Executive Order Enables Competition in Commercial Space: Surge in Cleared Aero Hiring?

This new Executive Order on space industry deregulation is more than just a boost for rockets and satellites. It could reshape the cleared talent market in major ways.

1. Surge in Demand for Cleared Professionals

With the government pushing for faster commercial launch cycles and expanded spaceport infrastructure, companies in the space sector will need more engineers, program managers, cybersecurity specialists, and systems operators who can work on sensitive, dual-use, and defense-adjacent projects. Many of these roles will require active security clearances.

2. Growth of Hybrid Public-Private Space Missions

The order blurs the line between commercial and government-led missions. As private companies take on projects that overlap with national security space objectives, cleared recruiters will likely see more opportunities to place candidates into private firms supporting defense and intelligence customers.

3. Expanded Geographic Hiring Needs

If new spaceports are developed or expanded in different states, cleared hiring will extend beyond traditional hubs like Huntsville, Houston, or D.C. Recruiters may need to scout cleared talent near emerging launch sites in Florida, Texas, or even new inland facilities.

4. Faster Hiring Cycles Will Be Critical

The government’s goal is efficiency and speed in approvals and cleared recruiters will need to match that pace. Companies competing in the accelerated space race can’t afford long hiring delays. Recruiters who can identify and engage cleared candidates quickly will have the advantage.

5. New Specializations in the Cleared Workforce

The focus on novel space activities (such as debris mitigation, in-space manufacturing, or non-traditional satellite operations) means recruiters may soon be asked to find candidates with highly niche technical skills plus clearances.

This Executive Order signals a boom in space-related defense and commercial projects, with ripple effects across the cleared recruiting landscape. Something we have seen in recent years already.

The space race is heating up and cleared recruiters will soon be on the front lines of hiring it’s talent.

THE CLEARED RECRUITING CHRONICLES: YOUR WEEKLY DoD RECRUITING TIPS TO OUT COMPETE THE NEXT NATIONAL SECURITY STAFFER.