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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$168K - $270K *

Transform large-scale GPU cloud infrastructure by building automation frameworks and self-healing systems. Engage in the full lifecycle of services, enhancing reliability and efficiency while reducing...

California, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$171K - $257K *

Lead multi-disciplinary teams to tackle complex challenges in remote sensing, integrating advanced algorithms and data analytics to enhance national space programs and deliver innovative solutions for...

El Segundo, CARemote

6 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Champion innovative structural design for data centers, focusing on large-scale concrete and steel structures. Collaborate with global teams to deliver high-profile projects while advancing sustainabl...

Arlington, VARemote

2 weeks ago

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

$165K - $225K *

Champion the development of a GPU-accelerated compute platform, enhancing AI training and research capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design orchestration systems that optimize r...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$183K - $206K *

Transform AI observability by developing end-to-end capabilities, architecting data models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user workflows and insights into agent performance...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading mechanical design for hyperscale data centers. Oversee HVAC, piping, and fire suppression systems while ensuring project success through collaboration and innovation. Jo...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing and overseeing mechanical systems for hyperscale data centers, ensuring reliability and efficiency while managing client relationships and project teams across multiple di...

Los Angeles, CARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead the design and construction of mechanical systems for hyperscale data centers, ensuring reliability and efficiency while collaborating with global teams on high-profile...

Arlington, VARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining HR technology! Lead the design and management of our Workday system, collaborating across departments to enhance HR and Payroll processes through innovative solutions and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$98K - $164K *

Unlock potential by leading power system engineering efforts to design innovative electrification solutions for EHV/HV substations, ensuring project execution success and maximizing business developme...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in strategic growth and relationship development for a portfolio of EPE clients. Drive business development, uncover opportunities, and enhance client engagement to expand EPE’s footpr...

Austin, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to shape the future of software engineering by leading AI-driven projects, mentoring engineers, and influencing product direction while ensuring high-quality outcomes across multip...

Utah, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading complex commercial real estate due diligence projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide technical guidance and client leadership, ensuring high-quality d...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $166K *

Shape the future of data integration by leading the development of robust data pipelines and enhancing fraud detection systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless data flow and...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Advance your career by building high-throughput services that power AI workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable infrastructure and tackle complex challenges in a dynamic e...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$285K - $320K *

Lead the charge in delivering Honeycomb Private Cloud, driving product growth, and collaborating across teams to enhance operational processes while building a high-performing engineering team to supp...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative web and cloud applications. In this role, you'll lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver hi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $187K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions using Python and AWS. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable applications that leverage AI/ML technologies, ensuring high perf...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $140K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team to design and implement innovative cloud solutions in a multi-cloud environment, ensuring scalability, security, and alignment with business objectives wh...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $185K *

Unlock your potential by leading the design and implementation of innovative digital solutions for Veteran healthcare services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise applicatio...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Innovate solutions for network modernization by leading design, testing, and implementation efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of Ciena products, enhancing performan...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$182K - $215K *

Join our team to oversee application security, manage vulnerability pipelines, and collaborate with engineering teams to enhance security practices. Drive incident response and advocate for security a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading warehouse design projects, managing engineering activities, and collaborating with teams to optimize material flow and layouts for enhanced efficiency. Ensure successful im...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$95K - $129K *

Advance your career by leveraging your expertise in solid rocket motor ballistics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to perform detailed analyses, provide technical leadership, and drive innovat...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$97K - $125K *

Drive impactful change by analyzing user needs and defining requirements for clinical applications. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance electronic health record systems, ensuring effective docum...

United StatesRemote

4 days 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.