specialists across propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft design.

    Roles by team

    • Account Management5
    • Software Engineering5
    • Creative & Design4
    • Engineering (Non-Software)4
    • Business Strategy3

    +23 roles across other teams

    Open roles117 open
    Trade Compliance Manager
    Remote · On-site
    View Job
    Technical Accountant I, Reporting and Analysis
    Cedar Park, TX · On-site
    View Job
    Quality Inspector III - Avionics 2nd Shift
    Briggs, TX · On-site
    View Job
    Quality Inspector II - Laser Tracker
    Briggs, TX · On-site
    View Job
    Thermal Engineer II
    Cedar Park, TX · On-site
    View Job
    See all 117 roles at Firefly Aerospace
  3. 03
    Sierra Space

    Sierra Space

    Orbital SystemsEngineeringDefense

    Sierra Space has 49 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (11) and business development (5). Sierra Space develops commercial orbital infrastructure, including the Dream Chaser spaceplane and expandable space habitat modules for low-Earth orbit. The company operates across aerospace systems, advanced materials, and space architecture, drawing talent from both defense and commercial backgrounds.

    Roles by team

    • Engineering (Non-Software)11
    • Business Development5
    • Customer Success3
    • Compliance & Risk3
    • Account Management3

    +20 roles across other teams

    Open roles49 open
    Project Engineer III
    Centennial, CO · On-site
    View Job
    Aerospace Engineer II
    Louisville, CO · On-site
    View Job
    Principal Material Science Engineer – Propulsion Systems & Thrusters
    Middleton, WI · On-site
    View Job
    Supplier Quality Engineer II
    Centennial, CO · On-site
    View Job
    Software Engineer III (Flight Software)
    Centennial, CO · On-site
    View Job
    See all 49 roles at Sierra Space
  4. 04
    Terran Orbital

    Terran Orbital

    Small SatellitesEngineeringManufacturing

    Terran Orbital has 22 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in customer service (2) and account management (2). Terran Orbital designs and manufactures small satellites and spacecraft systems for government and commercial customers, with a focus on rapid production timelines. It hires across systems engineering, avionics, and production operations.

    Roles by team

    • Customer Service2
    • Account Management2
    • Business Operations1
    • Business Development1
    • Maintenance & Repair1

    +10 roles across other teams

    Open roles22 open
    Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer
    Irvine, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Production Planner
    Irvine, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Sr. Weld Engineer
    Irvine, CA · On-site
    View Job
    AIT Technician – Vehicle Integration (Weekday Shift)
    Irvine, CA · On-site
    View Job
    AIT Technician – Vehicle Integration (Weekend Shift)
    Irvine, CA · On-site
    View Job
    See all 22 roles at Terran Orbital
  5. 05
    X-Energy

    X-Energy

    Nuclear EnergyEngineeringGovernment

    X-Energy has 16 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (3) and biotech & life sciences (2). X-Energy develops advanced small modular reactors and uranium-based fuel technology intended to power commercial, industrial, and government facilities. It recruits nuclear engineers, materials scientists, and regulatory affairs professionals as it advances toward commercial deployment.

    Roles by team

    • Engineering (Non-Software)3
    • Biotech & Life Sciences2
    • Electrical Engineering1
    • Business Development1
    • Project & Program Management1

    +6 roles across other teams

    Open roles16 open
    Engineer IV, Project Quality Assurance
    Rockville, MD · On-site
    View Job
    Engineer II, Plant & Process
    Rockville, MD · On-site
    View Job
    Nuclear Completion Engineer
    Oak Ridge, TN · On-site
    View Job
    Engineer IV, AI & Digital Engineering
    Rockville, MD · Hybrid
    View Job
    Systems Engineer III-VI
    Rockville, MD · On-site
    View Job
    See all 16 roles at X-Energy
  6. Editor’s note

    What to look for in a space startup

    Space startups vary widely in maturity, from companies with government contracts and active on-orbit hardware to pre-revenue teams still raising their Series A. Before applying, check whether the company has a signed customer or government contract in place, since that is the clearest signal of near-term revenue stability. Mission cadence, funding stage, and the ratio of contract revenue to venture funding all tell you something different about job security and the pace of day-to-day work.

    Contract or Customer Base

    Companies with awarded NASA, DoD, or commercial contracts have a defined revenue runway. Startups still in pure development mode carry more risk but often move faster on technical decisions.

    Hardware vs. Software

    Hardware-first companies build physical vehicles or satellites and require on-site work at manufacturing or launch facilities. Software and data analytics roles are more likely to allow hybrid or remote arrangements.

    Team Size and Stage

    Smaller teams at earlier stages mean broader individual ownership and more direct access to technical leadership, but also less organizational support and fewer defined career paths.

  7. 06
    Muon Space

    Muon Space

    Earth ObservationData ScienceSatellites

    Muon Space has 15 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in electrical engineering (2) and engineering (Non-Software) (2). Muon Space builds small satellites and geospatial intelligence systems designed to deliver high-resolution Earth observation data for climate, defense, and commercial applications. It is an early-stage company with a tightly integrated team spanning satellite engineering, data science, and mission operations.

    Roles by team

    • Electrical Engineering2
    • Engineering (Non-Software)2
    • Project Management2
    • Embedded Systems Engineering1
    • Business Operations1

    +6 roles across other teams

    Open roles15 open
    Staff Software Engineer, Test Infrastructure
    San Jose, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Senior Software Engineer, Test Infrastructure
    San Jose, CA · On-site
    View Job
    GNC Engineer
    Mountain View, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Senior Technical Program Manager
    San Jose, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Camera Systems Engineer
    Mountain View, CA · Hybrid
    View Job
    See all 15 roles at Muon Space
  8. 07
    Sidus Space

    Sidus Space

    Small SatellitesOperationsGovernment

    Sidus Space has 12 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in business analysis (2) and corporate training (2). Sidus Space develops small satellite systems and space technologies for commercial and government customers, with an emphasis on rapid development and on-orbit data services. It is a publicly traded small-cap company offering roles in satellite operations, engineering, and business development.

    Roles by team

    • Business Analysis2
    • Corporate Training2
    • Maintenance & Repair1
    • Factory & Production Work1
    • Software Engineering1

    +4 roles across other teams

    Open roles12 open
    Cybersecurity Analyst
    Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site
    View Job
    Avionics Technician II
    Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site
    View Job
    Welder
    Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site
    View Job
    Production Project Manager
    Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site
    View Job
    Integration and Test Engineer
    Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site
    View Job
    See all 12 roles at Sidus Space
  9. 08
    Astra Space Inc.

    Astra Space Inc.

    PropulsionEngineeringLaunch

    Astra Space Inc. has 8 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (2) and business operations (1). Astra Space Inc. develops rocket propulsion systems and launch technology for commercial and government customers following a strategic pivot from full launch vehicle development. The company focuses its current hiring on propulsion engineering and advanced systems development.

    Roles by team

    • Engineering (Non-Software)2
    • Business Operations1
    • Compliance & Legal1
    Open roles8 open
    Sr. Controls Engineer, Ground Systems
    Alameda, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Digital Systems Engineer II
    Alameda, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Sr Staff Infrastructure Systems Engineer
    Alameda, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Sr HIL Engineer/Test & Automation Engineer
    Alameda, CA · On-site
    View Job
    Sr Development Test Engineer
    Alameda, CA · On-site
    View Job
    See all 8 roles at Astra Space Inc.
  10. 09
    Umbra

    Umbra

    Radar SatellitesDefenseSoftware

    Umbra has 6 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in business operations (2) and civil & structural engineering (2). Umbra builds commercial synthetic aperture radar satellites and produces high-resolution geospatial intelligence products for defense, government, and commercial buyers. It hires across radar engineering, software development, and intelligence product management.

    Roles by team

    • Business Operations2
    • Civil & Structural Engineering2
    • Compliance & Risk1
    • Full-stack Engineering1
    Open roles6 open
    Proposal Manager
    Arlington, VA · On-site
    View Job
    Proposal Manager
    Reston, VA · On-site
    View Job
    Senior Software Engineer (Remote Sensing)
    Reston, VA · On-site
    View Job
    Senior Software Engineer (Remote Sensing)
    Arlington, VA · On-site
    View Job
    Senior Cyber Threat Operations Engineer
    Arlington, VA · On-site
    View Job
    See all 6 roles at Umbra
  11. 10
    Hydrosat

    Hydrosat

    GeospatialData ScienceAgriculture

    Hydrosat has 2 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, concentrated in business development (2). Hydrosat develops satellite-based thermal infrared imagery and geospatial analytics products for agriculture, water resource management, and defense applications. Roles span satellite systems engineering, data science, and government program support.

    Roles by team

    • Business Development2
    Open roles2 open
    Capture Manager – U.S. Government Contracts
    Carlsbad, CA · Remote
    View Job
    Capture Manager – U.S. Government Contracts
    Carlsbad, CA · Remote
    View Job
    See all 2 roles at Hydrosat

How space startups pay and equity work

Compensation at space startups is typically structured as a combination of base salary and equity, with the balance between them shifting depending on funding stage. Well-funded or late-stage companies with government contracts tend to pay base salaries that are competitive with large aerospace primes and tech employers. Earlier-stage companies often offer lower base compensation offset by larger equity grants, on the expectation that a successful mission or acquisition creates meaningful upside. The day-to-day trade-off is real: space startup roles frequently involve longer hours, tighter timelines, and a hands-on pace that differs from larger organizations with more compartmentalized work. Engineers at hardware-focused companies often work across multiple systems rather than a single narrow function, and launch milestones create natural periods of high intensity. That breadth of ownership is a draw for many candidates, but it is worth understanding before you accept an offer.

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Space Startups: Frequently Asked Questions

Which space startups are hiring the most right now?

SpaceX is hiring the most, with 1,170 open roles on Migrate Mate as of August 31, 2026, followed by Firefly Aerospace (117) and Sierra Space (49). Migrate Mate tracks 1,417 live roles across 10 space startups in total, updated daily, so the order shifts as companies open and close positions.

Do space startups pay well compared to larger tech companies?

Generally, yes. Growth-stage space startups are broadly competitive with large tech employers on base salary, particularly at companies with government contracts or late-stage venture backing. A larger portion of the total package typically sits in equity rather than cash compared to established tech firms, which means actual realized compensation depends heavily on outcomes. Earlier-stage companies tend to trade lower base salaries for larger option grants, while later-stage companies close most of the gap on cash.

What kinds of roles do space startups typically hire for?

Space startups hire most heavily in engineering (Non-Software), account management, and business development. Across the 10 space startups Migrate Mate tracks, engineering (Non-Software) is the largest function at 28 of 1,417 open roles as of August 31, 2026, followed by account management (10) and business development (9).

Do space startups hire remotely?

It depends on the company and the function. Of the roles Migrate Mate tracks across these 10 space startups, 7% are remote or hybrid as of August 31, 2026. Remote availability varies by team and role, so each Migrate Mate listing shows its work location before you apply.