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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$95K - $120K *

Champion quality assurance in GIS software by developing test plans, validating data, and ensuring reliability for Army geospatial applications. Collaborate with experts to enhance automated testing p...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Contribute to the development of innovative web applications using .Net, Angular, and SQL. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance existing systems and design new solutions, ensuring high-quality s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative structural design and analysis, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with teams and clients to solve problems, manage projects, and support sales efforts, driving success i...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$107K - $195K *

Join a team that's transforming AI/ML capabilities into daily operations for federal health programs. Lead data preparation, integration, and monitoring efforts while ensuring compliance with governme...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $115K *

Transform federal human capital management by leveraging your HR expertise. Collaborate with a high-performing team to enhance service delivery and drive continuous improvement in HR processes and sys...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $220K *

Deliver high-performance C++ solutions for network management, focusing on device discovery and monitoring across Windows and Linux. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliabili...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$74K - $138K *

Unlock potential by leading nuclear engineering activities, ensuring safety and compliance across multidisciplinary teams. Leverage expertise in Small Modular Reactor designs and regulatory frameworks...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$184K - $356K *

Develop metrics and evaluation methodologies to enhance Autonomous Vehicle software. Collaborate across teams to innovate testing strategies and deliver data-driven insights, driving forward cutting-e...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$63K - $111K *

Engage in subcontract administration to ensure compliance with project requirements. Collaborate with subcontractors, prepare proposals, and maintain accurate records while supporting FAA modernizatio...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

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

$63K - $111K *

Join our team to manage subcontractor relationships and ensure compliance with project requirements. Leverage your procurement expertise to support FAA modernization efforts across the nation, contrib...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$150K - $180K *

Drive the development of AI-native solutions, designing robust agentic systems and workflows while closely collaborating with SMEs to enhance real user value through effective feedback mechanisms and...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $215K *

Drive innovation in data engineering and AI solutions, leading the design and deployment of scalable systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance business value through advanced technol...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading the development of protection and control systems. Utilize your expertise to analyze complex power system challenges, ensuring compliance and delivering innovative solut...

Nevada, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $200K *

Contribute to the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and engage with clients to deliver...

Rancho Cordova, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Lead the design and analysis of water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and innovation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions that enhance community serv...

Oakland, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Engage in the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior engineers...

Riverside, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Empower communities by leading innovative water infrastructure projects. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you'll design and analyze critical facilities, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance...

San Diego, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee financial and project controls for federal contracts, focusing on construction management. Collaborate with project managers and leadership to ensure accurate forecastin...

Herndon, VARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive mission success by translating operational needs into actionable software requirements. Collaborate with stakeholders to document, validate, and maintain requirements throughout the software dev...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform control systems in the field as you analyze PLC code, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure regulatory compliance. Collaborate with internal teams and clients while traveling extensively across...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $170K *

Unlock the potential of enterprise data architecture by designing secure, scalable solutions for employee data using Databricks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement governance, compli...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $219K *

Transform the future of cloud infrastructure by leading a dynamic SRE team, driving automation, and enhancing operational excellence across scalable platforms while fostering collaboration and continu...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $165K *

Champion high-performing software engineering teams, driving quality and timely delivery while aligning technical direction with business strategy. Foster collaboration and continuous improvement in a...

Nebraska, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to supporting contracts within the Defense and Civil Space Market. Leverage your analytical skills and contract knowledge to ensure compliance and drive project success in...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Join a team to lead commissioning projects, providing technical expertise and project management for critical facilities. Collaborate across teams, mentor others, and ensure successful testing and val...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.