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

$88K - $154K *

Join a team that's redefining bridge engineering by delivering innovative designs and solutions. Collaborate on diverse projects, ensuring structural reliability and efficiency while enhancing your ex...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining construction through innovative Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) practices. Collaborate on diverse projects, enhancing design processes and ensuring successful proje...

Haskell, TXRemote

3 days ago

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

$160K - $170K *

Drive excellence in program execution by mentoring leaders, optimizing performance, and ensuring compliance. Transform data into insights for proactive decision-making, enhancing customer satisfaction...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Elevate software development by integrating AI-powered coding practices into enterprise solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance productivity, code quality, and testing through innovative AI tools...

Nova Scotia, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$134K - $205K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of high-voltage transmission design. Lead projects, mentor talent, and ensure compliance with industry standards while delivering innovative solutions for clients...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $160K *

Transform business challenges into innovative solutions by leveraging AI and engineering expertise. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities, develop full-stack applications, and drive...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Design and build innovative web applications and APIs, taking ownership of projects from architecture to deployment. Collaborate with a dynamic team to leverage AI tools and deliver impactful solution...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$66K - $106K *

Shape the future of technical support by ensuring reliable operation of Shared System Maintainer cycles. Collaborate with developers and analysts to enhance testing environments and troubleshoot issue...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $160K *

Drive the development of critical enterprise applications for DoD personnel, enhancing program and financial management capabilities. Collaborate within a product team to modernize technology and deli...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$132K - $251K *

Contribute to mission-critical applications by serving as a liaison among stakeholders, ensuring alignment with business needs and strategic objectives while supporting software throughout its lifecyc...

Connecticut, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Unlock potential by delivering innovative robotic solutions, ensuring seamless integration and operational success for customers. Collaborate, troubleshoot, and enhance system performance while provid...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Full Stack Software Engineer, where you'll design, build, and enhance tools for public agencies. Collaborate across the tech stack to solve real-world problems and drive impac...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $189K *

Lead, shape, and execute advanced penetration testing assessments, overseeing scoping, planning, and reporting. Collaborate with teams to enhance cybersecurity measures across various platforms, ensur...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$123K - $173K *

Reimagine thermal management system design for data centers and semiconductors, leveraging expertise in HVAC systems. Collaborate to enhance engineering solutions, analyze complex issues, and drive in...

Davidson, NCRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving cloud engineering solutions for high-traffic web assets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security, automate processes, and ensure business continuity in...

Washington, DCRemote

3 days ago

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

$100K - $110K *

Join a team that's advancing project success through Agile leadership and stakeholder engagement. As a vital contributor, you'll manage requirements and optimize workflows while collaborating with cro...

Virginia, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Contribute to innovative automated storage solutions by developing competitive proposals and collaborating with sales teams to ensure project feasibility and execution, enhancing customer satisfaction...

Romeoville, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in enhancing security for a complex federal platform, safeguarding cloud infrastructure and sensitive data. Collaborate within an Agile team to design, implement, and automate robust s...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$154K - $260K *

Develop AI-driven workflows to enhance CI/CD systems, ensuring safe, efficient software delivery. Collaborate with teams to reduce tech debt and improve production reliability while scaling engineerin...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Innovate within the AI Platform team by designing and operating core components for AI-driven solutions, focusing on model serving, agentic infrastructure, or observability. Collaborate across teams t...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Engineer cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure for financial markets. Drive architecture, design proofs of concept, and ensure interoperability while collaborating with teams to meet institutional re...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$108K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a CFD Engineer, executing airflow and thermal studies for data centers. Collaborate globally on high-profile projects, converting complex simulations into actionable designs whi...

Arlington, VARemote

Today

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

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading comprehensive CFD studies for data centers, transforming complex simulations into actionable design insights. Collaborate globally on high-profile projects while ensuring h...

Arlington, VARemote

2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of procurement by optimizing MRO and consumables management. Lead strategic sourcing and supplier relationships across multiple sites while driving cost savings, compliance, and opera...

Falls Church, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of manufacturing by leading strategic procurement for facilities and utilities, overseeing lifecycle management, and ensuring optimum support for production while adhering to stringen...

Falls Church, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.