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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$110K - $130K *

Lead large-scale engineering projects by overseeing design tasks, ensuring compliance, and mentoring team members. Collaborate with project managers to deliver high-quality solutions that meet client...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$106K - $160K *

Lead complex contract negotiations and drive strategic supplier relationships. Collaborate with stakeholders to assess risks, develop negotiation strategies, and enhance contracting practices while me...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Transform enterprise strategies by leading discovery and building account plans that align marketing goals with AI investments, driving growth and success for senior marketing leaders...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $129K *

Lead the charge in substation design by preparing detailed drawings and overseeing project teams. Engage with clients and contractors to ensure compliance with standards while mentoring designers and...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$141K - $184K *

Lead the design of high voltage transmission lines, utilizing advanced engineering techniques and PLS-CADD software. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver comprehensive project documentat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $180K *

Contribute to the compliance framework and processes for regulated facilities. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to achieve regulatory commitment while ensuring safe and efficient operations o...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Innovate robust SaaS platforms by collaborating with cross-functional teams, building and enhancing features, and delivering customer-centric solutions throughout the development lifecycle...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $154K *

Analyze and validate complex construction schedules, ensuring project milestones are met. Collaborate with clients to assess schedule health, identify risks, and propose mitigation strategies while ma...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$90K - $150K *

Pioneer your career by leading nuclear engineering initiatives, ensuring safety and compliance across multidisciplinary teams. Leverage your expertise in Small Modular Reactor designs and criticality...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Deliver strategic solutions to state and local governments, enhancing disaster preparedness and recovery. Manage relationships, navigate procurement, and drive sales cycles while collaborating with di...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Drive the development of scalable backend systems and infrastructure for AI platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance automation, reliability, and performance while mentoring peers...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a high-growth infrastructure team to operate and scale Kubernetes platforms across multiple cloud providers, ensuring efficient GPU resource allocation and robust monitoring systems to support ma...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at a high-growth infrastructure team managing Kubernetes platforms across multiple clouds. You'll enhance GPU resource efficiency and ensure system reliability while collaborating...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic infrastructure team managing Kubernetes platforms across multiple clouds. You'll develop systems that safeguard GPU resources, ensuring optimal performance and...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Champion new business growth by leveraging your consultative sales expertise to build relationships with utility and public sector clients, driving revenue and delivering tailored solutions that meet...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $130K *

Innovate the future of cloud platforms by leading the design and operation of a secure, scalable infrastructure. Drive automation and enhance developer experience while collaborating with cross-functi...

Toronto, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$108K - $129K *

Champion innovative manufacturing solutions by leading design feedback, quoting, and DFM initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product manufacturability and mentor engineers, driving...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative, AI-powered financial audit solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design agent-driven experiences and own complex onboarding workflows for major...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $156K *

Elevate strategic decision-making by managing integrated program plans, ensuring accurate portfolio data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced...

Cambridge, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $140K *

Champion innovative data visualization solutions to enhance strategic decision-making. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, develop, and maintain impactful dashboards that simplify complex data fo...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $211K *

Lead the charge in managing complex Industrial Controls workstreams, ensuring seamless execution of NPI programs. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative automation solutions on time and within...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a pioneering team where you'll innovate software solutions for framing and structural analysis. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, set technical direction, and contribute to softwar...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $100K *

Lead the charge in elevating cloud infrastructure through advanced Linux systems administration, mentoring, and project management in a high-growth tech environment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$229K - $258K *

Empower a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative security tools. Own product development from roadmap to rollout, fostering collaboration and driving results in a fast-paced environment focuse...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive security excellence by managing identity access, external testing, and compliance processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance AWS security and develop scalable policies, ensuring robust protect...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.