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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$125K - $175K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative solar and energy storage projects. Drive technical excellence, mentor teams, and collaborate with stakeholders to shape sustainable energy solutions across No...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$90K - $105K *

Transform enterprise network infrastructure by providing operational support, administration, and troubleshooting for LANs, WANs, and VPNs, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity across diverse env...

Washington DC, USRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $170K *

Transform your career by leading mechanical design projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior staff while ensuring compliance with industry standards and delivering high...

Sacramento, CARemote

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Design and develop high-performing, accessible user interfaces using modern JavaScript frameworks. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with accessibility standards while mentoring junior devel...

Tennessee, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $167K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of federal access by leveraging your DevOps expertise to manage cloud infrastructure, automate deployments, and ensure security compliance while collaborating with...

Reston, VARemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Champion customer solutions by rapidly prototyping and deploying AI-driven applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product capabilities and drive adoption, ensuring impactful...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in transforming concepts into buildable systems by leveraging your expertise in applications engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver precise layouts, cost-effec...

Louisville, KYRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$126K - $164K *

Pioneer innovative solar designs for utility-scale projects, leading teams to optimize high-level concepts into actionable plans. Engage with clients and ensure quality standards while contributing to...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$79K - $122K *

Shape the future of IT capabilities by leading requirements analysis and advisory support for a Department of War agency. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver data-driven insights and enhance ente...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$79K - $122K *

Join a team that's driving innovation as you lead critical IT capability analysis, mentorship, and strategic decision-making. Utilize your expertise to enhance enterprise IT initiatives and deliver im...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $111K *

Optimize infrastructure solutions by leading cross-functional teams to design, implement, and support resilient systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and operational...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Lead and architect innovative AI-driven financial solutions, collaborating with elite engineers to design, implement, and optimize cutting-edge tools for global clients in a dynamic, startup environme...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Innovate cutting-edge AI financial solutions by architecting and deploying advanced chat interfaces and reporting systems. Collaborate with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows for global c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate software solutions by architecting AI-driven financial tools, collaborating with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows, and ensuring high standards in quality and security within a d...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI solutions by leading design and implementation of robust enterprise systems, driving innovation, and establishing engineering excellence while mentoring developers and collabora...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $250K *

Lead the charge in advancing product safety by developing robust safety frameworks and engaging with partners and regulators. Leverage a multi-disciplinary team to manage the path towards safe and com...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$142K - $184K *

Champion the development and operational deployment of vehicle firmware, leveraging IoT data to enhance fleet safety and efficiency through collaborative efforts with cross-functional teams...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$154K - $260K *

Innovate and drive technical strategy for AI-powered products at scale. Empower teams to build transformative software solutions, oversee complex projects, and deliver exceptional results that reshape...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$118K - $196K *

Oversee compliance and audit processes for HR Systems, ensuring operational risk management and adherence to regulatory standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to safeguard employee...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$142K - $186K *

Pioneer a data-driven culture by designing scalable ELT pipelines and analytics models. Collaborate across teams to ensure product data integrity and empower stakeholders with self-service insights, d...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $200K *

Elevate the engineering department by driving delivery, managing teams, and ensuring production quality. Lead hands-on development while fostering innovation in AI-driven systems to enhance operationa...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovative product development in power connectors and cable assemblies. Lead cross-functional teams, drive technical excellence, and mentor engineering talent to deliver high-quality, cost-e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$151K - $222K *

Elevate your career by leading software security governance initiatives. Drive transformation of security requirements into actionable workflows while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enha...

North Carolina, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$87K - $108K *

Shape the future of fire protection engineering by designing innovative fire suppression and alarm systems for diverse, complex infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ens...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Drive the administration and enhancement of Nagios XI monitoring systems, ensuring optimal performance and coverage across diverse environments. Collaborate with IT teams to identify gaps and implemen...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 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.