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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$160K - $200K *

Architect innovative solutions as a Senior Solutions Engineer, driving technical excellence in public sector engagements. Collaborate with clients to demonstrate product value, lead RFP responses, and...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $158K *

Manage and enhance AWS cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a dynamic Agile environment to solve complex challenges and optimize sy...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $175K *

Engineer and optimize enterprise platforms for diverse environments, ensuring seamless deployment and support. Collaborate with clients to enhance cybersecurity, compliance, and observability solution...

Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$208K - $244K *

Accelerate progress at a leading multi-product company by owning the architecture of shared services. Drive innovation in customer identity, commerce, and billing platforms while mentoring senior engi...

Austin, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $150K *

Champion innovative engineering solutions for diverse government projects, leveraging 15+ years of leadership experience to drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence in military and feder...

Virginia, USRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$90K - $189K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing information technology solutions within the Department of the Air Force. Drive the implementation and modernization of Tenable architecture to ensure complian...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $170K *

Transform critical government missions by providing hands-on engineering support for enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, and virtualization. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure the securit...

Washington DC, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$63K - $111K *

Advance infrastructure projects by leveraging electrical engineering expertise in design, analysis, and field investigations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and support...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$140K - $170K *

Execute complex, cross-functional initiatives while navigating ambiguity and redefining operational models. Your strategic insights and leadership will propel projects to success and enhance overall o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $180K *

Empower your career by delivering AI observability solutions end-to-end. Collaborate with a cross-functional team to enhance user experiences and drive insights into AI systems, shaping the future of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$148K - $200K *

Champion innovative electrical design for mission-critical facilities. Lead complex projects, mentor teams, and enhance efficiency through technology. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project s...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$84K - $129K *

Drive the design and development of high-voltage transmission lines, overseeing project teams and ensuring compliance with engineering standards while collaborating with clients and vendors to deliver...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$209K - $275K *

Transform your career by leading technical engagements with AI platform customers. Drive innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, leveraging your expertise in data center networking and AI techn...

Richardson, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$131K - $237K *

Unlock potential by driving business growth in the cruise missile sector, engaging with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps stakeholders to identify and capture new opportunities while collaborating with cross...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Transform engineering productivity by developing and optimizing tools, modernizing workflows, and integrating automation within cloud platforms for enhanced operational efficiency...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $158K *

Contribute to the security of critical Oracle systems by designing and implementing cyber controls. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, support testing phases, and produce quality deliverable...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $100K *

Champion scientific innovation by developing SST datasets and algorithms with a team of experts. Leverage your skills in remote sensing and programming languages to enhance cloud masking and retrieval...

College Park, MDRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in enhancing organizational security by developing security frameworks, assessing controls, and collaborating with technical teams to create a resilient security architecture for moder...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive the development and maintenance of SCADA applications in a dynamic Remote Operations Center, collaborating with engineers and operators to enhance monitoring and operational support for power ge...

Houston, TXRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $170K *

Lead the charge in developing and maintaining electrical engineering standards for correctional facilities. Oversee design reviews, ensure compliance, and provide technical expertise to enhance system...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $163K *

Shape the future of our Elastic SIEM solution by leading design, operation, and optimization efforts. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance security, availability, and performance while drivin...

Arlington, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $231K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of SAP integration, driving complex data exchanges and ensuring compliance with DoD standards while enhancing transportation operations across diverse systems...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $152K *

Elevate your career by leading consulting engagements in utility-scale power generation, focusing on renewable energy and battery storage. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to deliver innovati...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform validation processes by ensuring compliance and data integrity for computerized systems in a regulated environment. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies and mentor junior members whi...

Wellesley, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive quality assurance initiatives by overseeing computer system validation processes, ensuring compliance with GxP regulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance validation pr...

Kentucky, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.