Josh Oakley, Space Engineering Technician

What I do

I maintain the equipment and facilities for researchers working on space projects. This includes managing gas supplies, maintaining clean room environments and ensuring that equipment like glove boxes (where you put your hands into gloves attached to the side of a box with a controlled atmosphere inside) are working correctly. I support the assembly and testing of space hardware, making sure everything is in top condition for experiments.

How I became a technician

I've always been passionate about science. At school, I took triple science, geography, French and computing for my GCSEs. For A-Levels, I chose maths, physics, and biology. During my A-Levels, I did work experience at the Open University, which led to an apprenticeship offer.

How I became a technician

My apprenticeship involved working in the electron microscopy suite, preparing samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. I also worked in physics, chemistry and biology labs and this hands-on experience really helped me develop my skills.

A typical day in my working life

I start my day at 8:30am, checking emails and inspecting gas supplies. We use gases like nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen for different experiments. I make sure the gas cylinders are full, check the clean rooms, restock garments and monitor particle fallout tests to achieve cleanliness standards.

A typical day in my working life

I use a plate that measures particles which fall on it over a set time, make sure the environment is clean enough to assemble space hardware. I also troubleshoot issues, help with experiments and do safety checks. I finish work around 5:00pm, making sure everything is ready for the next day.

What I love about my job

I love the novelty – we are working on things that are going into, or have come from, space! Working with samples like moon dust and meteorites is so exciting. There’s lots of variety, challenges and opportunities too.

The chance to develop new skills and handle materials like meteorites that no one has seen before keeps the job interesting. And it’s rewarding to know that my work supports important research and space missions.

The skills I use most

Problem-solving is a crucial skill in my job. I often need to troubleshoot equipment issues and find solutions to unexpected problems. Attention to detail is also important, especially when maintaining clean room standards and handling delicate samples.

It was incredible to think I was a part of that space mission

I even received an invitation from NASA to watch the launch in Florida!

A little more about my everyday role

The best part of working in a team

The team I work in support each other and we share knowledge and help each other every day. We have a mix of experienced technicians and new, younger staff, and we communicate well, which is key, especially when troubleshooting issues or setting up complex experiments. And it's great to have such experienced colleagues and be able to get different ideas and opinions.

My favourite piece of equipment

I enjoy using the Raman spectrometer. It uses a laser to produce a spectrum that helps identify the composition of a sample. Troubleshooting and maintaining this equipment has taught me so much, such as spectroscopy (how electromagnetic radiation and matter interact) - it's fascinating to see the detailed information it can provide about different materials.

What I like to do in my spare time

In my spare time, I play field hockey. I've been playing since I was 13 and currently play for the Bedford Hockey Club's first team. It's a great way to stay active and unwind after a busy week. I also enjoy spending time with my family and exploring new hobbies.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve achieved in your job?

Definitey helping with the Peregrine Space Mission in 2024, I helped prepare the testing equipment we were able to send into space with the Peregrine Mission. It was so exciting to be a part of the team preparing the spectrometer that was sent into space, I even received an invitation from NASA to watch the launch in Florida! Although it‘s obviously a bit far to travel, I watched it online and it was incredible to think I was a part of that mission and recognised as part of the team by NASA!

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Be confident in yourself and your abilities. It's easy to feel intimidated, especially in a university setting, but everyone has unique perspectives and skills to offer. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help when needed. Keep learning and stay curious.