10 cool job openings at space companies,

Imagine helping space companies like Blue Origin or SpaceX in Central Florida reach for the stars, literally — or the moon.

These are mostly high-paying tech jobs, but there’s a few jobs that are more mainstream. You could become a barista at SpaceX for example — possibly making a coffee for legendary entrepreneur Elon Musk when he’s in town. (He’s had a famous coffee and caffeine habit.)

Here are quick summaries of the 10 coolest jobs we found currently advertised for space companies near Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Go to company websites for full details: 1. Space X Mission Engineer:

Your job would be developing “novel solutions in human spaceflight operations and re-usability.” This would be largely focused on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, designed to take crew and cargo to low earth orbit on a journey to the International Space Station. Oh, and you would also work with engineers who are developing the “next generation SpaceX Mars vehicle.” You’d also have to be comfortable working around rocket fuels — and have the ability to go days at sea. 2. SpaceX Rocket Recovery:

The job would focus on retrieving rockets and spacecraft after they are launched — the Falcon 9, the Falcon Heavy and Dragon space capsule — managing a team and leading recovery operations in the field. That could mean going out into the oceans for rockets that land out there. There are some specific demands for this job, including: Experience with high-end CAD software design, ability to work at heights up to 300 feet and willingness to work at sea without access to emergency services normally available on shore. 3. SpaceX Engineer — Payload: This is the guy or gal who helps to process and coordinate the payload — which is what the rocket is carrying into space — usually a satellite or supplies for the International Space Station. They will also help build and maintain the facility where SpaceX puts together the rocket and payload at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Since this job might include working on top secret stuff, you’d have to pass a really strict background check.

4. SpaceX Barista: If you don’t have rocket experience, but you know your coffee, this could be for you. The SpaceX job description seeks “experienced, passionate, and driven team members to LAUNCH and grow world-class coffee bars inside our corporate facilities.” 5. Blue Origin Launch Director: Basically you’re in charge, leading a team in the development, construction and activation of multimillion-dollar launch complexes. They want 15 years of related experience in space systems, including launch vehicles and satellites. 6. Blue Origin Payload Engineer: Basically, you work with the rocket people and Blue Origin customers to get the payload (usually satellites) ready for launch on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. That means spacecraft processing, transportation and logistics at the launch site before and during the launch campaign. 7. OneWeb Satellite Intern:

This is a job for an engineering major in college. You’d be a summer intern in the Melbourne-Cocoa area on the Space Coast, helping to set up OneWeb’s planned global network of satellites intended to provide affordable, high-speed Internet access for the world’s unconnected. 8. OneWeb Launch Technician: You’d be working at OneWeb’s new satellite factory building satellites and related ground systems. The job would include “overhead crane operation, forklift use, torque wrench and hand tools, working on elevated platforms like scaffolding, personnel aerial lift devises and ladders.” 9. Moon Express Engineer:

You’d be setting up operations that support Moon Express’s planned lunar orbiter and lunar lander missions, which are aimed at mining the moon for minerals and water (ice). The company is trying to build a new class of robotic spacecraft. 10. Moon Express Analyst:

You’d be responsible for planning for the orbit, timing, and landing of Moon Express spacecraft. That would include estimating the fuel needed and orbit trajectories.