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James
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Space Projects Engineer
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Who do you work for?
My own company, Space & Environmental Technologies, but we contract directly to the Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems.
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What does your job involve?
I am currently working on a project to build FedSat, the first Australian Satellite to be launched in thirty years. Funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems. It’s hoped this satellite will kick start Australia's re-entry into the space arena and pave the way for other future activities. This is the first time that such an ambitious project has taken place in the Australian space industry and I feel honoured and excited to be doing something for the benefit of my country.
In my job I was responsible for the transfer of technology relating to the design and operation of FedSat, a satellite which was partly built in England and is now being completed in Australia. I have now taken the role of Systems Manager for the satellite, which means it is my responsibility to ensure that the system fits together and works when it reaches space.
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What do you like most about your job?
That I can work on something that I am passionate about which uses all of my Engineering and IT skills.
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What are the perks of your job?
Travel, being part of the international space community.
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What is the most unusual or fun thing you’ve done in your job?
Having to remove the satellite components from the English company when it went bankrupt and bring them back to Australia – this certainly taught me a lot about business!
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What inspired you to choose a career in this area?
Watching too much Star Wars when I was a child!
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How did you get to where you are now?
I always wanted to be an engineer and build things and Information Technology was another passion of mine. I was also passionate about space but this was only a hobby. I helped establish the Australian Students Space Association which grew to span Australia and it was the connections that I made with this group that eventually led me to become involved in FedSat – my hobby turned into a job (which is just about the best way to go!)
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Who or what has been an inspiration to you?
My father.
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What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
1) What does tomorrow offer you? The sum of your yesterdays! Always act with integrity.
2) Never get into something that you can’t get out of.
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What training/qualifications do you have/need?
Bachelor of Information Technology and B. Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering, QUT.
Currently undertaking a PhD in Management Theory at ANU.
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What subjects did you study at school?
Maths I, Math II, Physics, Chemistry, English and German.
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What are your career goals/plans for the future?
I am already on the board of six companies and I am also the Managing Director of three of them. I aim to continue using my engineering skills combined with my experience in business to grow my companies to a point where they can make meaningful contributions to society.
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What career opportunities are there for people in your field?
Space is a very diverse career and can span everything from communications to Aerospace design to ground stations to Astronomy. Australia has some opportunities in the space arena, and this should grow over the next ten years. There are also many many opportunities for people to work overseas, but make sure that you come back (and bring your expertise with you!)
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What is the average starting salary for a graduate?
$45-55K
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