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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$150K - $180K *

Lead a talented team in crafting a high-quality, scalable object storage product that enhances the developer experience, balancing technical execution with product thinking to drive meaningful improve...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Lead the transformation of enterprise business processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborate with stakeholders to architect solutions that drive operational excellence across the orga...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of engineering by delivering innovative solutions and managing complex projects. Collaborate with teams to enhance technical expertise while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring co...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$131K - $243K *

Execute comprehensive SAP S/4HANA solutions for Product Compliance and EHS, ensuring regulatory adherence and sustainability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, configure, and implemen...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead customer engagement through technical discovery and deployment, integrating AI solutions while collaborating with Sales, Product, and Engineering teams. Drive implementation efficiency and bridge...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$156K - $173K *

Elevate portfolio risk management by leading cross-program initiatives, identifying risks, and driving mitigations. Manage discrete programs while ensuring effective communication and reporting to sta...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative EBOS design solutions for utility-scale solar projects, ensuring compliance, manufacturability, and cost-efficiency while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating cross-functio...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in designing and evolving scalable cloud infrastructure, driving architectural strategy, and enhancing operational culture while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet ambit...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$117K - $168K *

Join us to deliver exceptional technical support for HPS systems globally. Collaborate with a dynamic team to resolve customer inquiries, enhance satisfaction, and maintain expertise in process contro...

Houston, TXRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$104K - $166K *

Accelerate automation initiatives by developing end-to-end solutions using Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compl...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Champion cloud security excellence by engineering robust solutions across AWS and GCP. Drive vulnerability remediation, system hardening, and compliance for federal clients while mentoring junior engi...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $120K *

Elevate software quality assurance by testing GIS applications and validating complex datasets. Collaborate with developers and GIS specialists to ensure accuracy and reliability in geospatial data fo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$230K - $280K *

Shape the future of space mission solutions by leading architectural strategies, transforming capabilities into market-facing solutions, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure successful deliv...

Washington, DCRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to design and develop complex enterprise applications, ensuring high-quality delivery and technical excellence while mentoring developers and driving modernization effo...

Sterling, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $265K *

Accelerate progress at a mission-critical team, leading Data Streaming to enhance data ingestion pipelines. Build a skilled team, ensure pipeline reliability, and collaborate cross-functionally to sup...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $350K *

Drive the development of cutting-edge AI infrastructure to enhance large-scale reinforcement learning and distributed training systems, optimizing performance and efficiency across various layers and...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $188K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of reactor physics and technology. Contribute to computational methods development, numerical analysis, and thermal-hydraulic modeling while supporting software d...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $155K *

Shape project success by leading engineering efforts, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within scope...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$84K - $129K *

Engineer underground transmission lines up to 500kV, overseeing design, cost analysis, and project coordination. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with standards and specifications while man...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading a high-impact engineering team focused on observability. Drive technical roadmaps, enhance platform reliability, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with...

Seattle, WARemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $205K *

Shape the future of power systems by optimizing control strategies and integrating various energy technologies. Lead engineering design reviews and provide technical oversight for large isolated power...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$82K - $172K *

Design and implement innovative AI solutions, guiding pilot programs from conception to execution while collaborating across teams to enhance system capabilities and performance in a dynamic environme...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$102K - $135K *

Accelerate the deployment of modular data centers by serving as a crucial interface between hyperscale clients and product development. Lead technical discovery, capture customer requirements, and dri...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$69K - $158K *

Contribute to innovative solutions in remote sensing, enhancing mission outcomes by leveraging imaging, AI/ML, and advanced modeling techniques in a collaborative environment that drives insights from...

Aurora, CORemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business 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.