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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$107K - $204K *

Transform cost engineering by leading modeling and benchmarking efforts, driving transparency in supplier negotiations across diverse products. Collaborate with teams to develop innovative cost soluti...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $175K *

Join a dynamic engineering team as a Senior Technical Advisor, providing strategic guidance on emerging technologies and systems integration while supporting Agile program execution and modernization...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering expert engineering solutions while managing projects safely and efficiently. Leverage your technical expertise to mentor others and drive innovation in gener...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of building operations by optimizing BAS effectiveness and energy management. Oversee service contracts, upgrades, and troubleshooting to ensure system reliability and enhance occupan...

Washington DC, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Drive the development of cutting-edge AI systems by leveraging your expertise in Go and Python. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize and refine scalable services, ensuring high performance and u...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$132K - $238K *

Lead the design and integration of advanced mechanical systems for hyperscale data centers, focusing on liquid cooling technologies and ensuring performance, manufacturability, and compliance with ind...

Austin, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$166K - $228K *

Engineer cutting-edge AI/ML infrastructures and lead cross-functional teams. Drive market research and innovative strategies to optimize server system designs, ensuring high performance and quality ac...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $125K *

Lead and coordinate engineering projects, ensuring technical quality and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managing resources, schedules, and bu...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $150K *

Join a team that's engineering innovative cloud solutions, ensuring stability and performance while driving continuous improvement across scalable environments. Your expertise will shape the future of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Join a team that's transforming the Space ecosystem by driving strategic acquisition efforts. You'll lead capture initiatives, engage stakeholders, and develop win strategies that bolster national sec...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$178K - $200K *

Join us to shape the future of observability in infrastructure. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and enhance our metrics and logging platforms while driving automation and AI integration ac...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $187K *

Innovate the future of AI security by designing and implementing robust defenses against adversarial threats, ensuring the integrity of AI systems while fostering innovation and collaboration across c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the design and optimization of mechanical systems for data centers, ensuring reliability, energy efficiency, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational perform...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$125K - $160K *

Elevate your career by owning electrical application engineering for prefabricated platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver scalable solutions, ensuring design integrity and execution read...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$111K - $206K *

Transform global sourcing strategies for commodities, driving value through innovative procurement projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize costs, manage supplier relationships, a...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $185K *

Lead the charge in developing compelling proposals for government contracts, managing the entire proposal process from strategy to submission. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure complia...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$119K - $161K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, support developers, and ensure successful Agile delivery throughout th...

Annapolis, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $129K *

Elevate your career by applying your expertise in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to design and optimize nuclear power plant systems. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while driv...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$63K - $111K *

Elevate project execution by supporting engineering and construction teams in delivering complex industrial infrastructure projects through technical coordination and quality assurance activities...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

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

$75K - $158K *

Elevate your career as a Senior Business Systems Analyst, driving modernization initiatives in federal financial systems. Collaborate with teams to analyze data, implement solutions, and lead developm...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $158K *

Drive enterprise-level technical solutions by analyzing system needs, coordinating design activities, and ensuring compliance with governance processes. Leverage your expertise to enhance performance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clean energy by developing and owning plant process simulation models. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance design, operations, and plant dynamics for in...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$148K - $201K *

Join us to shape the future of secure software delivery by developing AI-driven workflows and orchestrating complex systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive solutions that...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of IT infrastructure and security operations, driving the migration to a Nutanix-based IaaS environment. Collaborate with teams to enhance security, compliance, and automation, utilizin...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.