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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$135K - $160K *

Explore exciting challenges in AI evaluation by developing frameworks and custom validators for cutting-edge machine learning applications. Collaborate to enhance the quality and reliability of AI age...

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4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $204K *

Drive procurement excellence by managing supplier relationships and compliance, overseeing complex procurements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful program execution an...

Arizona, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining the onboarding experience for human and AI agents by leading innovative UX and engineering teams. Drive growth through strategic roadmap ownership, hands-on leadership, a...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform enterprise AI initiatives by leading client engagements, mentoring teams, and driving innovative solutions. Leverage cutting-edge technologies to turn data into business value while fosterin...

Detroit, MIRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of geospatial science by leading the design and development of innovative data processing pipelines and APIs, while mentoring engineers and setting technical direction in a dynamic, m...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Champion innovative automation solutions in warehouse management. Lead complex integrations and guide engineering teams to enhance material handling processes. Collaborate on the Global Automation Roa...

Nashville, TNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $241K *

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1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

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Henderson, NVRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Optimize network infrastructure within the DHMS program, ensuring reliability, performance, and security. Collaborate with IT teams to develop policies, troubleshoot issues, and maintain compliance wi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$137K - $231K *

Empower your career by shaping design systems that enhance user experience. Collaborate with teams to build high-quality, interactive UI across platforms, ensuring accessibility and performance while...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $195K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of design engineering by developing innovative systems that enhance user experience across web and mobile platforms. Your expertise will drive quality and perform...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in enhancing fire protection systems for nuclear facilities while collaborating with engineering teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting modifications that safeguar...

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Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $120K *

Lead the charge in quality engineering for critical assessment platforms, driving testing excellence and automation maturity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and scalabil...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$128K - $177K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$126K - $140K *

Shape the future of customer success by owning technical onboarding, guiding clients through implementation, optimizing deployments, and ensuring adherence to best practices for optimal use of the pla...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $204K *

Engage with us to develop and enhance cloud-hosted applications, driving modernization and new initiatives. Collaborate in an Agile environment to deliver high-quality software solutions that meet bus...

Connecticut, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $244K *

Lead civil engineering design for nuclear facilities, driving innovative solutions and overseeing technical teams. Collaborate across disciplines to address complex challenges and ensure compliance wi...

Richland, WARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$190K - $215K *

Manage the entire deal process for data center acquisitions, engaging stakeholders, negotiating terms, and driving transactions to closure. Handle multiple deals with precision while optimizing commer...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of advanced troubleshooting and field support for enterprise IT operations. Lead technicians, coordinate installations, and ensure seamless connectivity across remote locations while ma...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform cybersecurity practices by leading vulnerability management and penetration testing efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security controls, reduce risks, and ensure ro...

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Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by driving high-quality growth experiences for users. Collaborate across teams to enhance marketing and activation surfaces, while leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize small...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$133K - $173K *

Drive excellence in Testing & Commissioning for utility-scale projects, overseeing all phases from preconstruction to execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, deliverab...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$157K - $298K *

Join a team that's committed to operational excellence through leadership of the Enterprise Quality Audit team, driving compliance, continuous improvement, and quality governance across business units...

California, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $250K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of application security, driving secure software development and fostering a culture of security across engineering teams while managing risks and enhancing securi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of security at Pliant by leading a growing team of engineers. Drive cloud security, automate compliance, and enhance application security practices while maintaining a hands-on approa...

Union, NJRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.