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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$132K - $211K *

Unlock potential by serving as a key technical leader, bridging engineering and enterprise architecture to eliminate adoption friction and enhance cloud-native infrastructure and AI platform deploymen...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$250K - $270K *

Lead the charge in enhancing the guest web ordering experience by managing a team of full-stack engineers. Drive product innovation, optimize conversion rates, and ensure engineering excellence across...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer the administration and development of core business systems, focusing on ServiceNow. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable solutions that enhance operations, service, and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion security excellence by leading initiatives to enhance IT solutions, ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of information assets while driving secure business growth throug...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $165K *

Lead financial management initiatives for multi-million dollar RDT&E projects, ensuring effective budget planning, execution tracking, and integration of financial data with program schedules to suppo...

Chantilly, VARemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing PLC/HMI control systems for diverse manufacturing processes. Collaborate with clients and lead projects while mentoring junior engineers to deliver innov...

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $195K *

Lead the charge in aerial delivery logistics, coordinating a multidisciplinary team to enhance airdrop capabilities for the U.S. Army. Drive technical assessments, compliance, and operational excellen...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic initiatives in supply chain management for submarine production, focusing on risk identification, supplier engagement, and innovative solutions to enhance industr...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $155K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing scalable systems. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor peers, and drive technical excellence while contributing to impactf...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $190K *

Transform the future of remote sensing by leading research and algorithm development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance EO/IR systems, applying advanced analytics to support critical...

Dayton, OHRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $196K *

Transform enterprise data governance by leading data quality initiatives, establishing frameworks, and driving measurable improvements across data domains to mitigate business risks and enhance decisi...

Kalamazoo, MIRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $140K *

Play a key role in leading complex analytical projects, driving Federal transformation engagements, and delivering client-ready solutions while collaborating with stakeholders across various disciplin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $130K *

Empower our team by integrating cutting-edge industrial automation solutions. This hands-on role involves collaborating with clients to enhance manufacturing processes through effective PLC integratio...

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$160K - $185K *

Champion innovative data solutions by leveraging AI expertise to enhance product discovery, streamline processes, and drive strategic improvements across cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment wit...

Virginia, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Elevate customer experiences by serving as a technical liaison, driving revenue growth through innovative solutions and expert support in the Precision Medicine sector. Collaborate with sales teams to...

New York, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$66K - $106K *

Optimize IT service delivery by managing configuration items, analyzing operational data, and ensuring effective incident resolution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service perform...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving large-scale infrastructure projects. As a Project Manager, you'll lead initiatives from kickoff to closeout, ensuring alignment with program objectives and stakeholder expec...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$184K - $356K *

Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, collaborating with research and product teams to transform innovative ideas into production-ready services that enhance AI tooling...

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$69K - $101K *

Empower our Micro-Fulfillment Operations team by ensuring optimal performance and reliability of automated systems. Engage with customers to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, enhancin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Engineer and optimize virtualization infrastructure, ensuring seamless operation and support for Azure and VMWare environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance, troubleshoot issues, and...

Washington, DCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of field engineering by leading technical support, training, and quality assurance efforts. Drive continuous improvement while ensuring top-tier service and communication with clients...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$80K - $120K *

Elevate enterprise cybersecurity by leading risk assessments, validating controls, and driving compliance initiatives. Collaborate with teams to ensure informed decisions and enhance the Cybersecurity...

Virginia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $150K *

Unlock your potential by developing customer-facing features across the full tech stack. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and enhance the Automox console, ensuring high performance and user sat...

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4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Engineer innovative AI-driven software solutions by leveraging LLMs and coding harnesses. Collaborate with a focused team to design, build, and maintain autonomous systems that enhance software develo...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$68K - $131K *

Join a team that's shaping financial strategies for innovative programs. This role supports program finance activities, including reporting, forecasting, and analysis, while collaborating with stakeho...

California, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   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.