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How to become a Space Systems Engineer

Does research and development for space exploration and develops, designs, builds and operates satellites, launch rockets and other spacecraft.

Workers in this job say university, a master's degree, or a doctorate is common. From job tag's survey of people in each job, who could give several answers. It shows what workers see as common, not how many workers hold each level.

How to become one

No qualification is required to start, but space engineering brings together engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, electronic, information technology and architecture with knowledge and skills from science fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, life sciences and astronomy. Almost everyone studies a specialist field at master's or doctoral level before getting a job. As the space industry broadens, new companies from outside the space industry and start-ups are joining the traditional space companies, so there are more employers and options. Generally people join the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) or a company in the space business and work on developing and operating rockets, satellites, space stations and so on. There are not enough people to support how fast the space industry is growing. Many mid-career hires come from other industries. For example, experience in the aircraft or car industries (which share similarities in engines), in construction for infrastructure, or in data processing and analysis fits well with the space industry and makes it easier to contribute straight away. You need to keep your interest in space and keep developing yourself, for example by learning about the latest industry trends and specialist knowledge. You deal every day with many people and organisations, including other industries and government bodies, so flexible thinking and strong communication and presentation skills are needed. In small start-ups, rather than just waiting for instructions, you are expected to think and act on your own.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Space Systems Engineer?

No qualification is required to start, but space engineering brings together engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, electronic, information technology and architecture with knowledge and skills from science fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, life sciences and astronomy. Almost everyone studies a specialist field at master's or doctoral level before getting a job. As the space industry broadens, new companies from outside the space industry and start-ups are joining the traditional space companies, so there are more employers and options. Generally people join the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) or a company in the space business and work on developing and operating rockets, satellites, space stations and so on. There are not enough people to support how fast the space industry is growing. Many mid-career hires come from other industries. For example, experience in the aircraft or car industries (which share similarities in engines), in construction for infrastructure, or in data processing and analysis fits well with the space industry and makes it easier to contribute straight away. You need to keep your interest in space and keep developing yourself, for example by learning about the latest industry trends and specialist knowledge. You deal every day with many people and organisations, including other industries and government bodies, so flexible thinking and strong communication and presentation skills are needed. In small start-ups, rather than just waiting for instructions, you are expected to think and act on your own.

How much does a Space Systems Engineer earn in Japan?

Average annual income in the private sector, bonus included, is ¥6,119,400 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). The figure is for the wage survey group Engineers not elsewhere classified, which covers several jobs.

Do you need a degree to become a Space Systems Engineer?

Usually. In this job's census occupation group, 62% of workers are university graduates.

Will AI change the work of a Space Systems Engineer?

Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

独立行政法人労働政策研究・研修機構（JILPT）作成 職業情報データベース 解説系ダウンロードデータ（IPD_DL_description_7_01.xlsx）ver.7.01 職業情報提供サイト（job tag）より2026年10月4日にダウンロード（https://shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/download）を加工して作成

独立行政法人労働政策研究・研修機構（JILPT）作成 職業情報データベース 簡易版数値系ダウンロードデータ（IPD_DL_numeric_7_00.xlsx）ver.7.00 職業情報提供サイト（job tag）より2026年10月4日にダウンロード（https://shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/download）を加工して作成

Sources: JILPT Occupational Information Database download data via job tag (解説系 ver.7.01 and 簡易版数値系 ver.7.00, downloaded 4 October 2026), processed by Peernovo; MHLW, Basic Survey on Wage Structure 2025; Statistics Bureau of Japan, 2020 Population Census; MEXT, School Basic Survey 2025; MHLW, Employment Referrals for General Workers (Hello Work statistics). Figures processed by Peernovo. English job names, translations and the matching of jobs to statistical groups, schools and degree fields by Peernovo.

Updated 4 October 2026