Private space exploration company SpaceX has a long list of potential careers for anyone looking to jump into the space industry. Recently, it posted a position seeking a “Space Suit Sewer.”
BACKGROUND: Why SpaceX Needs Space Suit Sewers
Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX’s goal has always been to reduce space travel costs, particularly to Mars. SpaceX has developed several launch vehicles, the internet providing Starlink satellite constellation, the Dragon cargo spacecraft, and the crew carrying Dragon 2, which recently took astronauts to the International Space Station.
The company is looking for a “Space Suit Sewer.” According to the job posting, the company needs someone to “create space suits and crew equipment that are designed with three main goals: to be comfortable, functional and have an innovative design.”
Moreover, the company offers the lucky applicant a place to “contribute to history by creating space suits for future missions.”
ANALYSIS: What Goes into A Space Suit?
A career in space suit sewing aside, SpaceX prides itself on its astronaut gear. Apart from just looking great, their space suits contain some serious technology.
Each suit is custom made to fit the astronaut perfectly. This custom design allows the astronaut ease of use in zero-G. The suits have a plug-and-play design. The crew simply sits down and plugs their suit into the console. Once connected, the suit automatically connects the astronaut to the oxygen, cooling, avionics, and communications systems. The gloves are also designed to work on the capsule’s touch screens, and the entire thing flame-resistant.
For a sewer, this is the Rolls-Royce of sewing gigs. According to the job posting, the applicant’s responsibilities will be to:
- “Sew space suits from cut pieces and other flight soft goods to completion on industrial sewing machines.”
- “Assemble crew equipment and other parts for crewed flight.”
- “Maintain and adjust machine settings for optimal sewing quality.”
Moreover, the job requires the applicant to have at least five years of experience working in an “industrial apparel firm, aerospace soft goods, [or] theatre/costume manufacturing.”
OUTLOOK: A Pretty Sweet Gig
SpaceX is the current leader in crewed missions to the space station and beyond, and while it requires teams of scientists and engineers to get the Dragon 2 capsule into outer space, the crew isn’t going anywhere without their suits.
While space suits have evolved, it is clear that no one else is designing them to be functional and beautiful like SpaceX. For anyone in the sewing industry, this may be your opportunity to needle your way into the space industry.