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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Substation Physical Designer 1 -- Grid
$77K - $118K *
Elevate your career by designing high voltage substations, collaborating with engineers to create detailed drawings and plans. Utilize your expertise in AutoCAD or MicroStation to deliver high-quality...
Yesterday
Principal Engineer Materials Modeling (Remote)
$107K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of advanced materials modeling tools for gas turbine engines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes and drive innovatio...
Reposted 5 days ago
Software Engineer - Special Projects and Innovation
$99K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining innovation in software engineering for critical facilities. You'll design and deliver cutting-edge applications and data solutions, driving projects from concept to deplo...
Today
Surveillance Radar Journeyman Advisor
$80K - $128K *
Engage in the modernization of the National Airspace System by providing expert analysis and support for radar systems. Collaborate with FAA stakeholders to enhance air traffic management and ensure t...
Yesterday
Construction SW Development Specialist
$105K - $150K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on integrating construction technology solutions. Collaborate with customers and partners to enhance workflows, drive adoption, and deliver impactful...
Yesterday
$75K - $110K *
Engage in the successful delivery of automation projects, supporting execution through commissioning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, budget, and schedule adherence while de...
6 days ago
Full Stack Software Engineer - Secret
$103K - $181K *
Shape the future of secure software by developing full-stack applications that support critical government missions. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions in dynamic e...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $111K *
Champion complex systems engineering initiatives with a focus on safety, delivering innovative solutions that comply with DoD standards. Lead hazard analysis and risk mitigation efforts while mentorin...
1 week ago
Senior Substation Relay + Control Engineer
$105K - $150K *
Elevate the future of high-voltage systems by leading design and delivery of protection and control solutions for substations, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with industry standar...
5 days ago
$104K - $166K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity operations. As a Senior SOC Analyst, you'll monitor threats, analyze network traffic, and lead incident response efforts while mentoring junior...
Yesterday
$104K - $166K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity operations by monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents. Leverage your expertise to protect critical systems and mentor junior...
1 week ago
Engineer - Application Cybersecurity (Remote)
$108K - $130K *
Engineer application security solutions to enhance product safety and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate security throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring adherence...
Today
Software Engineer III, Infrastructure, Google Distributed Cloud
$147K - $210K *
Empower your career with a role focused on developing large-scale infrastructure and distributed systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance cloud technologies and deliver critical services for diverse...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Liquid Cooling Systems
$137K - $171K *
Engineer cutting-edge mechanical cooling and hydraulic systems for modular AI data centers. Drive design, integration, and commissioning of innovative solutions, ensuring efficiency and reliability ac...
3 weeks ago
$62K - $99K *
Join a dynamic team to perform critical inspections on aerospace components, ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous imp...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Engage in technical leadership and project management to develop industry standards and reports. Collaborate with working groups to drive best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives...
1 week ago
Senior/Lead Forward Deployed AI Engineer/Architect-Copilot/Azure
$135K - $160K *
Unlock innovative AI solutions by deploying and scaling advanced workflows. Collaborate with clients to transform business challenges into reliable, AI-driven applications, leveraging cutting-edge tec...
Yesterday
$100K - $120K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role focused on coding, cloud resources, and database support. Lead automation projects, solve unique challenges daily, and collaborate with teams to deliver practical...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Observability
$120K - $145K *
Champion the development of innovative observability solutions, leveraging your expertise in Go and network protocols to enhance network automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver...
3 weeks ago
Senior Construction Project Manager
$110K - $130K *
Transform project execution by leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and ensuring timely delivery. Engage with clients and contractors to drive successful outcomes in construction projects...
6 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's leading the modernization of a legacy system. Drive architectural decisions, enhance engineering practices, and foster a culture of innovation while ensuring reliable delivery and c...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager- Cloud Operations- Fedramp
$166K - $238K *
Lead a dynamic team of engineers in cloud operations, driving reliability and automation. Collaborate across departments to optimize performance and enhance mission-critical services for government cl...
1 week ago
$100K - $170K *
Engineer innovative mechanical solutions for DOJ/BOP facilities, providing expert analysis and support for HVAC systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance decision-making through technical docu...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Develop strategic sourcing initiatives for IT software and services, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness. Drive negotiations and manage supplier relat...
6 days ago
$125K - $140K *
Unlock your potential as a senior technical contributor, leading infrastructure design and implementation. Drive strategic decisions, mentor junior engineers, and enhance system performance in a dynam...
6 days ago
What is a Space Systems Engineer?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.