Flight director
Guide astronauts through every critical moment from mission control. Make split-second decisions to make sure space missions succeed.
About the job
What it's like
You'll be in charge of mission control, leading their teams as they plan and carry out space missions. It's all about making important decisions to keep every flight safe and successful.
Flight directors coordinate complex operations, often during exciting and intense moments. This job is both thrilling and rewarding!
You’ll be responsible for guiding astronauts and ground teams through every stage of a mission. You might solve problems, talk to people in other countries or practice in simulations. This gets you ready for anything that could happen.
Work can range from managing real-time spaceflights to developing new mission protocols. Flight directors work in space agencies, aerospace companies and research organisations. Somework with astronauts in spaceflight, while others work with robots or satellite operations.
Your tasks might include:
monitoring spacecraft systems and crew status during missions
leading mission control teams through simulations and live operations
making real-time decisions to resolve technical or safety issues
coordinating with engineers, scientists and astronauts
updating mission plans based on changing conditions
reviewing and approving flight procedures and checklists
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
oversee missions that monitor climate change or track environmental data from space
support the development of sustainable satellite technologies
Hours
You’ll work shifts to make sure the console is always staffed, including overnight and at unsociable hours.
Your rota would regularly include weekends and public holidays, as the operation runs continuously.
Flexibility is essential, as shift patterns may change depending on mission requirements.
Environment
You'll work in a mission control centre, surrounded by advanced technology and a team.
Expect to spend a lot of time watching data and making quick choices when things get serious.
It's a high-pressure job, but it feels great knowing you're helping explore space.
Travel
You'll mostly work in a control centre, but you might need to travel to other space agencies or launch sites.
Sometimes, you might travel to other countries to work with international teams on a mission.
You could be away for longer periods for important parts of a mission or for training in another country.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- resilience
- motivating others
- taking responsibility
- adaptability
- listening
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- problem solving
- making decisions
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Applications of Mathematics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Engineering Science
Design and Manufacture
Computing Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Physics
Computer Science
Mathematics
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Engineering Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Aircraft Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computing
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover GAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Having experience in leadership roles and knowledge of risk management is important.
Competition for jobs in the space sector is very high. Check out the Space Placements in INdustry scheme (SPIN). It offers placements each year to students considering working in the sector.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a flight director. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You’ll need a lot of experience working in the space industry, particularly in mission control centres. Many flight directors have worked as ground controllers on space missions.
You'd do further training while working for a space agency to prepare for this role. This would include areas like:
operational leadership
risk management
flight control
spacecraft systems
Before you start work, you'd need to pass background checks and a physical examination.
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