Embry-Riddle Promotes Space Industry Career Opportunities at Cape Canaveral Job Fair

A dozen representatives from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University attended the Aerospace/Aviation Job Fair, held Aug. 14, 2024, at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, to promote the wealth of career opportunities available within the space industry.

A first-of-its-kind community event, the job fair was supported by a wide variety of stakeholders. Hosted by the Sand Space History Center, it was jointly organized by Stephanie Robinson, project coordinator at CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia, and Robert S. Katz, CEO and executive director of World Innovation Network. Embry-Riddle’s significant attendance was proposed by Dr. David Hopfe, director of Research Development at Embry-Riddle, and organized by Heather Kim, the university’s executive director of Career Services.

“Everything at Embry-Riddle is aviation/aerospace: It’s not a department; it’s the whole university,” said Dr. Rob Kelly, Embry-Riddle's executive director of Corporate Relations, who delivered the event’s opening address. “We have a lot of really passionate students, and we really like to connect them with opportunities right here in Florida.”

The event highlighted aviation and aerospace career and training opportunities across a wide range of positions — from administration to engineering. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with both private companies and government agency employers, explore numerous career paths within the booming sector, and visit Embry-Riddle’s information table. There, resources outlined the university’s extensive space education and research programs, as well as its career development initiatives aimed at fostering the next generation of aerospace professionals. 

“Embry-Riddle’s significant participation was enthusiastically and consistently praised throughout the event, which reinforced even further the institution’s role in leading education, research and entrepreneurship activities in the aerospace industry,” said Hopfe. “The university’s commitment to shaping the industry’s future, and providing its students with clear paths to success, shined brightly.”

The approach of the event, which brought together members of the entire Florida Atlantic Space Region community, was commended by many — including Cape Canaveral Mayor Wes Morrison. He issued a proclamation recognizing the inaugural event’s launch as Aerospace/Aviation Workforce & Career Exploration Day. Kay Jackson, Cape Canaveral City Council member, presented the proclamation at the event. Finally, the Cadet Color Guard from the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol’s Titusville Composite Squadron also presented and posted the colors,

Florida’s Atlantic Space Region, a hub for commercial space launches, hosts major aerospace companies, including Blue Origin, OneWeb Satellites, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Embraer. These vibrant industry anchors underscore the region’s role as a key player in the global aerospace landscape. With significant construction activity at sites like Exploration Park and Melbourne-Orlando International Airport, as well as facilities from The Boeing Company and Aura Aero scheduled to open soon at Embry-Riddle, the region’s aerospace influence continues to surge.  

“Embry-Riddle continues to be a prime catalyst in aerospace growth through its insightful innovation, expert education and robust research at every stage.,” Katz added. “I am proud to have World Innovation Network, and our entire SPACE-BASE collaborative community, partner with the university on inspiring innovative initiatives to forge meaningful new career opportunities in Florida and worldwide.”

Embry-Riddle Delegation

For students, mid-career professionals or transitioning service members seeking careers in these high-demand fields, this event delivered invaluable opportunities to engage with a wide variety of employers all in one location.

The 12 members of the Embry-Riddle delegation who contributed to this event are listed as follows:

• Dr. Rob Kelly, Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Career Development
• Heather A. Kim, Executive Director of Career Services
• Arnold James, Executive Director of Worldwide Career Services
• Allison Austin, Director of Experiential Programs
• Dr. David Hopfe, Director of Research Development
• Rose Carlson, Associate Director of Career Services
• Sharon Patrick, Associate Director, Career Services
• Erin Minta, Assistant Director, Career Readiness & Professional Development
• Briana Allen, Career Development advisor
• Shelly Black, Career Development advisor
• Farnoz Raofi, Career Development advisor
• Jen Thomas, Career Development advisor

Posted In: Space