The space industry’s rapid growth is creating a workforce challenge that could make it harder for companies and government agencies to keep pace with expanding missions. Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle told SpaceNews that the biggest need is for workers who can obtain security clearances, while engineering talent and experienced mid-career managers are also increasingly difficult to find. The demographics add to the pressure: Pringle said about 25% of the space workforce is nearing retirement age, while only 7% is under 25. That gap comes as satellite manufacturers and other space companies are trying to scale production to meet growing commercial and national security demand.
The crunch is particularly relevant for government contractors. According to figures cited by SpaceNews, the Space Force had filled about 75% of the roughly 18,000 positions considered necessary for its missions in fiscal 2025, while Space Systems Command is also dealing with significant vacancies in its contracting workforce. Demand is growing in cybersecurity, intelligence, program and project management, acquisition, integration, reliability and hardware engineering. With the Space Force seeking to expand its civilian workforce and commercial space companies competing for many of the same specialized workers, employers may need to put greater emphasis on retaining experienced employees, developing younger talent and building stronger pipelines for cleared and technical candidates.
Contract Opportunities: Amentum
Amentum has landed a major NASA win, securing a $974 million, 10-year contract to provide maintenance, engineering and technology support at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. The contract runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2036, and covers critical research infrastructure including wind tunnels, laboratories, test facilities and utility systems.
The work will also focus on modernizing Langley’s infrastructure, including automating laboratory systems and wind tunnel testing facilities, while supporting repairs, preventive maintenance, construction management and other capital improvements. Amentum beat out KBR Wyle Services for the award, with NASA’s source-selection documents pointing to Amentum’s experience operating complex ground-test facilities and its lower evaluated price. The award also extends a relationship that spans more than three decades, with Amentum already supporting engineering and operations at the NASA center.
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Cleared Opportunities
The Army is moving ahead with plans to bring nuclear power directly onto military installations, selecting five companies and five bases for the first projects under its Janus Program. Working with the Defense Innovation Unit, the Army plans to award up to $2.2 billion across fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to develop contractor-owned and operated nuclear microreactors designed to provide reliable power independent of potentially vulnerable external grids.
The initial pairings include Antares Nuclear at Fort Bragg, NC; BWXT Advanced Technologies at Fort Campbell, KY; General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems at Fort Hood, TX; Radiant Industries at Fort Benning, GA; and Westinghouse Government Services at Fort Drum, NY. The Army expects private investment to supplement government funding and ultimately envisions more than 20 microreactors operating across War Department installations. Payments will be tied to vendors reaching specific technical milestones, with the Army targeting September 2028 for operation of the first reactor. Additional military sites are expected to be announced as the program moves forward.
