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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$134K - $205K *

Join us in overseeing the commissioning of electrical systems in power plants. This leadership role involves managing fieldwork, strategic planning, and collaboration to ensure optimal performance and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of autonomous driving by leading trajectory generation and controls. Collaborate across teams to deliver safe, optimized solutions while enhancing vehicle performance through innovati...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$73K - $132K *

Shape environmental remediation projects by leading technical design, regulatory documentation, and field implementation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and effective pr...

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3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $200K *

Drive innovation by designing and developing scalable backend services, collaborating closely with engineering teams to enhance platform performance and reliability while mentoring junior developers a...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$130K - $180K *

Engage in a hands-on role to enhance security across products and infrastructure, collaborating with leadership to prioritize and execute critical security initiatives while ensuring compliance and ri...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$85K - $128K *

Support the Global Mobility team by managing international and domestic assignments, ensuring compliance with immigration and tax regulations while enhancing the assignee experience through effective...

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2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $120K *

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Victoria, BCRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$92K - $158K *

Lead the charge in cybersecurity compliance for an AWS-hosted Army application, managing vulnerability findings and security scanning while collaborating with technical teams to ensure robust security...

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3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$85K - $102K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and maintaining secure cloud and infrastructure solutions while collaborating across departments to deliver exceptional client support and proactive maintenan...

Connecticut, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$74K - $113K *

Lead the charge in innovative architectural design for diverse power-related projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet client needs while ensuring...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Lead and grow a high-performing platform engineering team, setting vision and roadmap while collaborating with cross-functional leaders to enhance product velocity and reliability for enterprise custo...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $129K *

Drive the design and integration of mechanical components for solid rocket motors, ensuring performance and safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle, from conce...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $175K *

Engineer your career with a Senior Software Safety Engineer role focused on developing safety-critical autonomous systems. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to enhance software safety process...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to architect and implement a next-gen Design System, ensuring consistent, accessible experiences across products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical alignme...

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2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Advance mechanical systems readiness by overseeing commissioning, conducting site inspections, and ensuring operational efficiency across critical infrastructure. Collaborate cross-functionally to enh...

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Today

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

$155K - $185K *

Transform the technology landscape by leading cross-functional teams to enhance Medicaid Enterprise Systems, driving system architecture improvements and mentoring engineers towards high-quality, secu...

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Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Innovate solutions in power systems engineering by leading consulting initiatives, enhancing client relationships, and driving strategic growth in protection and control services while ensuring high-q...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$104K - $166K *

Transform the security landscape by providing expert information assurance support for cloud-hosted systems. Collaborate with Agile teams to enhance security protocols and ensure compliance with feder...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $157K *

Shape the future of utility substations by leading physical design efforts, optimizing layouts, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver innovative engineering solutions for EPC projects...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Innovate and drive AI agent development for clinical trial platforms, integrating LLMs through the .NET stack. Engage in hands-on engineering to deliver end-to-end AI features, enhancing patient-centr...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $167K *

Transform your future by leading a dynamic team of electrical engineers in our Mission Critical Department. Elevate project outcomes while driving accountability, fostering growth, and cultivating inn...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's transforming cloud infrastructure for institutional investors. You'll deploy and manage AI solutions across various cloud environments, ensuring security and compliance while collab...

Berkeley, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to architect and implement innovative AI applications, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver scalable, efficient solutions, and mentor junior developers while staying at the f...

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4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $180K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing innovative HVAC systems. Engage in challenging projects, collaborate with experts, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge solutions...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading complex control systems projects, ensuring delivery excellence across safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. Mentor Project Managers and drive strategic alignment to s...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.