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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$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's focused on delivering mission-critical solutions. Contribute as a systems integrator, managing projects and advising leadership while ensuring technical excellence and effective com...

Virginia, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $141K *

Join us to design and develop high-performance mechanical solutions for airborne systems. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative aviation technologies that empower defense operations and enhan...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Lead the development and operation of AI reasoning systems to enhance safety and efficiency in critical industries. Engage in multi-step LLM pipelines, ensure precision in product output, and work clo...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Engineer cutting-edge AI evaluation strategies and infrastructure, ensuring quality and reliability across multi-tenant systems. Collaborate with senior teams to enhance product decisions through robu...

Georgia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to design high-voltage transmission lines, mentor peers, and ensure compliance with engineering standards. Leverage your expertise to deliver innovative solutions and enhance clien...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$245K - $260K *

Lead technical solutions for U.S. Army accounts, enhancing digital performance and visibility. Collaborate with executives to develop strategies, conduct presentations, and address complex challenges...

Abell, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$123K - $202K *

Innovate advanced GIS and remote sensing software for defense and intelligence, collaborating with a skilled team to enhance analytical workflows and imagery processing capabilities, while mentoring j...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$82K - $172K *

Accelerate progress at the intersection of security and cloud infrastructure, leading a team to optimize AWS environments, implement DevSecOps practices, and enhance automation for secure software del...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $180K *

Drive environmental compliance and oversight for construction projects across the South and Southeast. Collaborate with teams to ensure adherence to regulations, manage inspections, and promote sustai...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $155K *

Build and automate security solutions within the software development lifecycle, enhancing application and cloud security through hands-on collaboration and systemic risk evaluation. Lead initiatives...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$89K - $107K *

Partner with us to enhance map quality for autonomous vehicles, ensuring high-definition geospatial datasets meet rigorous standards for accuracy and safety. Collaborate across teams to develop effect...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$250K - $400K *

Shape the future of AI by partnering with customers to design and deliver innovative data solutions. Collaborate with a senior team to tackle complex challenges and transform vague requests into actio...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$159K - $164K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of enterprise applications by designing and maintaining robust web solutions in Azure Government Cloud, leveraging full-stack technologies to enhance user experie...

Arlington, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$135K - $160K *

Transform product security by leading strategy, conducting threat modeling, and collaborating across teams to ensure secure design and compliance. Drive innovation in security practices while mentorin...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$164K - $197K *

Help us enhance Grafana's data source plugins, ensuring reliability and seamless integration for users worldwide. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions and improve observabil...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion identity lifecycle management by automating access processes, ensuring compliance, and enhancing security posture. Collaborate with teams to identify anomalies and streamline auditing while m...

Atlanta, GARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining energy solutions. As a Senior Electrical Engineer, you'll lead design and execution of cutting-edge Solar and Battery Storage projects while mentoring peers and driving t...

Bedminster, NJRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$157K - $298K *

Advance enterprise Model Based Design and Inspection capabilities by leading cross-functional teams, developing standards, and driving interoperability strategies to enhance digital alignment and prod...

East Hartford, CTRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $154K *

Bring your expertise to drive supplier quality excellence, implementing quality plans, managing audits, and fostering improvements. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance manufacturability and...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $138K *

Join us to support the onboarding and configuration of Google Cloud Platform for our Federal Government client, ensuring seamless infrastructure operations and automation while providing expert cloud...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$154K - $185K *

Join a team that's enhancing Grafana's data source plugins, ensuring reliability and seamless integration for users worldwide. Lead development efforts and collaborate to deliver world-class observabi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $240K *

Drive strategic growth initiatives for Navy & Marine Corps, leading business development efforts and fostering partnerships to enhance tactical networking solutions across diverse operational domains...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative remedial systems design solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, providing technical leadership and strategic direction for diverse environmental p...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$94K - $141K *

Elevate digital experiences by developing and maintaining SharePoint solutions and Power Platform applications. Collaborate with stakeholders to create intuitive, automated workflows that enhance busi...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $192K *

Shape the future of transmission design by leading projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards. Collaborate with clients to deliver high-quality solutions for transmi...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.