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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$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

$130K - $170K *

Lead the evolution of our design system by building accessible, reusable components and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and streamline adoption across products...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $110K *

Optimize real-time automation solutions across manufacturing and enterprise levels. Collaborate with engineering teams to design, implement, and enhance systems using diverse programming and design to...

Richmond, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Transform airport infrastructure by leading design projects, preparing engineering reports, and collaborating on innovative solutions in a dynamic aviation environment. Drive your career forward with...

Dallas, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $125K *

Lead the charge in diverse control system projects, overseeing tasks and teams while ensuring successful project completion. Collaborate with stakeholders and provide engineering support, driving qual...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in verifying embedded flight software, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop testing strategies, create effective tooling, and...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform the future of AI systems by building robust data pipelines and APIs. Collaborate with Product to refine specifications and enhance user experience, ensuring high-quality delivery and continu...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $235K *

Lead advanced R&D initiatives for Solid Rocket Motor technologies, driving feasibility studies, design, and testing. Provide technical leadership across programs and serve as the primary interface for...

Huntsville, ALRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $216K *

Lead the charge in managing a software engineering team, driving the design and delivery of secure satellite ground communication services while fostering best practices and ensuring alignment with mi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$84K - $129K *

Drive innovative structural engineering solutions for nuclear facilities, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance safety and efficiency. Guide junior engineers while leveraging advanced...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$115K - $125K *

Champion operational excellence by managing cross-regional teams, ensuring consistent performance standards, and facilitating effective agent execution. Drive strategic initiatives and resolve conflic...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $299K *

Transform the future of C4I systems as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading design initiatives and managing a team to ensure alignment with customer requirements. Drive modernization efforts through...

Colorado, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Transform the future of enterprise solutions by bridging stakeholder needs with actionable architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess capabilities, identify gaps, and recommend sc...

Suitland, MDRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$122K - $227K *

Develop and secure AI/ML evaluation infrastructure, ensuring robust testing and validation of systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security practices and methodologies, driving...

New Jersey, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team as a Mid Systems Engineer, contributing to the full lifecycle of systems engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical challenges and ens...

Orlando, FLRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $195K *

Drive the implementation of the Radar Surveillance Replacement program by serving as a field engineer, ensuring successful installation and consultation at critical airport sites while collaborating w...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$72K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing innovative Cyber solutions, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with architects and de...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Optimize client compliance engagements by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST CSF standards while driving operational excellence and fostering strong rel...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Unlock potential by leading technical direction in autonomy systems. Drive ownership of advanced perception, prediction, and planning components with cross-stack influence, facilitating innovation and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$72K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team as you collaborate on innovative electrical designs, progressing from basic tasks to complex projects while ensuring quality and efficiency in a supportive environment...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$320K - $405K *

Transform the future of data center engineering by resolving on-site technical issues, collaborating with contractors, and ensuring project success through effective problem-solving and communication...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Drive innovation by deploying and troubleshooting advanced IP networks in diverse environments. Collaborate with teams to integrate cutting-edge security technologies while ensuring seamless connectiv...

Devault, PARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $230K *

Architect system-level requirements and verification plans for a complex aerospace program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure coherent design and integration across multiple engineerin...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

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.