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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$88K - $154K *

Engineer innovative Electronic Security Systems solutions for diverse clients, guiding projects from concept to construction. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with specifications and delive...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $220K *

Transform diverse big data into actionable insights by designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge AI-driven applications. Collaborate with teams to optimize models and create robust ML pipeline...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $195K *

Take ownership of designing automated systems and robotic equipment for remote operations in radiological environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective integration and perf...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$165K - $253K *

Lead the charge in managing a project team focused on high voltage substations, overseeing design, analysis, and implementation to modernize the electric grid while ensuring projects meet client speci...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by bridging RF cyber-research and software implementation. Lead multidisciplinary teams to define system architectures and convert findings into actionable solutions for cutting-ed...

Ontario, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$125K - $140K *

Pioneer innovative electrical design solutions while leading projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance and efficiency, mentoring junior engine...

Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing marine propulsion systems through innovative engineering solutions. Provide lifecycle support for U.S. Coast Guard vessels, ensuring operational effectiveness...

Curtis Bay, MDRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$122K - $176K *

Lead the charge in evolving a cutting-edge financial assistant, enhancing user experience through innovative features and AI integration while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a dynamic st...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Champion power system analysis by conducting modeling for transmission planning studies, ensuring compliance with NERC standards, and delivering high-quality technical reports while managing multiple...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $155K *

Empower your career by leading the Aircraft Engineering team in developing and certifying innovative connectivity systems for commercial aircraft, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while f...

California, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$183K - $203K *

Lead mission-critical RF and SATCOM systems, ensuring reliable operations through hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, and collaboration with technical teams to support seamless mission execution ac...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead network engineering efforts to enhance tactical capabilities in air defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure secure information exchange and compliance across all phase...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $157K *

Engineer innovative microgrid systems, integrating PV, BESS, and distribution assets. Lead detailed electrical designs, ensuring compliance and constructability from concept to construction support. D...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $152K *

Drive innovative electrical designs within nuclear power projects, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance system reliability and performance. Address complex engineering challenges while ensuring...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $224K *

Innovate with a dynamic team to design advanced tooling for solid rocket motors, ensuring safety and reliability in manufacturing processes while applying your expertise in physics and material scienc...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Accelerate your career by partnering with leaders to develop innovative solutions, guide engineering best practices, and ensure high-quality infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to achieve technical...

Mclean, VARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate the future of power systems by designing automated tools for transmission planning. Collaborate with engineers to enhance workflows, ensuring reliable results that utilities and developers tr...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$89K - $148K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your electrical engineering expertise to support military vessel operations. Collaborate with teams to ensure safe, reliable electrical systems while managing design and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $175K *

Lead the charge in Model-Based Systems Engineering, collaborating with experts across diverse domains to develop cutting-edge solutions. Utilize your skills in SysML and modeling tools to drive innova...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$141K - $224K *

Join a team that's leading field engineering efforts for satellite communications systems. You'll oversee installation, integration, and operational readiness while managing dispersed teams to ensure...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$124K - $138K *

Join us to enhance the world's most advanced Strategic Fire Control System. As an Advanced Systems Engineer, you'll collaborate on subsystem upgrades, driving innovation and excellence in a dynamic, c...

Pittsfield, MARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $130K *

Lead the modernization of fire control platforms as an Advanced Systems Engineer, driving cross-functional collaboration and innovative solutions while managing the systems development life cycle and...

Pittsfield, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$141K - $224K *

Lead the design and modernization of mission-critical SATCOM systems, ensuring seamless integration and lifecycle support. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and ope...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$111K - $206K *

Join a team that's driving mission success through innovative program planning. Collaborate across functions to develop and maintain schedules, ensuring on-time, in-budget delivery of complex projects...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$83K *

Join us to support the EVA Remote Observation Camera project by providing design, testing, and verification expertise. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot hardware and ensure project success in a d...

Houston, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.