Top 10 Space Startups Hiring Now
The top space startups hiring right now on Migrate Mate include SpaceX, Sierra Space, and Firefly Aerospace, spanning rocket propulsion, satellite systems, nuclear energy, and geospatial intelligence. Migrate Mate tracks 1,251 live open roles across 10 space startups as of July 16, 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 · 1,251 live roles from Migrate Mate, updated daily
- 01
SpaceX
AerospaceEngineeringSoftwareSpaceX has 860 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, the most of any space startup we track, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (7) and backend engineering (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)7
- Backend Engineering4
- Electrical Engineering4
- Business Operations3
- Communications2
+12 roles across other teams
Open roles860 openSee all 860 roles at SpaceXApplySr. GNC Engineer (Starship) ControlsTexas · On-siteApplyLead Hardware Reliability Engineer, Electrical (Starshield)Hawthorne, CA · On-siteApplyIntegration Technician (Starshield) - Level 4/5Hawthorne, CA · On-siteApplyIntegration Technician (Starshield)Hawthorne, CA · On-siteApplyCNC Machinist, Deburr (Raptor)Hawthorne, CA · On-site - 02
Sierra Space
Orbital SystemsEngineeringDefenseSierra Space has 139 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (16) and customer support (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)16
- Customer Support5
- Account Management4
- Customer Success3
- Compliance & Risk2
+18 roles across other teams
Open roles139 openSee all 139 roles at Sierra SpaceApplyMaterial Planner IBroomfield, CO · On-siteApplySystems Engineer III (Clearance Required)Louisville, CO · On-siteApplyMaterial Planner IIBroomfield, CO · On-siteApplySystems Engineer II (Secret Clearance Required)Centennial, CO · On-siteApplyManager, Systems Engineering (Clearance Required)Centennial, CO · On-site - 03
Firefly Aerospace
Launch VehiclesEngineeringLunarFirefly Aerospace has 118 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (7) and customer service & support (7). 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
- Engineering (Non-Software)7
- Customer Service & Support7
- Software Engineering6
- Aerospace Engineering3
- Customer Support3
+22 roles across other teams
Open roles118 openSee all 118 roles at Firefly AerospaceApplyHardware Design Engineer ICedar Park, TX · On-siteApplyManager, Spacecraft Mission Testbed DevelopmentCedar Park, TX · On-siteApplySpacecraft Mission Testbed TechnicianCedar Park, TX · On-siteApplyFlight Dynamics Engineer IIRemote · On-siteApplyDirector, Commercial & Civil Space ProgramsRemote · On-site - 04
X-Energy
Nuclear EnergyEngineeringGovernmentX-Energy has 54 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (9) and construction management (5). 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)9
- Construction Management5
- Business Analysis4
- Creative & Design3
- Compliance & Risk2
+25 roles across other teams
Open roles54 openSee all 54 roles at X-EnergyApplyDirector, Business Development Strategy & Executive OperationsRockville, MD · On-siteApplyEngineer I-III, Nuclear Safety AnalysisRockville, MD · On-siteApplyEngineer II, Engineering Strategy & OperationsRockville, MD · On-siteApplyManager, IT ProjectsOak Ridge, TN · On-siteApplySubcontract Technical ManagerOak Ridge, TN · On-site - 05
Muon Space
Earth ObservationData ScienceSatellitesMuon Space has 24 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in engineering (Non-Software) (3) and electrical engineering (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
- Engineering (Non-Software)3
- Electrical Engineering2
- Embedded Systems Engineering2
- Business Operations2
- Project Management2
+11 roles across other teams
Open roles24 openSee all 24 roles at Muon SpaceApplySenior Instrument Systems EngineerMountain View, CA · HybridApplyStaff Software Engineer, Test InfrastructureSan Jose, CA · On-siteApplySenior Software Engineer, Test InfrastructureSan Jose, CA · On-siteApplyGNC EngineerMountain View, CA · On-siteApplySenior Technical Program ManagerSan Jose, CA · On-site - 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.
- 06
Terran Orbital
Small SatellitesEngineeringManufacturingTerran Orbital has 19 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in manufacturing operations (2) and engineering (Non-Software) (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
- Manufacturing Operations2
- Engineering (Non-Software)2
- Civil & Structural Engineering2
- Logistics & Fleet Management1
- Product Management1
+8 roles across other teams
Open roles19 openSee all 19 roles at Terran OrbitalApplyMaterials ManagerIrvine, CA · On-siteApplyMaintenance MechanicIrvine, CA · On-siteApplyCable & Harness Technician (Weekday Shift)Irvine, CA · On-siteApplyAIT Technician – GNC Module Assembly (Weekend Shift)Irvine, CA · On-siteApplyExecutive Assistant - CEOIrvine, CA · On-site - 07
Astrobotic Technology Inc
Lunar RoboticsEngineeringNASAAstrobotic Technology Inc has 11 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in quality assurance & testing (QA Testing) (6) and business development (1). Astrobotic Technology develops lunar landers, planetary rovers, and aerospace systems under NASA and commercial contracts to deliver payloads to the Moon's surface. The company hires robotics engineers, guidance and navigation specialists, and project engineers at its Pittsburgh headquarters.
Roles by team
- Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)6
- Business Development1
- Creative & Design1
- Data Engineering1
- Software Engineering1
Open roles11 openSee all 11 roles at Astrobotic Technology IncApplySenior Proposal Writer / Proposal Architect – AerospacePittsburgh, PA · On-siteApplyProposal WriterPittsburgh, PA · On-siteApplySoftware Integration & Test EngineerPittsburgh, PA · On-siteApplyLead Systems EngineerPittsburgh, PA · On-siteApplyReliability, Maintainability, & Safety EngineerPittsburgh, PA · On-site - 08
Sidus Space
Small SatellitesOperationsGovernmentSidus Space has 10 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in cloud engineering (1) and product management (1). 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
- Cloud Engineering1
- Product Management1
- Engineering (Non-Software)1
- Aerospace Engineering1
- Account Management1
+3 roles across other teams
Open roles10 openSee all 10 roles at Sidus SpaceApplyPrincipal Systems EngineerCape Canaveral, FL · On-siteApplyIntegrated Product Team LeadCape Canaveral, FL · On-siteApplyCMM Operator/Quality InspectorMerritt Island, FL · On-siteApplySenior Software EngineerCape Canaveral, FL · On-siteApplyProgram ManagerCape Canaveral, FL · On-site - 09
Astra Space Inc.
PropulsionEngineeringLaunchAstra Space Inc. has 8 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 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 openSee all 8 roles at Astra Space Inc.ApplySr. Controls Engineer, Ground SystemsAlameda, CA · On-siteApplyDigital Systems Engineer IIAlameda, CA · On-siteApplySr Staff Infrastructure Systems EngineerAlameda, CA · On-siteApplySr HIL Engineer/Test & Automation EngineerAlameda, CA · On-siteApplySr Development Test EngineerAlameda, CA · On-site - 10
Turion Space
Orbital ServicesEngineeringOperationsTurion Space has 8 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in customer success (2) and electrical engineering (2). Turion Space is developing spacecraft and in-orbit servicing capabilities aimed at satellite inspection, debris removal, and orbital logistics. It is an early-stage company hiring engineers and operations professionals to build out its on-orbit services platform.
Roles by team
- Customer Success2
- Electrical Engineering2
- Business Development1
- Business Operations1
- Program Management1
+1 roles across other teams
Open roles8 openSee all 8 roles at Turion SpaceApplyEmbedded Software EngineerIrvine, CA · On-siteApplyIndustrial EngineerIrvine, CA · On-siteApplySenior Spacecraft Systems EngineerIrvine, CA · On-siteApplyPrincipal Astronomical EngineerIrvine, CA · On-siteApplyDirector of Mission EngineeringIrvine, CA · On-site
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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Browse Space Startups jobsSpace Startups: Frequently Asked Questions
Which space startups are hiring the most right now?
SpaceX is hiring the most, with 860 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, followed by Sierra Space (139) and Firefly Aerospace (118). Migrate Mate tracks 1,251 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), electrical engineering, and customer support. Across the 10 space startups Migrate Mate tracks, engineering (Non-Software) is the largest function at 47 of 1,251 open roles as of July 16, 2026, followed by electrical engineering (8) and customer support (8).
Do space startups hire remotely?
It depends on the company and the function. Of the roles Migrate Mate tracks across these 10 space startups, 6% are remote or hybrid as of July 16, 2026. Remote availability varies by team and role, so each Migrate Mate listing shows its work location before you apply.