Spain launches hunt for space talent: 16 roles up for grabs

The Spanish Space Agency (AEE) is quietly launching a significant recruitment drive, opening the door to 16 permanent positions for engineers and department heads. It’s a move signaling Madrid’s ambitions in the burgeoning space sector, and a clear signal of intent for European collaboration.

Rigorous selection process tests both skill and language proficiency

Forget casual application forms. Securing one of these roles—spanning departmental leadership, area management, and technical expertise—requires navigating a demanding concurso-oposición process. The AEE, which consolidates Spain’s space policies and coordinates activities across the sector, emphasizes a 60/40 split between practical assessment and merit evaluation. But the real kicker? A significant portion of the testing is conducted in English, reflecting the increasingly international nature of space exploration.

The initial written exam throws candidates straight into the deep end, presenting a practical case study aligned with their chosen profile. A score of at least 45 out of 90 is needed to pass—a hurdle designed to weed out those lacking fundamental understanding. Following that, comes a further written test, also eliminatory, focused on applying technical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This second test, naturally, is entirely in English, and applicants are given a mere 30 minutes to answer a maximum of five questions. The tribunal doesn’t just grade the answers; they’ll engage in a 15-minute Q&A session, also in English, probing the candidate’s grasp of the case study.

Beyond the technical hurdles lies the merit-based evaluation. Up to 70 points are awarded for demonstrated experience—and the AEE is keen to stress that experience beyond the stated requirements will be favorably considered. The final 30 points hinge on a one-hour interview, where the tribunal will assess suitability based on criteria directly linked to the role’s responsibilities. Avoidance of overlapping experience claims is also key - the AEE is not interested in double-counting functional elements.

The competition for these positions is fierce, with the European Space Agency itself advertising 100 roles for participation in space missions. Spain’s move to bolster its space workforce is clearly part of a wider European strategy.

The deadline to apply is May 5th – don't delay if you're ready to take your talents to the final frontier.