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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

East Hartford, CTRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Muskogee, OKRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$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...

Pittsfield, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

North Olmsted, OHRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Cambridge, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Falls Church, VARemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.