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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$120K - $160K *

Join our dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge AI platforms, enhancing decision-making workflows through innovative web applications and robust backend services. Collaborate across the full...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop a next-gen AI platform, focusing on intelligent agent frameworks and modern web applications. Collaborate across the full stack to enhance decision-making wor...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $188K *

Unlock potential by driving advancements in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and prototype cutting-edge algorithms that enh...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $243K *

Drive modernization initiatives by joining a dynamic team focused on designing advanced C4I systems. Contribute to architecture definition, requirements governance, and system documentation while coll...

Colorado, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Unlock your potential as a Principal Software Developer, driving the design and deployment of cutting-edge AI platforms. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhan...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$238K - $365K *

Join a team that's redefining lidar technology for autonomy products. Lead the technical strategy, collaborate with experts, and drive innovations from concept to production, ensuring performance and...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance for critical defense projects. Leverage your engineering expertise to implement best practices and drive data-driven improv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $243K *

Join a team that's driving sustainment transformation and adoption across programs. As a Project Engineer Staff, you'll lead initiatives, coordinate projects, and enhance processes to ensure successfu...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in shaping the future of energy through advanced power system modeling and compliance assessments. Collaborate with a dynamic team to conduct studies, ensure project quality, and drive...

Austin, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$118K - $162K *

Shape the future of energy infrastructure by architecting and developing innovative mechanical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate customer needs into scalable solutions, ens...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$121K - $164K *

Champion a team of analysts to enhance enterprise infrastructure services, ensuring reliable support and operational excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and drive c...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $125K *

Shape the future of user experience by leading UX design for data analytics products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive interfaces that enhance engineering workflows and driv...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the technical health of a claims platform by enhancing applications, ensuring system stability, and bridging engineering with business needs. This hybrid role combines hands-on development with s...

Cincinnati, OHRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$69K - $125K *

Join a team that's pivotal in supporting the FAA's new Air Traffic Control System. As an RSR Field Engineer, you'll oversee installations at critical airports, ensuring timely execution and high-quali...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$66K - $106K *

Shape the future by collaborating with stakeholders to analyze and document system requirements, ensuring clarity and consistency across products while enhancing functionality and user experience in a...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $234K *

Transform complex challenges into innovative solutions by leveraging expertise in RF communications, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance cybersecurity and network research for government a...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative power interconnect solutions by collaborating with customers and internal teams. Drive technical discussions, translate architecture needs, and support product development to enhan...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $180K *

Drive innovative electrical design solutions for high-density compute environments. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance with industry standards while mentoring junior engineers. Make a signi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $193K *

Lead the development of innovative Data & Analytics solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform complex data into actionable insights. Drive full stack projects from design to de...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $195K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of relay settings for utility substations and renewable energy projects, collaborating with engineers and clients to solve complex engineering...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $175K *

Elevate your career by leading IT systems integration for a Navy Shore Datacenter. Collaborate with mission owners and engineering teams to streamline onboarding and ensure seamless transitions while...

Virginia, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Champion innovative recovery technologies by integrating and testing mission-critical systems. Collaborate with engineers to ensure reliable performance and swift recovery, while engaging in hands-on...

Niceville, FLRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$63K - $129K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic Agile team to design, develop, and implement innovative software solutions. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to deliver high-quality products while mentor...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$136K - $170K *

Drive impactful infrastructure solutions by collaborating with engineering teams to resolve blockers, execute migrations, and develop tooling. Leverage your expertise to enhance platform adoption and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$172K - $229K *

Lead the charge in designing and validating complex systems for autonomous vehicle performance, ensuring seamless integration between software, operations, and customer interfaces to support the launc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.