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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$100K - $120K *

Transform the future of automation by leading innovative robotic solutions. Drive design, compliance, and manufacturing processes while mentoring a high-performing team in a dynamic, growth-stage envi...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$194K - $285K *

Lead the end-to-end application lifecycle by shaping product strategy and improving customer workflows, ensuring reliable and secure software deployment across diverse environments while collaborating...

Milpitas, CARemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$200K - $275K *

Lead the development of off-board AI evaluation frameworks to optimize safety and performance for autonomous vehicles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable systems and enhance di...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$95K - $115K *

Drive high-quality technical support for aviation connectivity systems, ensuring customer satisfaction through troubleshooting, training, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $148K *

Accelerate team performance and delivery by leading software engineers, fostering development, and enhancing organizational effectiveness in a dynamic, remote environment. Drive sustainable practices...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $142K *

Engineer innovative electrical designs for modular data centers, ensuring compliance and performance across international standards. Collaborate with teams to deliver hands-on solutions from concept t...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Engage with hospital leadership and construction teams to oversee mechanical systems, ensuring operational stability and energy efficiency in new projects. Utilize energy engineering expertise to inte...

Mesa, AZRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of OpenBMC firmware development, driving platform bring-up, feature implementation, and integration to enhance system functionality and reliability. Contribute your...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Innovate and enhance data interoperability by designing, building, and maintaining secure APIs and integration services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless data exchange and su...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform AI infrastructure by designing and maintaining production-grade systems across multiple cloud providers. Engage in hands-on architecture decisions, ensuring reliability, security, and automa...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$164K - $295K *

Drive innovation in mechanical systems for Data Center Infrastructure. Lead thermal design, oversee manufacturing transitions, and ensure operational excellence through testing and component selection...

Austin, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with an innovative team designing and managing a Kubernetes control plane for seamless deployment and operations, ensuring production reliability, customer onboarding, and infrastruct...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative civil engineering solutions for diverse land development projects. Collaborate with teams, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality design while promoting efficie...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $155K *

Transform digital platforms by developing and integrating AI/ML capabilities, collaborating across teams to deploy reliable solutions in cloud and local environments, and enhancing enterprise applicat...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $160K *

Drive the development of critical enterprise applications for defense personnel, utilizing Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate in an agile team to enhance program and financial management tool...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Optimize procurement processes by leading sourcing initiatives, conducting analyses, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure effective IT solutions that align with organizational goals...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join our team to lead sourcing strategies and enhance supplier performance in a dynamic electronics manufacturing environment. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to navigate supply challenges and d...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Develop and implement sourcing strategies for indirect products and services, collaborating with internal stakeholders to optimize supplier relationships and drive value. Lead proposal and contract ma...

Falls Church, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $137K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of reactor physics through innovative computational methods and thermal-hydraulic modeling. Contribute to technical development, regulatory compliance, and custom...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $160K *

Join a team that's committed to enhancing our cybersecurity and GRC programs. You'll drive initiatives across risk management, compliance, and operational security, playing a vital role in strengtheni...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive your career with us as you craft compelling technical proposals for aerospace projects. Collaborate with experts to deliver innovative solutions and elevate your writing skills in a dynamic, mis...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$139K - $208K *

Join a team that's transforming Global Supply Chain and ERP processes. As a Staff Business Process Leader, you'll drive process standardization, support ERP transformations, and engage with stakeholde...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by leading SaaS modernization projects, enhancing delivery efficiency through AI and automation. Drive customer success by transforming legacy systems into scalable, sustainable s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and maintain scalable security data pipelines, ensuring accurate telemetry ingestion and compliance with governance standards for enhanced cybersecuri...

Charlotte, NCRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$59K - $106K *

Empower the future of air traffic control by supporting the FAA's Radar Surveillance Replacement initiative. Play a key role in installation and consultation at critical airports, ensuring high-qualit...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical 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.