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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$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

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of maritime data management and AI. You'll develop cutting-edge applications and enhance warfighter capabilities through innovative data solutions...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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 *

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

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

$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

4 weeks 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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the accounting department's daily operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with GAAP, and effective team management. Drive efficiency in accounts payable and receivable while...

Arlington, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of comprehensive cyber risk assessments across the enterprise, articulating risks in business terms to ensure informed decision-making by leadership and helping to strengthen the organi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$87K - $109K *

Empower the future of Quality Management Systems by leading digital transformation and validation efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance compliance and efficiency in Quality proce...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by enhancing application security across web apps and APIs. Collaborate with engineering teams to assess risks, conduct reviews, and drive secure software practices throughout the dev...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$208K - $250K *

Shape the future of Grafana by leading frontend development squads, fostering collaboration and innovation to enhance user experiences. Drive AI integration and team growth while managing strategic pr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of operational excellence by leading engineering initiatives, driving program execution, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance performance and deliver key operationa...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$90K - $120K *

Innovate and enhance platform operations as a technical expert, driving implementation and administration of HaloPSA. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes, improve visibility, and ensure sea...

Napa, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, engaging with customers and partners to address their unique challenges. Leverage your expertise in pre-sales and engineering to enhance operati...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive collaboration with sales teams to identify prospects and deliver tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges and enhancing customer engagement through education and presentation...

Dover, DERemote

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.