Serco, which recently launched its Saudi Space Division based out of Riyadh, has opened applications for its Graduate Space Program.
The program is aimed at recruiting young national engineers.
With the growth of its international reputation in the space industry a key pillar in Vision 2030, the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) is tasked with ensuring that local talent is nurtured and developed in what is still a developing sector for the nation.
Serco, as a government impact partner will, through its Saudi Space Division, utilize more than 40 years of space experience globally to develop the talent and skills of national residents within relevant fields. The launch of its graduate program is the first phase in ensuring the transfer of operational knowledge and capabilities to young engineers and scientists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The space-specific program is the first of its kind within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across Serco globally.
With a strong international presence in the space industry, Serco employs over 2,000 space specialists globally. For more than four decades, Serco has supported civil and military space programs, including those of the European Space Agency, the UK Ministry of Defense, and NASA and is now bringing that expertise to the region to support local talent and develop their capabilities.

Applications are now open for a two-week period with several graduates to be recruited by October. The application process will be kept open indefinitely past the initial closing date thus allowing other students across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to learn more about the opportunities available through Serco and express interest in new roles, as they become available.
Those graduates who are brought onto the program will benefit from on-the-job training through the program’s six-month placement at world-leading space facilities in Europe, offering them international exposure through Serco and its partners together with the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in a global setting. Upon their return to KSA they will continue their growth, through theoretical lessons, on-the-job training, shadowing, and mentorship with the aim of deploying them into Serco’s own operational contracts in the regional space sector.
Frank Salzgeber, Acting Vice Governor for Space for the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) said: “Building up human capabilities in the Kingdom for the Space sector is one of our objectives. We’re delighted to see that private industry is supporting this endeavor and we welcome others to follow the example of Serco.”
Amar Vora, Head of Space for Serco Middle East said: “With Serco’s experience in space it seemed only right we moved quickly to begin transferring our knowledge and expertise to the next generation to proactively support nationalization goals. Our initial graduates will benefit from valuable placements that will equip them with the skills and know-how to support Saudi’s own ambitions. Serco is a proud partner of the Saudi government, and the launch of this specialized graduate program is a demonstration of our commitment to the country, and our best possible contribution in ensuring Saudi has the local talent it needs to become a world leader in space.”
Mona Althagafi, KSA country director for Serco Middle East said: “Investing in a two-year space program for Saudi graduates not only fuels their scientific progress but also empowers them to become pioneers and expand their knowledge and skills to propel the nation to new heights. This signifies Serco’s commitment to innovation and exploration, thus securing Saudi Arabia’s advancement in space exploration.”