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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$125K - $150K *

Drive your career with innovative AI-driven automation solutions that enhance IT operations and user experience. Collaborate across teams to minimize manual tasks, improve efficiency, and implement in...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$98K - $154K *

Unlock potential by leading the design of complex data hall infrastructure. This role combines technical expertise with project leadership, mentoring, and cross-team coordination to deliver innovative...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $154K *

Shape the future of data center infrastructure by leading complex design projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring adherence to quality standards while driving innovative solutions in a collaborative en...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $154K *

Grow your career with a leading role in designing complex data hall infrastructures. Leverage your expertise to lead projects, mentor teams, and ensure adherence to design standards while optimizing d...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $224K *

Lead the sustainment of satellite ground systems, ensuring operational readiness and mission continuity. Collaborate with government and industry partners to manage program execution, financials, and...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$118K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team enhancing nuclear power plants through advanced engineering. Leverage your expertise in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to drive power uprate projects, mentor junior staff, and...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$59K - $106K *

Drive high-voltage transmission line design projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to execute technical tasks, prepare documentation, and enha...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$116K - $165K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading the design and integration of marine vessels. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and quality in hull structure, propulsion, and auxiliary systems, wh...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $136K *

Elevate industrial design by creating detailed structural drawings and collaborating across disciplines. Utilize AutoCAD and CAD tools to support heavy engineering projects while ensuring safety and q...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$107K - $204K *

Transform business needs into actionable solutions by analyzing requirements, supporting SaaS applications, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance Global Trade and Licensing processe...

Texas, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $189K *

Contribute to critical government missions as a Release Train Engineer, facilitating Agile Release Train events, coaching teams, and driving continuous improvement to deliver value using cutting-edge...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Drive your career with a Senior Site Reliability Engineer role focused on building secure AWS GovCloud foundations for FedRAMP High and IL5, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while mentor...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$77K - $118K *

Join our structural design team to lead innovative projects, utilizing 3D modeling software to create structural layouts and solve complex design challenges. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Develop technical requirements for utility-scale battery energy storage systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and project specifications while drivin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$108K - $130K *

Lead the modernization and sustainment of complex software systems, enhancing quality and performance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to reduce technical debt and ensure mission-critic...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $180K *

Transform infrastructure design by leading complex data center initiatives, driving technical standards, and mentoring teams. Collaborate across functions to enhance operational excellence and innovat...

Tennessee, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $180K *

Shape the future of data center design by leading complex infrastructure initiatives, enforcing engineering standards, and mentoring teams to drive innovation and operational excellence across multipl...

Tennessee, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $180K *

Shape the future of data center design by leading complex infrastructure initiatives, enforcing engineering standards, and mentoring teams to drive innovation and operational excellence across multipl...

Tennessee, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $166K *

Unlock the potential of automation by developing end-to-end solutions using Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and support a s...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $350K *

Transform the landscape of reinforcement learning by designing evaluations and environments that enhance model training and performance. Collaborate with researchers to identify and address model fail...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Transform customer experiences by leading technical sales and support initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive successful deployments and enhance customer adoption of innovative r...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$113K - $178K *

Drive your career with a senior role focused on software development for control room simulators, collaborating with engineers to enhance plant models and ensure high-quality deliverables in a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $135K *

Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...

Georgia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining network solutions by designing, implementing, and supporting advanced LAN, WAN, and wireless systems. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to enhance network strateg...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, ensuring compliance with DO-178 and DO-254 standards. Collaborate with engineers and certification authorities to enhance software quali...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.