Opportunities
RAL Space host a variety of exciting opportunities for almost all ages and skillsets. Find out more about the apprenticeship scheme, graduate scheme and mid-career vacancies below, as well as what benefits are available and how to apply!
Apprenticeships
RAL Space offer a variety of apprenticeship opportunities with new and exciting vacancies every year from level 3-6. Currently we are recruiting apprentices in roles as diverse as:
- Engineering (mechanical, electrical and electronic)
- Computing (DevOps and software engineering)
- Project management
- IT
- Laboratory technician.
Apprenticeships allow a unique pathway into the work life whilst still being able to socially and academically progress. RAL Space provide a plethora of opportunities to develop soft skills as well as supporting professional development through qualifications and certifications.
.jpg)
''The best thing about being an apprentice at RAL Space is the accessibility you have to resources, whether that's the specialists working around you or high-tech equipment, allowing you to continuously improve at your role and as a person.'' - Thomas Wadsworth, Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprentice.
For more information about the STFC apprenticeship scheme: Apprenticeships - STFC Careers
Graduate scheme
We know that you want to use your talent, skill, and dedication to make a difference and at RAL Space you will get the opportunity to do just that. You’ll relish the challenge of having a job in which you can make an impact from day one. Joining and becoming a core member of the RAL Space team, you will gain immediate exposure to exciting projects and challenges that will enable you to rapidly develop deep expertise and technical ability. Our dedicated Early Careers Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions.
Placements:
RAL Space Graduates will get the experience to expand their knowledge of their role and understand different responsibilities or processes by completing a 3-month placement in a chosen organisation. Previous graduates have been able to complete placements at:
SwRI - Boulder, Colorado, USA
UKATC - Edinburgh, Scotland
''During Spring and Summer 2024, I did a 3-month placement at UK ATC, at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh. I worked on the design development of the HARMONI instrument; a huge spectrograph that will split up the light the Extremely Large Telescope will receive from space, into its component wavelengths, so scientists can study the universe better. I worked with the mechanical engineering team to solve issues with vibration of electronic components, and analysed how different vibrations would affect various parts of the instrument. I also worked with the systems engineering team, helping to define, record and develop a subsystem that will ensure the rest of the instrument is able to work effectively. Working from a design perspective was new for me, and I learned a lot about the technical development work and collaboration required for large space/astronomy projects, as well understanding the role of a systems engineer in bringing all the other engineering disciplines together and making crucial design decisions and compromises. I really enjoyed my experience in a new city, with varied and unfamiliar tasks to get stuck into!' - Hannah Bilby, Graduate Test Engineer, Environmental Test Division.
For more information about the STFC graduate scheme: Graduates - STFC Careers
Learn more about Early Careers at RAL Space!
Mid-career:
- Specialist training
- Higher education - tertiary/University level
- Chartership
There are also many parental benefits:
- 12 months’ maternity, adoption or surrogacy leave (including 26 weeks’ full pay)
- 2 weeks’ maternity support leave (paternity leave)
- Paid shared parental leave (rate dependent on eligibility)
- Special leave to support family emergencies
- Tax-free childcare
- Nurseries onsite or in close distance of most sites
- Parent Group – a safe space to share experiences/resources and influence wider policy
Within RAL Space their are many successful employees from various backgrounds outside of the space industry that have identified transferable skills to become experts within their fields.
Below is Alex Davidson explaining his late career change and how he was able to do it:
Benefits
RAL Space recognises the value you bring to our organisation and provides you with a range of tools to help you achieve the best possible work-life balance. Whatever your age or personal circumstances, there are rewards to fit you and your lifestyle. The aim is to give you the support you need to enjoy your work and perform at your best.
Some benefits include:
30 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days
Flexible Working Hours
On-site health club and sports facilities
Career Breaks
Employee recognition scheme
Support for training and qualifications
For a full list of the benefits that are available select here.
How to apply
Check eligiblity - The first step is all about seeing if the role compliments your personality and skillsets, as well as ensuring that you have the correct qualifications to be eligible for the role itself.
Documents need submitting e.g. CV, cover letter - This allows you to evidence your transferable skills, qualifications and why you are the most well suited candidate.
Interview process - Within the RAL Space interviews you may be asked to prepare for a specific task to showcase a desired skill. You will then be questioned on your application and provided with a final chance to showcase your excellence.
Explore the full list of current vacancies.
Sign up for Job Alerts to avoid missing new vacancies: Job Alert Settings - Careers Portal Careers
