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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$126K - $215K *

Transform AI experiences by architecting LLM-based agents that integrate with real-world tools, orchestrate tasks, and scale in production. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and ensure high...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Architect the future of our GTM technology ecosystem, enhancing data integrity and operational excellence. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive scalable solutions that elevate marketing, sales, and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$199K - $235K *

Innovate backend solutions by designing, building, and maintaining scalable services for external pentesting. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and ensure system performance, reliabi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Drive innovation by developing AI-driven software solutions that enhance secure application delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of softw...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

Build a robust data foundation to elevate Market Intelligence. Drive automation and streamline data workflows, enriching insights for research and publishing, while ensuring data integrity and accessi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$92K - $115K *

Transform Technology operations by designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and support continuous improvement across various teams and projects...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$134K - $199K *

Drive innovation by leading the design and delivery of AI agents and workflows that enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex challenges into scalabl...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $195K *

Join a dynamic AI Automation team to design and deliver production-grade AI agents and workflows, enhancing operational efficiency across the organization while solving complex business challenges wit...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$93K - $146K *

Champion sustainable design by leading complex mechanical systems for high-performance buildings, ensuring compliance with advanced standards and certifications while driving innovative engineering so...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $218K *

Transform the future of aerospace engineering by leading multi-site teams, enhancing technical capabilities, and driving operational excellence to meet customer demands and improve performance across...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $225K *

Elevate project success by leading multidisciplinary teams in nuclear design and program management, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance across all phases of construction and operations for compl...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$132K - $251K *

Elevate your career by managing complex contracts for the F135 Production team. Utilize your negotiation skills and contract expertise to drive success while collaborating with internal and external s...

Connecticut, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $189K *

Manage the design, construction, and maintenance of cloud infrastructure for a federal HCM modernization initiative, ensuring secure, reliable environments and automating deployment processes across m...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $140K *

Engage in diagnosing and resolving inverter performance issues in BESS projects. Collaborate with vendors to implement corrective actions and track retrofits, ensuring compliance with safety and engin...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$132K - $251K *

Lead the development of enterprise AI architecture in classified environments, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and modernization priorities. Drive innovative solutions and technical value w...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $350K *

Build advanced inference systems to enhance RL research, optimizing throughput and enabling scalable model updates. Collaborate with researchers to balance efficiency and quality in cutting-edge AI ar...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in scaling strategic partnerships with cloud hyperscalers and SIs. Drive co-sell programs, marketplace initiatives, and joint GTM strategies to embed AI solutions in enterprise contact...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Architect solutions to enhance DevOps teams' security by managing pre-sales technical support, conducting product demos, and serving as a subject matter expert in CI/CD integrations and workflows. Eng...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $157K *

Transform asset management programs by leading multi-site inspections and enhancing client partnerships. Drive continuous improvement while managing project scope, budget, and quality in the manufactu...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $160K *

Transform AI agent systems by owning technical decisions and delivery from design to production. Collaborate with stakeholders, develop workflows, and ensure reliability while mentoring engineers and...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $165K *

Join a dynamic team as a Software Developer, enhancing security tools through innovative web applications. Collaborate in an agile environment to design, develop, and maintain solutions that support c...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$68K - $131K *

Transform procurement strategies by managing the lifecycle, ensuring compliance, and driving cost-effective initiatives while collaborating with teams and suppliers to meet organizational goals in a r...

Texas, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in establishing a robust project management portfolio, optimizing planning and execution processes at the Space Weather Prediction Center. Drive continuous improvement and support lead...

Boulder, CORemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Lead advanced troubleshooting and repair of medical equipment, ensuring customer satisfaction through service excellence. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive initiatives to enha...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $225K *

Lead the charge in transforming public safety operations with innovative sUAS solutions. Collaborate with agencies to deliver tailored drone technology, ensuring seamless integration and impactful dep...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer 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.