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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$86K - $165K *

Drive financial excellence by supporting accounting operations, ensuring accurate reporting, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and value across the organization. Enga...

Arizona, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Drive strategic contract management and proposal development within the Defense and Civil Space Market, leveraging extensive federal contracting expertise to foster relationships and navigate complex...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$224K - $431K *

Unlock the potential of large-scale Machine Learning systems by automating GPU asset management and enhancing reliability through innovative monitoring and integration with engineering teams across cl...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Drive expertise in remote sensing and nuclear detection to analyze, evaluate, and communicate critical intelligence on nuclear proliferation. Collaborate with teams across sectors to enhance detection...

Washington, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading complex federal contract negotiations and management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance and driving strategic solutions to support business growt...

Alabama, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Oversee large-scale Federal contracts, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment. Leverage expertise in negotiation and federal regulations to enhance program execution, drive business growth, and e...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Engage in solving complex distributed systems challenges, driving impactful projects from inception to launch. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance performance and reliability while fostering a...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$66K - $127K *

Transform complex PCB designs into high-quality circuit card assemblies, collaborating with engineering teams and mentoring junior designers to ensure best practices in fabrication and testability are...

Kansas, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Transform program execution by coordinating large-scale data center initiatives, ensuring alignment across stakeholders, managing risks, and driving milestones to successful completion while fostering...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$162K - $211K *

Join a dynamic engineering team to build and maintain production platforms, driving architectural decisions and mentoring junior engineers while ensuring system reliability and integration with IT Sec...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$107K - $204K *

Pioneer innovative contracting solutions in a dynamic environment. Leverage your expertise in U.S. Government and commercial contracts to drive success within integrated project teams while ensuring c...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$61K - $114K *

Lead procurement efforts by sourcing and negotiating for essential materials and services. Analyze market trends and supplier performance to optimize purchasing strategies and ensure operational effic...

New Jersey, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $181K *

Transform user experiences by developing and enhancing frontend applications using JavaScript, React, and TypeScript. Collaborate in an Agile environment to deliver high-quality software solutions whi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$120K - $190K *

Join a dynamic team as a Criticality Analysis & Nuclear Safety Engineer, responsible for ensuring nuclear safety in advanced fuel fabrication. Collaborate across disciplines to develop safety analyses...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $200K *

Champion the resolution of complex technical issues for clients, leveraging expertise in Linux, networking, and cloud environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance service delivery and operational c...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by managing full life cycle subcontract activities, ensuring compliance, and driving supplier performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize procurement strategie...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$72K - $108K *

Contribute to customer satisfaction by performing timely Preventative Maintenance and assisting in troubleshooting and repairs of MRI equipment, while collaborating with experienced engineers to enhan...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$76K - $114K *

Engage your technical expertise to deliver exceptional service and support for advanced surgical equipment. Collaborate with customers and teams to ensure satisfaction and compliance while driving ope...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$73K - $109K *

Drive your career with impactful service as you troubleshoot and maintain advanced medical equipment, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction across the Pacific Region, with a focus on...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$73K - $109K *

Champion customer satisfaction by mastering preventative maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. Collaborate with experienced engineers to enhance skills in equipment installation and service, ens...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$66K - $99K *

Play a key role in delivering exceptional service by performing preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on medical equipment. Collaborate with experienced engineers to enhance customer satisfacti...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$63K - $129K *

Transform security operations by automating ICAM workflows and enhancing Zero Trust policies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build secure, scalable solutions that strengthen enterprise sec...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$142K - $161K *

Join us to ensure the highest quality standards for our FDA-cleared AI clinical platform. Collaborate across teams to drive software design quality, manage regulatory compliance, and enhance post-mark...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading cybersecurity risk assessments and compliance initiatives. Collaborate with teams to enhance risk management strategies, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and dr...

Virginia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate healthcare technology by managing and optimizing medical imaging systems. Lead integration projects, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency across departments, driving innovatio...

Alexandria, VARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

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.