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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$100K - $120K *

Engage in designing and implementing robust cybersecurity solutions while managing security technologies and cloud services. Collaborate across teams to ensure operational performance and support clie...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$250K - $300K *

Join a team that's shaping the brand and product experience. You'll create visually compelling designs, develop marketing materials, and collaborate with engineers to enhance our product in a fast-pac...

Mexico, MORemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of configuration management by overseeing hardware inventory, documentation, and product releases. Collaborate with teams to implement effective change management processes throughout...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$106K - $198K *

Create innovative data solutions by delivering full-stack capabilities across the data lifecycle. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and optimize data processing pipelines that ensure accura...

Stratford, CTRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $190K *

Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Elevate next-gen AI and cloud hardware systems by leading architecture for high-performance networking platforms, integrating compute and networking technologies to meet evolving customer demands, whi...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $251K *

Join a team that's redefining data governance through innovative integration and automation solutions. Collaborate across functions to design scalable architectures that enhance data management capabi...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $175K *

Pioneer secure, scalable backend solutions as a Senior Developer, integrating AI capabilities within AWS GovCloud. Collaborate across teams to enhance enterprise applications and ensure robust securit...

Arlington, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $168K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative command and control solutions. As a Configuration Analyst, you'll manage software and hardware changes, ensuring documentation and collaboration a...

Colorado, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Transform avionics innovation by leading software projects and mentoring teams, delivering cutting-edge display solutions across platforms while ensuring compliance and project success in a dynamic, r...

Cedar Rapids, IARemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Partner with us to drive customer success by implementing and expanding Teleport solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance adoption, troubleshoot issues, and deliver tailored training, ensuring cl...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by providing expert radar engineering support for FAA modernization, enhancing technical solutions and ensuring effective integration and deployment within the National Airspace Syste...

Washington, DCRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$157K - $174K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of combat vehicle software. Lead architectural design and technical direction for mission-critical systems, integrating advanced technologies in a collaborative...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Optimize program delivery by leading complex projects from proposal to execution. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage budgets, and ensure customer commitments are met while mentoring junior p...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovative launch campaigns, managing complex schedules, and enhancing internal processes. This role requires a proactive leader to oversee launch operations and foster rela...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Champion the execution of aerospace defense programs, driving operational excellence and compliance. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure project success, aligning with strategic goals while enhancin...

Clearwater, FLRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$98K - $155K *

Optimize mission-critical satellite communications systems through installation, testing, and maintenance. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure operational readiness and reliability across global...

Virginia Beach, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $115K *

Engineer robust cloud and system solutions, ensuring seamless enterprise operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and implement configuratio...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $225K *

Lead the charge in multidisciplinary engineering and design management for a large-scale industrial infrastructure project, ensuring compliance with technical standards and client expectations through...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

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

$82K - $172K *

Lead the charge in ensuring product quality for critical defense programs, overseeing quality management throughout the lifecycle, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving compliance with industry...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Transform business workflows by developing and maintaining applications that enhance productivity and information sharing across teams. Collaborate with IT and business units to deliver innovative sol...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $160K *

Transform advanced semiconductor facilities by leading electrical design projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to ensure compliance, quality, and innovation while utilizing cutting-edge AI...

Austin, TXRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $160K *

Transform the future of technology by leading electrical design for advanced semiconductor facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance, innovation, and quality in every p...

Phoenix, AZRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative power system solutions by conducting EMT studies and developing models. Collaborate with leadership to enhance team expertise and deliver quality advisory support to clients in the...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $130K *

Drive the design and deployment of secure AI applications in cloud environments, integrating advanced technologies like machine learning and ServiceNow solutions to enhance operational efficiency and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.