Space Engineering | Career Centre

Have outer space and its exploration always been fascinations of yours? Do you want to work in a career helping to explore the universe and answer some of the most fundamental questions we have as human beings through the use of the most advanced contemporary technologies? Studying Space Engineering at the Lassonde School of Engineering will expose you to a unique degree that will put you at the forefront of the design and creation of hardware and data systems used in aeronautics and space study. You will gain hands-on experience and can join a long list of York alumni who have contributed to space exploration with research institutions around the world. The multidisciplinary approach of the program will prepare you for a vast selection of careers both in space as well as back on Earth creating cutting-edge technology.

Career Options in Space Engineering

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in Space Engineering. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Space Engineering degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Space Engineering than others.

Astronaut
Astrophysicist
Aerospace Industry Consultant
Airline Engineer
Avionics Specialist
Author
Editor
Electrical Engineer
Engine Designer
Entrepreneur
Government Policy Advisor
Hydraulic Systems Engineer
Industry Analyst
Laboratory Technician
Lawyer

Logistics Specialist
Magazine Contributor
Materials Developer
Media Correspondent
Mission Systems Engineer
Payload Systems Engineer
Pilot
Project Manager
Quality Assurance Specialist
Safety Analyst
Satellite Engineer
Shuttle Designer
Structural Design Engineer
Teacher
Technology Writer

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Space Engineering Degree

A background in Space Engineering ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Space Engineering degree can help you develop:

Core Space Engineering Skills

A solid comprehension of mathematical principles and their useful and practical applications in the contemporary space engineering industry
Excellent analytical skills and an understanding of the scientific method and data analysis
Exposure to the latest developments in high technology and the ability to learn to use them through participation in projects with fellow students and professors
The crucial ability to think in an interdisciplinary way, enabling you to combine the core teachings of hands-on engineering, mathematics, physics and sciences

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork Skills

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Space Engineering that you may want to visit as you research career options for Space Engineering graduates.