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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$175K - $195K *

Shape the future of enterprise AI solutions by leading technical delivery and client engagement. Utilize your expertise in AI platforms to create measurable outcomes and drive adoption, while collabor...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$177K - $266K *

Drive success as you lead a remote team of Systems Engineers to enhance technical sales and partner engagement across the Southwest Mountain region, ensuring strong product adoption in a rapidly evolv...

Colorado, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$63K - $105K *

Champion the development of AI agents and workflows, leveraging GenAI.mil to create innovative automated solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes and deliver high-qualit...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $236K *

Lead the charge in defining technical standards for secure, scalable Windows and macOS endpoints. Mentor engineers, manage projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance an...

San Diego, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI by developing robust machine learning solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and usability of advanced systems, and driv...

Austin, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Elevate cybersecurity by designing and implementing robust security protocols, ensuring compliance across cloud infrastructure while managing IAM, PKI, and secrets management to protect fintech worklo...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of cloud security by architecting and implementing robust controls across multi-region AWS environments, ensuring compliance and maintaining high security standards for fintech worklo...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $125K *

Empower your career by driving the integration and migration of data for a vital financial management system. Collaborate with experts to enhance system reliability and operational efficiency in a ful...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Elevate security practices by building and managing a comprehensive security program. Collaborate with engineers to identify vulnerabilities, implement automated checks, and ensure robust protection a...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading complex IT task orders, ensuring timely implementation of technical solutions while collaborating with government officials and managing project teams effectively...

Fort Belvoir, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$161K - $299K *

Engineer solutions by applying functional knowledge to design and customize SAP or PeopleSoft applications, ensuring alignment with business needs. Collaborate with teams to write requirements, develo...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $180K *

Shape the future of cloud technology by leading the design and operation of secure, scalable services. Drive architectural decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance our clou...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$240K - $320K *

Transform AI adoption and engineering efficiency by leading cross-functional initiatives and driving the strategic integration of innovative technologies across products, ensuring measurable outcomes...

Bellevue, WARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the design and optimization of scalable ETL/ELT pipelines while enhancing data integration and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive architectural decisions and automate workf...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $198K *

Lead the charge in building AI platform capabilities that power next-gen experiences, enabling teams to create scalable systems and multi-step workflows. Collaborate with engineers to develop reliable...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $236K *

Drive innovation in cybersecurity by leading technical initiatives for MSSP partners and AI security solutions. Leverage your expertise to design, scale, and secure managed services while mentoring te...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join us to enhance the security posture of our production platform. As an Infrastructure Security Engineer, you'll drive remediation efforts, build security frameworks, and collaborate with teams to p...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$89K - $148K *

Lead the design and development of scalable full-stack applications, mentoring junior engineers while integrating AI features. Collaborate with stakeholders to align engineering solutions with busines...

Flower Mound, TXRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Lead the evolution of our GTM Systems Architecture, enhancing Salesforce and its tech stack for AI-native workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build a trusted data foundation and driv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$122K - $150K *

Empower customer success by leading flight-planning migrations and implementations. Manage multiple projects, configure systems, and train users to ensure seamless transitions from legacy platforms to...

Austin, TXRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$118K - $180K *

Drive quality assurance excellence in heavy industrial construction projects, ensuring compliance and safety standards are met throughout all phases. Collaborate with contractors to enhance performanc...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $185K *

Champion the future of defense solutions by driving new business, building relationships, and leading contract execution. Own a diverse portfolio while adapting to evolving challenges and ensuring cus...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $211K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading a high-performing team in implementing and scaling industrial control systems. Collaborate across functions to ensure reliable, maintainable solutions that supp...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $225K *

Join a team that's driving operational excellence in platform management. As a key leader, you'll enhance mission readiness, enforce standards, and integrate cross-functional teams to ensure seamless...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Deliver strategic leadership in federal subcontract management, guiding a team through the entire subcontract lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure compliance and drive p...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information 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.