Sian Cleaver, Spacecraft Engineer
Find out how Sian Cleaver became a Spacecraft Engineer
Why do I love my job?
I am part of a team building a spacecraft that will take humans back to the Moon again, something that hasn’t been done in over 50 years now. I love that I get to be part of something so monumental and exciting. In my day-to-day work life, I like seeing the evolution of our spacecraft over time. We often face lots of challenges, and it’s satisfying when we solve problems and the spacecraft build moves forward, bit by bit (even if it takes a long time!)
What did I love doing at school?
I was a bit of an all-rounder at school (except for PE! I was never good at that). I enjoyed most of my subjects, especially art and English, but I also liked the sciences, of course. I studied physics at university, although I have to say that I found physics at school pretty boring. It gets much more interesting at university, trust me!
Childhood hobbies?
I liked launching model rockets and doing astronomy with my telescope. I was always fascinated by space and the stars, so it made sense that I pursued this later as a career. I also really loved aircraft and when I was a teenager, I joined the Air Cadets and started to learn to fly planes and gliders. To this day I am still interested in flying – I’m currently working on getting my Private Pilot’s Licence!
How to get into the sector?
Most people in the space industry have a degree of some sort (usually engineering, but I studied Physics and Astronomy at Durham University). This isn’t the only way, though, there are often apprenticeships on offer at some of the bigger space companies. That’s a good route if you want to be hands-on with building satellites and spacecraft from the start. If you’re more interested in designing spacecraft and managing the project over its lifecycle, then taking the degree-route might make more sense. I always tell young people that studying a language is also a bonus. If you want to work in the space industry in Europe, so many more opportunities will open up for you if you’re willing to live and work in another European country (so it helps to have a basic understanding of a language or two!)
Related jobs?
There are so many jobs within the space industry. Building a spacecraft takes a huge team, and we need all sorts of people from the highly technical engineers to hands-on technicians, project managers, supplier managers, cost controllers, contract managers and even astronaut trainers! There really is something for everyone.
Career high?
Definitely the launch of the first of our ‘Orion’ spacecraft on the Artemis I mission to the Moon in 2022. I was lucky enough to go to Kennedy Space Center in Florida to watch the launch. It was an incredible sight – it was a night-time launch and lit up the whole sky as it launched. The rumble of the engines was impressive too – the sound felt as if it went through you.
Top tip: Be resilient and don’t give up pursuing your dreams. - Sian Cleaver