Explore Satellite Systems Engineer opportunities for experienced professionals ready to design, integrate, and support the systems that enable satellite communications, navigation, Earth observation, and space missions. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping you discover roles that match your technical expertise and career goals.
Satellite Systems Engineers work across the lifecycle of complex space systems, translating mission needs into technical requirements and coordinating the hardware, software, communications, power, thermal, and control subsystems needed to meet them. Depending on the role, responsibilities may include architecture development, modeling and simulation, requirements management, interface coordination, integration and verification, and on-orbit performance analysis.
Employers commonly seek experience with systems engineering principles, requirements and configuration management, technical documentation, and system integration and test. Familiarity with spacecraft or satellite communications, RF systems, orbital mechanics, mission operations, reliability engineering, and tools for modeling or analysis may also be valuable. Many positions prefer a degree in aerospace, electrical, computer, mechanical, or systems engineering, along with relevant industry experience; requirements vary by employer and mission.
Satellite Systems Engineers may work for aerospace and defense companies, satellite operators, technology firms, government contractors, or organizations developing commercial and scientific missions. Career paths can lead to senior systems engineering, subsystem leadership, mission architecture, program technical leadership, or engineering management. Explore current listings to find opportunities aligned with your experience, location preferences, and professional ambitions.
Use Ladders to search vetted professional openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Review each listing for its responsibilities, qualifications, compensation details, and work arrangement, then focus your search on roles that fit your background in satellite and space systems.
Sr. Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer
$135K - $202K *
Lead cross-functional teams in the integration and testing of advanced electro-optical subsystems while ensuring optimal performance and reliability of launch vehicle technologies. Collaborate effecti...
3 weeks ago
Radio Frequency Engineer Asc - EarlyCareer
$67K - $124K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop RF systems, ensuring high-performance integration and testing. Contribute to innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment while managing supplier technica...
1 week ago
Senior Optical Systems Engineer
$72K - $149K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of optical systems for military reconnaissance. Lead product development, manage requirements, and ensure compliance through rigorous testing and analysis in a co...
Reposted 6 days ago
Manufacturing Engineer, Spacecraft Avionics
$140K - $205K *
Engage cross-functional teams to oversee avionics production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality hardware for spacecraft. Drive project execution and coordinate efforts across engineering, manuf...
Today
Scientist, Systems Engineering
$153K - $284K *
Take ownership of secure communications system architectures, leading teams to develop and certify cryptographic products. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure compliance with NSA standards while...
Today
Scientist, Systems Engineering
$153K - $284K *
Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineering Lead, driving innovative solutions in Electronic Warfare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and lead complex projects...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer, Space Payloads
$130K - $160K *
Shape the future of space technology by leading the design and integration of advanced electro-optical sensor systems. Drive innovation and ensure mission success while mentoring a multi-disciplinary...
2 weeks ago
Cleared Senior/Principal Systems Engineer & Project Lead, Onsite
$117K - $235K *
Champion advanced RF/microwave systems engineering for national security. Lead R&D efforts, influence product lifecycle strategies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver critical com...
1 week ago
Network or Electronics Engineer - ESA
$72K - $118K *
Join our team to manage and engineer telecommunication system installations. Lead projects from initiation to closeout while working with advanced electronics in FAA environments. Embrace significant...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Mid-Level Systems Engineer
$176K - $282K *
Manage enterprise-focused engineering support for DoD initiatives, ensuring technical integrity and quality across multiple ISO/IEC 15288 process areas. Supervise project engineering teams and engage...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer - ATE (Contractor)
$90K - $140K *
Join our innovative team to create and validate cutting-edge power electronics products. Drive the design process from concept through production while collaborating across disciplines to optimize per...
4 weeks ago
SE&V Lead System Engineer - Regional C2BMC
$129K - $239K *
Lead and mentor a diverse systems engineering team, guiding the development of models, requirements, and architectures while ensuring effective stakeholder communication and integration of advanced to...
3 weeks ago
$81K - $150K *
Innovate in the design and development of advanced Radio Frequency systems. Lead hardware layout, prototype construction, and testing to ensure optimal performance in high-frequency applications. Coll...
2 weeks ago
$81K - $150K *
Shape the future of RF technology by designing and developing advanced systems and circuitry. Collaborate on hardware layout, testing, and performance analysis to ensure optimal functionality in high...
2 weeks ago
Embedded Software Engineer, Viasat Government
$140K - $221K *
Empower innovation by developing embedded software for advanced encrypted communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and transition cutting-edge cryptographic...
1 week ago
Embedded Software Engineer, Viasat Government
$140K - $221K *
Transform embedded software solutions for encrypted communications systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and certify high-speed encryptors, ensuring robust security an...
1 week ago
Embedded Software Engineer, Viasat Government
$140K - $221K *
Join a dynamic team to develop embedded software for advanced encrypted communication systems. Collaborate with engineers to design, implement, and transition innovative cryptographic solutions into s...
1 week ago
Embedded Software Engineer, Viasat Government
$140K - $221K *
Lead the charge in developing embedded software for advanced encrypted communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and transition innovative cryptographic solu...
1 week ago
Lead Facility Network Comm Project Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Engineer and manage facility network communications, ensuring integration, troubleshooting, and stakeholder collaboration in a classified environment while supporting enhancements and performance metr...
Reposted 5 days ago
Mid-level Full Stack Software Engineer - SATCOM
$86K - $138K *
Elevate your career by developing secure, scalable satellite communication services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement backend and frontend solutions, ensuring alignment...
2 weeks ago
Mid-level Full Stack Software Engineer - SATCOM
$104K - $166K *
Unlock the potential of satellite communications by developing secure, scalable software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and maintain backend and frontend serv...
2 weeks ago
$94K - $156K *
Unlock innovative solutions in spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control. Collaborate with senior engineers to design, analyze, and validate systems for groundbreaking missions, enhancing algorithm...
3 weeks ago
Senior Hardware Electrical Engineer
$150K - $200K *
Elevate your career by owning the design and development of electrical systems for consumer devices. Collaborate across teams to optimize power efficiency and drive innovations from concept to mass pr...
3 weeks ago
Senior Supply Chain Engineer, Solid Missile Systems
$104K - $130K *
Champion supplier performance by driving quality, cost, and delivery improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes and ensure compliance, while managing sup...
2 weeks ago
Senior Complex Systems Engineer
$124K - $186K *
Explore innovative modeling and analysis techniques to tackle complex national challenges. Collaborate with government leaders to develop actionable insights and deployable tools, enhancing decision-m...
4 days ago
What does a Satellite Systems Engineer do?
A Satellite Systems Engineer defines and coordinates the technical requirements and subsystems of a satellite or space mission. Typical work may include system architecture, requirements management, integration and testing, performance analysis, and collaboration across engineering teams.
What qualifications are commonly required for Satellite Systems Engineer jobs?
Many employers look for a degree in aerospace, electrical, computer, mechanical, or systems engineering and experience with systems engineering, integration, verification, and technical requirements. Specific qualifications depend on the mission, employer, and seniority of the role.
Which skills are useful for Satellite Systems Engineers?
Useful skills can include requirements management, system-level design, modeling and simulation, integration and test, technical communication, and cross-functional coordination. Knowledge of satellite communications, RF systems, orbital mechanics, or mission operations may be relevant for some positions.
Where do Satellite Systems Engineers work?
They may work for aerospace and defense companies, satellite manufacturers and operators, technology firms, government contractors, and organizations developing commercial, government, or scientific space missions.
How can I find Satellite Systems Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Search Ladders for Satellite Systems Engineer openings and review listings for compensation, qualifications, responsibilities, and work arrangements. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs that pay $100,000 or more.