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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1
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$107K - $204K *

Champion the development and integration of advanced manufacturing equipment and automation solutions, driving innovation and efficiency across multiple sites while collaborating with vendors and ensu...

Florida, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $150K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity operations by managing incident response, mentoring SOC analysts, and developing processes to effectively identify and mitigate threats in a 24/7 Security Op...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $216K *

Join a team that's driving growth initiatives for the US Air Force. You'll develop strategies, manage relationships, and support pipeline development to enhance business opportunities and position the...

Mc Lean, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$139K - $174K *

Engineer impactful electrical systems by leading projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate to foster innovation and quality in complex building designs, d...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$84K - $129K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team in structural engineering, tackling innovative projects in nuclear facilities. Collaborate, guide, and utilize advanced tools to design and analyze struct...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $154K *

Lead the charge in high-quality process design for complex industrial projects, collaborating across disciplines to ensure effective delivery from concept to detail, while driving execution in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$171K - $268K *

Discover your potential as a Principal Engineer/System Architect, driving innovative networking solutions and leading a collaborative team to define complex architecture while engaging with partners t...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $189K *

Shape the future of network infrastructure by leading modernization efforts across classified and unclassified systems. Collaborate with teams to design secure, high-performance networks while ensurin...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $252K *

Shape the future of cloud infrastructure by optimizing AWS GovCloud environments. Leverage your expertise in architecture and security compliance while empowering technical teams toward innovation and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $100K *

Transform complex network systems by leading design, implementation, and support efforts. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance telecommunications infrastructures and ensure compliance with cybers...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Lead the charge in advancing electrical infrastructure services, driving strategic growth and operational excellence across heavy industrial sectors. Foster client relationships and mentor teams to en...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$153K - $166K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI governance in software development. As a Senior Engineer, you'll design policies and tools that ensure safe, effective use of AI coding agents, empowering d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of advanced simulation capabilities to validate technology and services, ensuring alignment with internal teams and managing customer requests while integrating external tools for...

Austin, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Engage as a Design Engineer, bridging design and engineering to create user-centric interfaces. Architect smooth interactions within our platform while implementing a robust design system that enhance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$180K - $240K *

Transform the future of distributed systems by designing and building robust platform components. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and scalability in mission-critical environments, driving...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $130K *

Shape the future of Precision Guided Munitions by leading capture strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with program objectives. Drive innovation and enhance program per...

Cedar Rapids, IARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovative solutions by architecting a cutting-edge Command & Control system for large drone swarms, influencing design and implementation while collaborating with a dynamic team to tackle co...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $179K *

Join a dynamic team to lead security engineering initiatives, ensuring robust protection of cloud infrastructure and sensitive data while driving compliance and mission success in complex federal envi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $195K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced platforms that automate operations and enhance AI-driven interactions. This hands-on role combines technical leadership with coding, mentoring, and ensuring comp...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Champion security excellence by driving secure SDLC practices, managing compliance, and leading incident response. Collaborate with DevOps and ensure robust risk management practices to protect vital...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $166K *

Lead the charge in advancing cutting-edge mechanical engineering solutions for high-performance electronics in space systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative designs that...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Transform the future of autonomous ground support equipment by leading product strategy and roadmap development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, performance, and reliability...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $152K *

Accelerate your career by leading high voltage substation projects, collaborating with engineers to solve complex electrical issues, and enhancing your skills through peer learning and client interact...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$92K - $158K *

Optimize security for AWS infrastructure by designing and implementing robust controls. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and continuous monitoring while addressing vulnerabilities and enhan...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$88K - $154K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as you craft and execute comprehensive software test plans for mission-critical applications, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-paced, innovative en...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.