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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$150K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as a leader in high-speed analog layout design, driving complex IP block development for cutting-edge optical communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and m...

Ottawa, ONRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $247K *

Elevate application security by leading initiatives and shaping best practices across multiple programming languages, while collaborating with engineering teams to ensure that security is integrated a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading the physical design of advanced SoCs, optimizing performance through innovative methodologies, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure successful tapeout readiness...

Irvine, CARemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Optimize physical design processes for complex SoCs, ensuring high performance and reliability through effective collaboration and advanced methodologies. Drive automation and lead cross-functional te...

San Jose, CARemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $216K *

Drive successful IT program delivery and customer relationships while managing financial performance and team leadership. Engage with stakeholders to identify growth opportunities and ensure high-qual...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in ensuring seamless deployment of enterprise-grade infrastructure by integrating, testing, and validating complex systems in a controlled lab environment, enabling rapid field activat...

La Plata, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $221K *

Shape the future of unmanned aircraft systems by developing market strategies, driving growth, and fostering partnerships. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance UAS integration into national airspa...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of interconnect technology by designing innovative connector solutions. Leverage your engineering expertise to collaborate globally and meet the demands of leadin...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $152K *

Advance your career by leading mainframe capacity planning initiatives, optimizing performance, and driving automation solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency and mentor ju...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead innovative plumbing design for hyperscale data centers, ensuring high-quality solutions and collaboration with stakeholders. Drive project success through technical expertise and effective commun...

Los Angeles, CARemote

1 week ago

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

$83K - $125K *

Drive the operational health of mission-critical Appian environments, ensuring reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage configurations, deployments, and incident...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$142K - $254K *

Elevate your career by leading complex technical projects, aligning stakeholders, and driving execution in fast-paced environments. Utilize your project management expertise to navigate ambiguity and...

Herndon, VARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $168K *

Transform financial planning and analysis for a major program by developing forecasts, conducting variance analysis, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance decision-making and improve forecast...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $163K *

Empower your career by leading the design of high voltage transmission lines. Utilize advanced engineering techniques and collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver innovative solutions and en...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $130K *

Drive customer success by managing onboarding, project delivery, and ongoing support. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the customer experience and ensure long-term account growth in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of 3D modeling and virtual simulation. Lead daily operations, provide technical direction, and ensure project success while collaborating with Government stakehol...

Leavenworth, KSRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's redefining application security through automation and AI. As a Senior DevSecOps Engineer, you'll enhance secure software delivery, integrate security into the SDLC, and drive vulne...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$195K - $270K *

Empower mid-enterprise organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture by simplifying complex concepts and driving meaningful relationships, ultimately paving the way for proactive vulnerability...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $241K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable data solutions, optimize performance, and enhance software architecture while adhering to coding standards and leveraging AI to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Engage in comprehensive assessments of building performance and energy efficiency. Collaborate with clients to enhance sustainability practices while reducing operational costs through detailed audits...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $170K *

Shape the future of correctional facility design by leading structural engineering efforts, ensuring compliance with codes and standards while overseeing construction activities and providing expert g...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Transform your career by designing and scaling a cutting-edge cloud-native data platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust data services and optimize data pipelines in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$122K - $183K *

Transform the aerospace certification landscape by leading process development, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality softwa...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in major data center transactions, structuring complex deals and managing long-term infrastructure relationships to drive growth and strategic initiatives for the business...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $94K *

Innovate proposal strategies by leading the development of cohesive submissions, coordinating resources, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance win themes and impr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.