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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$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

$180K - $200K *

Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate secure network solutions by engineering and supporting robust infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security technologies, ensuring reliable connectivity and comp...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $251K *

Shape the future of aviation by developing advanced machine learning models to enhance operational efficiency for major airlines and airports. Join a dynamic team where innovative ideas drive tangible...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Elevate cloud solutions by designing, deploying, and managing scalable Azure infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance, security, and compliance while driv...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $180K *

Shape the future of power generation by overseeing electrical systems' performance, reliability, and safety. Collaborate with teams to manage maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvements across dive...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $140K *

Deliver impactful project leadership in a multi-phase AI integration program, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals while fostering collaboration across technical and leadership...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of renewable energy by leading 3D design for utility-scale battery and solar projects. Collaborate with engineers, mentor designers, and ensure project success through innovative...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$154K - $260K *

Join an innovative team to lead and evolve critical Core Infrastructure. Oversee infrastructure strategy, improve operational health, and drive automation to boost performance across a globally distri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$172K - $229K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of autonomous vehicle software by diagnosing and deploying solutions. Join a dynamic team to enhance capabilities and resolve complex challenges in a high-stakes e...

Las Vegas, NVRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$135K - $160K *

Advance your career by joining a dynamic team focused on delivering innovative enterprise solutions. Engage with a variety of technologies while supporting mission-critical systems. Drive customer suc...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in advancing show control systems by designing large-scale projects, mentoring engineers, and developing best practices to enhance performance and user experience across diverse entert...

New York, NYRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$95K - $115K *

Optimize show control systems by leading large projects, mentoring engineers, and developing best practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and ensure seamless integrat...

Orlando, FLRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

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.