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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$108K - $130K *

Unlock your potential with a role that drives innovation in engineering solutions for advanced training systems, utilizing systems engineering expertise in a collaborative environment to enhance naval...

Patuxent River, MDRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $220K *

Join a team that's redefining avionics systems engineering by translating customer needs into innovative architectures and requirements. Collaborate across domains to deliver high-quality solutions in...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $146K *

Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...

Maryland, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $195K *

Drive mission engineering initiatives by applying advanced modeling and simulation techniques. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational effectiveness and support strategic decision-making...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$87K - $135K *

Drive your career forward by leading systems engineering for a cloud-based enterprise system. Engage in architecture development, integration, and modernization efforts while ensuring security and ope...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $140K *

Drive spacecraft thermal design and analysis by leveraging CREO CAD and Ansys Simulation expertise. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to develop effective thermal management solutions, ensuri...

Denver, CORemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $156K *

Join us to design and implement advanced software for spacecraft simulators, enhancing simulation capabilities through collaboration, innovation, and adherence to industry best practices in a fast-pac...

San Jose, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$185K - $344K *

Engage in system engineering excellence by designing and maintaining SAP S/4 solutions. Collaborate across teams to optimize business processes and ensure robust integration, delivering scalable solut...

Three Rivers, TXRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform remote sensing capabilities by architecting advanced exploitation pipelines, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and developing innovative tools that enhance space observation analytics and mi...

Fairborn, OHRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $145K *

Lead the development of advanced geospatial systems by integrating software, algorithms, and data processing for remote sensing and signal processing applications, ensuring seamless interaction across...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive the development and integration of advanced nuclear energy systems by applying systems engineering methods to translate objectives into clear, verifiable requirements and solutions, while collab...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in transforming engineering processes for Jama, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and technical excellence. Drive integration, training, and support while managing a divers...

Merrimack, NHRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $166K *

Transform critical systems for the US Antarctic Program by designing, deploying, and maintaining Linux-based infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead operations in a unique, mi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$161K - $299K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative missile propulsion solutions, overseeing supplier collaboration, and ensuring performance and safety standards are met. Drive technical planning and execution...

Virginia, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $205K *

Champion technical sales for our EO satellite portfolio, focusing on international defense and intelligence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions, drive customer engag...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $243K *

Lead the charge in modernizing C4I systems by managing integration and testing strategies. Collaborate with an international team to define architecture and ensure system verification, driving project...

Colorado, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $315K *

Create and implement robust security architectures across enterprise, cloud, and infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards while guiding security initiatives and influen...

Carlsbad, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$85K - $110K *

Shape the future of utility design by leading a team in joint-use and electrical distribution projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to safety standards while fostering client relationships...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $160K *

Champion advanced IT infrastructure solutions by providing Tier 3 engineering and support. Leverage your expertise in Microsoft technologies to resolve complex issues, enhance system performance, and...

Washington DC, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $210K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, driving technical risk analysis and supporting mission-critical systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, develop, and maintain secure, scalable...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$109K - $159K *

Lead the charge in administering cutting-edge cloud technologies, focusing on AWS and Linux systems. Collaborate with development teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines while ensuring system security and re...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$76K - $145K *

Unlock your potential by leading cost estimating efforts for complex aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop accurate estimates and support both commercial and government...

Palo Alto, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $243K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, create specifications, and support the deployment of innovativ...

Littleton, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$94K - $175K *

Transform engineering projects by integrating multi-disciplinary teams, enhancing depot support, and driving strategic improvements. Collaborate with leadership and product teams to ensure compliance...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $243K *

Elevate your career by leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, support agile processes, and drive successful project outco...

Littleton, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.