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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$214K - $220K *

Join a team that's redefining hardware design for high-performance systems. Lead innovative projects from concept to production, collaborating with top-tier partners to ensure reliability and manufact...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $135K *

Drive the evolution of critical DNS infrastructure, ensuring operational excellence, collaborating across teams, and enhancing production services through automation and API development...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $112K *

Elevate your career by providing advanced governance, risk, and compliance support for federal information systems, ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations while engaging with key stakeh...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$154K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as a strategic leader driving customer support excellence. Own high-impact programs, optimize processes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experienc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $125K *

Join our team as a Technical Lead, guiding product development and execution while mentoring cross-functional teams. Drive architecture, oversee CI/CD processes, and ensure compliance in a dynamic fed...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $125K *

Drive technical leadership and product strategy for federal programs, guiding teams through agile processes, architecture maintenance, and CI/CD practices while ensuring compliance and security for VA...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $125K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of federal technology solutions. As a Technical Lead, you'll guide product development, oversee architecture, and mentor teams while ensuring compliance and secur...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $125K *

Lead technical initiatives for federal programs, guiding teams in architecture, sprint execution, and product releases while ensuring compliance and security. Mentor peers and represent products in go...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $125K *

Engage as a Technical Lead, guiding product architecture and sprint execution while mentoring teams and ensuring compliance with VA standards. Drive technical strategy and oversee troubleshooting for...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $125K *

Engage as a key technical leader, guiding product development and execution while overseeing architecture, CI/CD processes, and team mentorship in a dynamic federal environment...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $145K *

Collaborate within a dedicated team to design and execute innovative civil engineering solutions for Mission Critical Data Center projects in a dynamic environment, engaging with diverse clients and d...

Cottage Grove, WIRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $180K *

Optimize the CI/CD infrastructure for a cutting-edge robotics simulation platform. Collaborate with developers and QA to enhance software delivery, ensuring reliability and efficiency across multiple...

Toronto, ONRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$105K - $155K *

Join a team that's dedicated to safeguarding critical systems through expert security management. Leverage your RMF knowledge to ensure compliance, drive remediation, and maintain robust security post...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$177K - $257K *

Pioneer the transformation of our C++ testing ecosystem, enhancing software quality and developer practices. Lead initiatives for reusable testing frameworks and CI/CD integration, driving consistency...

Boulder, CORemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$154K - $185K *

Empower the development of scalable observability systems, driving projects from concept to operation. Collaborate with a remote team to enhance performance and reliability while contributing to open...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$164K - $197K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and maintaining critical observability systems. You'll influence our roadmap, deliver features, and contribute to open-source projects while ensuring reliabil...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$116K - $210K *

Help us optimize subcontractor performance by providing strategic oversight and guidance. Collaborate with leadership and teams to ensure alignment with program objectives, while mentoring junior staf...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$121K - $142K *

Elevate automation in software engineering by building AI-driven tools and systems. Collaborate with a focused team to enhance reliability and speed in package and image management, shaping the future...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $154K *

Unlock potential by leading complex, cross-functional projects in a fast-paced infrastructure environment, driving execution among diverse technical and business teams, while adapting to evolving prio...

Colorado, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovative system designs for security, video, access, and fire alarm solutions. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions, support junior members, and ensure project success through...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$170K - $185K *

Drive impactful IT program initiatives for Federal and SLED Governments, overseeing planning, execution, and financial management while fostering client relationships and identifying growth opportunit...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $125K *

Drive the deployment of healthcare technology across multiple VA facilities, coordinating projects and ensuring readiness. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage timelines, resolve issues, and deliv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Join our team to enhance security and automation in delivery pipelines, driving consistent deployments and compliance through modern DevSecOps practices alongside skilled professionals...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the development of innovative modeling capabilities to enhance our advanced simulation framework, collaborating with engineers to integrate numerical methods and apply machine learning for mo...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud infrastructure by leading engineering efforts for a cutting-edge Operational Decisioning Platform. Drive innovation, enhance developer experience, and en...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.