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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$255K - $290K *

Drive the technical vision for a complex database platform, ensuring scalability and performance. Lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance data infrastruc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $215K *

Unlock potential by leading AI architecture solutions that empower clients through innovative design, hands-on implementation, and strategic guidance, ensuring successful adoption of cutting-edge tech...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $230K *

Transform customer experiences by leading technical discovery and implementation for federal clients. Collaborate across teams to deliver cutting-edge autonomous solutions, ensuring successful deploym...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$100K - $152K *

Unlock your potential by designing high-voltage transmission lines, leading project teams, and collaborating with clients. Utilize your engineering expertise to drive innovative solutions and mentor j...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $195K *

Drive mission-critical operations and cybersecurity for a federal health data exchange. Lead 24x7 platform management, incident response, and vulnerability remediation to ensure seamless service for m...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$190K - $275K *

Champion innovation in aerospace as a technical authority, leading system architecture and integration for advanced interceptor products while ensuring mission success and technical integrity across m...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$135K - $160K *

Drive the development of advanced machine learning systems for autonomous trucks, leading a team in perception capabilities. Oversee the complete lifecycle from data requirements to deployment, ensuri...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $150K *

Shape the future of communication technology by providing expert technical support and training to diverse clients. Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions while m...

Phoenix, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Drive innovation in fiber optic communication by leading the design and development of high-speed transceivers, collaborating with engineering teams to address complex network switch connectivity chal...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $215K *

Elevate your career by implementing and optimizing Elastic Stack environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performance while driving automation and integr...

Fort Belvoir, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$157K - $283K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense by leading a dynamic portfolio of Air Force and Space Force programs, ensuring excellence in delivery, financial performance, and client relationships...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$238K - $280K *

Lead the charge in developing autonomous attack workflows for external surfaces, leveraging your expertise to enhance reconnaissance capabilities and mentor engineers while driving strategic technical...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive the advancement of enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) capabilities in contested environments, leading technical studies and architectural development to enhance operat...

Washington, DCRemote

6 days ago

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

$163K - $226K *

Lead the AI enablement initiative, crafting tools and workflows to empower engineers across the organization, enhancing productivity and safety through innovative AI technologies and practices...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Transform your career by leading complex design change projects from inception to execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage substantial budgets, and drive innovation in a fast-paced e...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $260K *

Transform aircraft capabilities by integrating weapons and payloads. Collaborate with design teams to create innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with military standards while supporting testing...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $130K *

Join us in leading on-site installation activities for complex projects. As a key liaison, you'll ensure safety, quality, and schedule adherence while coordinating with diverse stakeholders to drive s...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $240K *

Develop innovative PCB layouts and improve product designs by collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ensure high quality and compliance throughout the engineering and manufacturing process, while...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$242K - $275K *

Lead the charge in developing and deploying robust containerized software, manage CI/CD workflows, and grow a cohesive engineering team to enhance customer security operations and software delivery ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $214K *

Join a dynamic team to build innovative on-vehicle communication frameworks and enhance autonomous vehicle safety through advanced software solutions and monitoring systems...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$97K - $192K *

Deliver expert engineering solutions for high voltage substation projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with teams to design and execute projects up to 500 kV, while mentor...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $200K *

Drive strategic revenue growth by identifying and capturing new business opportunities in aerospace. Lead complex pursuits, develop executive relationships, and execute account strategies to enhance m...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$228K - $423K *

Lead the charge in managing international sustainment programs, overseeing contracts and cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional services for the MH-60R fleet while driving growth and customer s...

Owego, NYRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $200K *

Drive impactful design and development of front-end features, owning the code from concept to production. Collaborate with teams to establish design systems and set direction for user-centric products...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$77K - $118K *

Lead the design and development of substation and transmission line projects, collaborating with engineers and project teams to deliver high-quality civil site designs and ensure compliance with regul...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 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.