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.
$82K - $113K *
Join a team revolutionizing space systems! As a Systems Engineer I, you'll develop technical budgets, define requirements, lead spacecraft missions, and work hands-on with hardware, driving innovation...
Reposted 1 week ago
Remote Sensing Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced remote sensing software solutions, guiding multi-disciplinary teams to create high-fidelity analytics tools that enhance mission outcomes through innovative imag...
2 weeks ago
Remote Sensing Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Transform remote sensing capabilities by architecting advanced exploitation pipelines, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and developing innovative tools that enhance space observation analytics and mi...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer – Employment Engineer
$140K *
Drive advanced weapon-system capabilities by analyzing targeting data, optimizing employment strategies, and supporting integration efforts for the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile–Nuclear program. Collabo...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading radar systems engineering efforts, integrating software and hardware, and managing requirements to enhance military capabilities. Collaborate across disciplines to drive in...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer, Mid Level - SATCOM Training & Simulation Support
$90K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance SATCOM qualification training through instructional design and simulator support, ensuring effective delivery of mission-critical training aligned with operational stand...
2 weeks ago
$101K - $151K *
Innovate as a Senior Cybersecurity Systems Engineer, driving mission-critical solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards while enhancing syste...
Today
$210K - $250K *
Lead the development of a cutting-edge orbital transfer vehicle, overseeing all technical aspects from design to flight. Collaborate with teams and manage suppliers to ensure successful integration an...
2 days ago
Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)
$150K - $218K *
Drive compliance and security excellence as you lead the Information Systems Security Program, ensuring robust protection for classified systems while collaborating with stakeholders to maintain opera...
2 weeks ago
Configuration & Design Engineer
$115K - $155K *
Elevate product integrity by leading configuration management processes, ensuring accurate documentation and change control across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams for hardware and s...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $175K *
Shape the future of PCBA manufacturing by leading cross-functional teams to ensure successful product delivery, operational excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the production lifecycle f...
3 weeks ago
Avionics Test Engineer (Digital/Optical)
$115K - $130K *
Elevate your career by integrating cutting-edge optical technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop automated testing solutions, ensuring seamless performance of advanced optical...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Specialist - Digital Systems Engineering
$151K - $226K *
Unlock potential by leading projects in Digital Systems Engineering, where you'll guide teams to implement DE and MBSE methodologies for space and defense systems, optimizing performance and advising...
Reposted 3 days ago
$105K - $165K *
Design and optimize environmental test systems for spacecraft components, ensuring rigorous qualification and acceptance testing. Collaborate with teams to validate hardware performance under space-li...
2 weeks ago
Principal Systems Engineer - Processing, Guidance, & Controls Engineers t
$107K - $204K *
Lead the development and evaluation of advanced control and navigation algorithms for autonomous systems, collaborating across engineering teams to enhance system performance and reliability in comple...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Radar & Systems Specialist
$135K - $160K *
Analyze complex intelligence challenges and lead a team in developing innovative solutions for global defense initiatives, collaborating closely with military and government clients to enhance air def...
3 weeks ago
Space Ops Analysis Engineer/ Systems Engineer II Onsite
$75K - $144K *
Help us deliver innovative modeling and simulation solutions to enhance space and missile system integration, leading cross-domain performance analysis and supporting future tech growth within a colla...
Reposted 1 week ago
Cleared Senior/Principal R&D Systems Engineer, Project Lead, Onsite
$117K - $235K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the development of advanced RF/microwave systems for national security. Collaborate with experts, manage project lifecycles, and mentor engineers while ensuring high-qualit...
Today
$208K *
Champion the development, integration, and testing of mission-critical flight software across various applications, ensuring robust reliability from prototype to flight-ready stages. Bring your expert...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director of Program Management, Defense Solutions
$185K - $225K *
Drive the success of a high-impact satellite ground systems program, ensuring exceptional delivery and compliance within U.S. national defense standards through effective program management and cross...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electronic Warfare Radio Frequency Engineer
$200K - $240K *
Shape the future of electronic warfare by leading innovative RF system designs and integrations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance airborne threat simulations and ensure mission succ...
Yesterday
Senior Electronic Warfare Radio Frequency Engineer
$200K - $240K *
Lead the development of advanced Electronic Warfare and RF systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for airborne threat simulation and mission readiness in a...
Yesterday
$120K - $160K *
Transform AI/ML capabilities by providing expert technical advisory support for the acquisition and integration of software services, ensuring mission-critical efficiency and innovation in ground ente...
Reposted yesterday
$131K - $243K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge avionics systems, ensuring compliance and reliability through rigorous analysis and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative aerospace...
1 week ago
$131K - $243K *
Shape the future of aerospace by leading the development of advanced avionics systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and reliability, while delivering innovative solutio...
1 week 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.