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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$85K - $134K *

Engage in the design and optimization of data hall infrastructure, managing moderate-complexity projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and scalabili...

Tennessee, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $168K *

Shape strategic sourcing initiatives by collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive savings and efficiencies in the Mechanical category. Manage supplier relationships and execute OneLM Agreemen...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and optimizing enterprise data solutions in a Databricks Lakehouse environment, supporting critical missions with a focus on scalability and best practices...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $260K *

Lead the charge in securing global systems as a Cybersecurity Engineer, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement secure architectures while ensuring compliance with critical s...

Carlsbad, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Engage in innovative software development, collaborating with Agile teams to design, implement, and support solutions for population simulation. Drive project timelines and enhance application process...

Alexandria, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing secure software delivery processes through CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure as code. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable appli...

Chicago, ILRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$98K - $206K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior CSfC Systems Engineer, deploying cutting-edge networking solutions across the U.S. and globally. Leverage your expertise in virtualization and data center architecture...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $130K *

Partner with us to design and implement secure, scalable network solutions. Leverage your expertise in networking technologies to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating with cross-fun...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading system testing efforts for critical USAF missions. Collaborate on process improvements, develop test documents, and execute various testing types to ensure system operabili...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering complex automation projects, overseeing all phases from planning to closeout. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet safety, budget...

Reno, NVRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$134K - $205K *

Drive modernization of nuclear power plants by leading and supporting control projects, coordinating across disciplines, and ensuring technical execution to enhance operational efficiency and client s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$134K - $205K *

Champion the modernization of nuclear control systems by leading diverse projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful outcomes and client satisfaction in the energy sec...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $120K *

Help us drive procurement excellence by leveraging your mechanical engineering expertise to support strategic sourcing and supplier management for defense programs, ensuring quality and cost-effective...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead strategic procurement initiatives by leveraging mechanical engineering expertise to optimize sourcing, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships for defense programs, ensuring qualit...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $210K *

Elevate cutting-edge research by providing technical support and strategic assessments for ARPA-H projects. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate discoveries into real-world applicati...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$179K - $228K *

Join a team of engineers solving complex networking and security challenges through low-level software development for critical communication systems. Engage in hands-on programming that directly impa...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Design innovative Civil systems for mission-critical environments, ensuring compliance and safety. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver reliable infrastructure solutions that enhance ope...

Texas, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K *

Drive enterprise-level implementations of phishing-resistant authentication solutions, leading technical deployments and integrations across various identity platforms while ensuring customer success...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $115K *

Elevate team performance and delivery by leading a technical group, setting clear expectations, providing mentorship, and managing project needs while ensuring quality and employee development in a dy...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $105K *

Elevate your career by leading electrical design projects, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with clients. This role offers the chance to enhance your expertise while contributing to impac...

Ottawa, ONRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $120K *

Join a team that's advancing flood mapping through innovative SAR technology. Collaborate with experts to develop algorithms and analyze satellite data, contributing to critical environmental research...

College Park, MDRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $125K *

Lead innovative design solutions as a Senior Design Engineer, transforming client needs into actionable broadcast system designs. Collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure pro...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$157K - $283K *

Elevate your career by managing complex R&D projects in wireless communication, focusing on 6G security for military applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative soluti...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$75K - $84K *

Design and develop software for U.S. Navy platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance tactical capabilities. Engage in agile methodologies and contribute to innovative solutions fo...

Manassas, VARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $157K *

Elevate your career by supporting the FAA's innovative Radar Surveillance Replacement initiative. Collaborate with teams at critical airports, ensuring seamless installation and implementation while l...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.