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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining power delivery solutions by engaging with customers to translate complex power architecture into innovative connector and cable designs, ensuring alignment between engine...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $222K *

Lead a structural engineering team, guiding projects for nuclear facilities. Utilize your expertise in design and analysis while collaborating with clients and multidisciplinary teams to deliver innov...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $140K *

Pioneer innovative AI solutions by designing agentic systems, governing quality, and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across technical, domain, and business axes to translate complex requirements into...

New York, NYRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $110K *

Drive the design and evaluation of marine vessels, supporting the US Coast Guard with naval architecture analysis, stability assessments, and prototype testing to ensure safety and efficiency in shipb...

Mc Lean, VARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$82K - $172K *

Advance your career as an Embedded Linux Software Developer, contributing to the evolution of mission-critical devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance networking capabilities and d...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $152K *

Unlock your potential by working in a collaborative team to design, analyze, and improve complex control systems in nuclear power plants, focusing on innovative solutions and critical project executio...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$165K - $260K *

Elevate operational efficiency by designing and delivering cutting-edge AI and automation solutions. Collaborate with teams to turn complex challenges into scalable, impactful implementations that enh...

California City, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$117K - $146K *

Join us to drive growth in the Aerospace and Defense sector by developing sales strategies, providing technical expertise, and building strong customer relationships that enhance profitability and mar...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$59K - $106K *

Lead the charge in optimizing CAD workflows and standards, supporting engineering teams to enhance project delivery efficiency through effective management of CAD systems, templates, and technical doc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$132K - $251K *

Join a team that's transforming endpoint management by leading the integration of SCCM, Tanium, JAMF, and Intune. Oversee a skilled team, drive compliance, and ensure operational efficiency across Win...

Connecticut, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $125K *

Unlock your potential as a software engineer, driving innovation in AI solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop and deploy cutting-edge software that enhances productivity and automates w...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$84K - $129K *

Champion innovative solutions in instrumentation and control systems for power plants. Collaborate with engineers to design, troubleshoot, and enhance digital systems, ensuring project success and cli...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$87K - $157K *

Unlock your potential as a mid-level Software Engineer, driving innovation in AI-enabled platforms. Collaborate with a diverse team to build intelligent agents and backend services, enhancing automati...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for Field Engineering projects, acting as the key liaison among internal teams and customers. Oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions to meet...

Virginia, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in deploying and managing complex network installations, ensuring quality control and effective project execution while collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors to meet ope...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$103K - $138K *

Engineer and oversee site implementations, ensuring quality control and effective project management for network installations. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and maintain operational standard...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$160K - $193K *

Lead a team to develop metrics and analysis tools that enhance decision-making for autonomous driving software. Engage in hands-on data analysis, manage workflows, and drive insights to improve system...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$116K - $165K *

Transform your career with a leading role in marine mechanical engineering, overseeing design and integration for commercial and governmental vessels. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure complian...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Empower cross-functional collaboration by aligning technology with business priorities. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance cybersecurity compliance, and foster trusted relationships to optimize ente...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by serving as a strategic liaison between Finance, Facilities, and Supply Chain functions and IT, ensuring alignment of technology capabilities with business priorities and driving su...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $175K *

Shape the future of defense solutions by leveraging C5ISR expertise to develop mission-focused strategies for the U.S. Army and Department of War, ensuring alignment with customer priorities and acqui...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Lead and manage design-build projects, ensuring timely completion within budget while meeting client objectives and contractual obligations. Oversee scope development, financial performance, and compl...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Transportation

$105K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading SAP manufacturing operations, enhancing project systems, and driving continuous improvement. Collaborate across teams to optimize planning, cost visibility, and execution e...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $125K *

Elevate cybersecurity measures by designing and implementing robust controls for enterprise applications and infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with federal s...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of dental technology by leading software development for specialized machines, shaping the future of custom prosthetics manufacturing in a dynamic, high-growth env...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.