Space Systems Engineer Jobs

Explore Space Systems Engineer opportunities with organizations developing spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and other mission-critical technologies. These roles bring together engineering disciplines to define, integrate, test, and operate complex systems for commercial, civil, and national security missions. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced engineers find opportunities aligned with their skills and career goals.

What Does a Space Systems Engineer Do?

Space Systems Engineers guide a mission or product from early requirements through design, integration, verification, and operations. They translate mission objectives into technical requirements, coordinate interfaces across hardware and software teams, evaluate system-level risks, and help ensure that components work together reliably in demanding environments.

Common Responsibilities and Specialties

Responsibilities vary by employer and program, but may include requirements management, architecture development, trade studies, interface control, modeling and simulation, integration and test planning, verification, and technical coordination. Related specialties include spacecraft systems, satellite communications, avionics, guidance, navigation and control, payloads, launch systems, ground systems, and mission operations.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek a degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, systems, or a related engineering field, along with experience on complex technical programs. Useful skills include systems engineering methods, requirements and configuration management, risk analysis, technical documentation, and cross-functional communication. Depending on the role, familiarity with standards, modeling tools, hardware and software integration, or security clearance requirements may also be important.

Space Systems Engineer Salary and Career Outlook

Compensation depends on experience, location, employer, mission area, and the scope of the role. Senior and specialized positions can offer strong earning potential, particularly for engineers with a record of delivering complex programs. Browse Ladders for vetted Space Systems Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more, and compare roles by responsibilities, qualifications, and career opportunity.

Find Space Systems Engineer Jobs on Ladders

Whether your background is in spacecraft design, satellite programs, launch vehicles, or mission integration, Ladders can help you discover high-paying professional opportunities. Review current openings and find a role where your systems expertise can contribute to the next generation of space missions.

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$124K - $238K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...

Palo Alto, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Join a team that's developing cutting-edge avionics architectures for diverse missions. Leverage your expertise in command and data handling to optimize system performance and ensure seamless integrat...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$106K - $198K *

Lead the charge in developing mission-critical Command & Control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and create innovative architectures that meet diverse...

Colorado, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$66K - $128K *

Unlock your potential as you design and implement software for spacecraft simulators, collaborating with engineers to create cutting-edge solutions in the space industry. This entry-level role offers...

San Jose, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $173K *

Optimize supplier performance and quality in a dynamic aerospace environment. Lead critical supplier assessments from qualification to delivery, ensuring compliance with high engineering standards and...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team to support satellite systems engineering and operations, ensuring optimal performance and maintenance of satellite communications in challenging environments, including annual depl...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$117K - $235K *

Innovate in remote sensing research by leading complex projects, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and driving technical excellence in space-based applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary t...

Albuquerque, NMRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team as the primary technical interface for launch vehicle integration. Oversee spacecraft processing and ensure mission success through effective collaboration with providers and inter...

Titusville, FLRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$104K - $173K *

Lead the charge in spacecraft structural analysis. Collaborate with engineers to ensure design integrity through advanced simulations, testing, and documentation in a fast-paced environment focused on...

Mountain View, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $144K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of program management by leveraging your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovative solutions in a cloud-native envir...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of program management solutions. Leverage your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovation and deliver high-quality, c...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$151K - $251K *

Drive the planning and execution of Flight Software development programs, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and program management for timely delivery of spacecraft software systems...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $280K *

Drive system architecture definition and refine requirements in a collaborative, agile environment. Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with customer needs and technical solutions...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $105K *

Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...

Pittsfield, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of software systems for autonomous aviation, managing architecture, integration, and performance across airborne, ground, and cloud environments to enhance operation and reliabili...

Mountain View, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Innovate in mission planning by developing autonomous operations for satellite constellations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, prototype code, and optimize algorithms...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $112K *

Transform engineering systems by optimizing CATIA and related tools, ensuring effective deployment and governance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity and drive continuous...

Huntington Beach, CARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $251K *

Engineer innovative software solutions by leading development activities, applying advanced programming techniques, and ensuring adherence to standards throughout the software lifecycle to address com...

Virginia, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative GN&C solutions for lunar missions, providing technical leadership and driving system performance from design to flight operations, while collaborating across multidisciplinary team...

Madison, ALRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of power systems engineering. As a key member, you'll design and develop scalable analysis modules, driving innovation in distribution system analysis and optimiz...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$87K - $157K *

Transform the Naval Enterprise Network through Model-Based Systems Engineering, utilizing SysML and CSM tools to develop and manage system models, requirements, and designs while collaborating with st...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$151K - $176K *

Lead the charge in ensuring compliance and optimization for next-gen satellite communications by translating complex regulations and providing technical guidance across multidisciplinary teams, drivin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$90K - $100K *

Contribute to the development and integration of mission-critical systems, applying systems engineering principles to ensure high reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to support the enti...

Pittsfield, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Space Systems Engineer?question toggle

    A Space Systems Engineer coordinates the technical elements of a space mission or product, translating mission goals into requirements and helping teams design, integrate, verify, and operate systems such as spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and ground systems.

  • What qualifications do Space Systems Engineer jobs typically require?question toggle

    Many roles require a bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, electrical, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline, plus relevant experience with complex systems. Some positions may prefer an advanced degree or require specialized technical experience or a security clearance.

  • What skills are important for Space Systems Engineers?question toggle

    Commonly valued skills include requirements development, system architecture, interface management, risk analysis, integration and verification, modeling and simulation, technical writing, and the ability to coordinate across engineering disciplines.

  • How much do Space Systems Engineers earn?question toggle

    Pay varies with experience, location, employer, specialty, and program responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying Space Systems Engineer opportunities.

  • Where can Space Systems Engineers work?question toggle

    They may work for aerospace and defense contractors, commercial space companies, satellite and communications providers, government agencies, research organizations, or companies building launch, spacecraft, payload, and ground systems.