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 *

Grow your career with a pivotal role in configuration management, ensuring system stability and compliance. Collaborate across teams to track changes, maintain documentation, and support deployments i...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$107K - $204K *

Deliver innovative solutions by managing business systems and transformation for Direct Tax applications. Collaborate across teams to optimize financial processes and ensure reliable production servic...

Connecticut, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $179K *

Transform the contract management landscape by expertly overseeing diverse government contracts, optimizing processes, and guiding teams to success from proposal to closeout while fostering robust sta...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $179K *

Take ownership of a diverse portfolio of GSA/GWAC contracts, ensuring compliance and operational excellence through strategic management, collaboration with stakeholders, and training initiatives for...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$225K - $281K *

Lead detection and response strategy, building systems and automations to enhance security. Collaborate with teams to set standards, mentor engineers, and manage complex incidents, ensuring effective...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative scientific software for MPAS infrastructure, enhancing model integration and performance across HPC platforms while collaborating with diverse teams to advance...

College Park, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $130K *

Lead the charge in overseeing field installation activities, ensuring safety and quality while coordinating with project managers and stakeholders to drive successful project execution and adherence t...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $175K *

Transform your career by architecting secure, scalable Azure solutions that drive modern application delivery. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop automation and enhance cloud services while lev...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Engage in a dynamic role overseeing large projects and teams, ensuring successful delivery through effective stakeholder coordination and project management. Contribute to innovative power delivery so...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Transform the claims process by owning backend services in Python and TypeScript. Design event-driven systems that enhance reliability and efficiency, ensuring seamless integration of AI agents while...

Chicago, ILRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $166K *

Lead the planning and execution of digital transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage project scope, schedules, and deliverables...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to optimize high-speed interconnect performance through SI/PI simulation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance design quality and resolve signal issues across various a...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$86K - $165K *

Advance your career by providing proactive contract management support across the full program lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive successful outcomes in...

California, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $165K *

Lead the charge in managing government contracts, ensuring compliance and effective communication with cross-functional teams to achieve customer goals while navigating complex regulations and fosteri...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation as you design complex electrical systems, lead projects, mentor teams, and ensure high-quality deliverables. Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams, utilizing advanced BI...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$139K - $174K *

Lead structural design for complex projects, focusing on data centers and industrial facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring quality and compliance while mentoring junior engine...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$184K - $287K *

Transform production infrastructure by automating bare-metal provisioning and enhancing GPU capacity management. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability and efficiency in AI workloads, driving...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of electrical safety and engineering by leading global programs, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across multiple sites while mentoring teams and enhancing oper...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Champion strategic acquisition management and analysis, developing comprehensive strategies and documentation for DoD medical programs while ensuring compliance with established processes and framewor...

Bethesda, MDRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee senior acquisition management and strategic analysis, developing key documentation and strategies for DoD medical programs while ensuring compliance with acquisition pro...

Gaithersburg, MDRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$86K - $165K *

Drive strategic sourcing and supplier management for aerospace hardware, optimizing costs and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence design and enhance supply chain...

Connecticut, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$152K - $287K *

Join a team that builds and operates large-scale GPU infrastructure for AI workloads. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop automation and tools, ensuring reliability and efficiency in pr...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $179K *

Engineer utility planning and advisory projects, focusing on transmission system analysis, generator interconnection applications, and ISO feasibility studies to support diverse clients in the energy...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$111K - $153K *

Unlock potential by leading utility planning and advisory projects, focusing on transmission system analysis, generator interconnection applications, and client guidance for ISO feasibility studies. J...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$68K - $143K *

Analyze and reengineer business processes to enhance operational efficiency, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic goals and regulatory requirements while supporting syste...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information 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.