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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$82K - $172K *

Transform complex data ecosystems by leveraging your Elasticsearch expertise to design, optimize, and lead advanced analytics initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission-cr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by driving new client acquisition in healthcare technology. Manage the full sales lifecycle, build relationships, and leverage AI tools to exceed performance goals in a fast-paced, re...

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$101K - $135K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare technology by designing and enhancing our build and delivery infrastructure. Collaborate with architects and developers to implement best practices...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing critical technical programs, enhancing research infrastructure while ensuring impactful collaboration across teams. Empower researchers to translate their wor...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$150K - $172K *

Elevate your career by providing expert logistics guidance to support space acquisition initiatives. Collaborate with teams to ensure accountability of property assets, streamline operations, and enha...

Chantilly, VARemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $180K *

Lead the charge in optimizing cloud operations for the Judiciary, ensuring efficient performance and compliance. Collaborate with teams to enhance workflows and resolve incidents, while managing the C...

De Pere, WIRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $195K *

Champion innovative automation solutions by analyzing and documenting business processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize workflows and deliver high-quality RPA implementations tha...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $190K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading the analysis and implementation of Warehouse Management Systems. Collaborate with clients, configure systems, and ensure quality assurance while driving innovative solution...

California, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$209K - $273K *

Grow your career with a technical leadership role tackling complex challenges while mentoring others and collaborating on impactful projects across multiple engineering teams, elevating standards and...

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4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Shape the future of federal financial operations by driving user adoption and change management for a new tool. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance user experience, streamline processes, and ensu...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$132K - $208K *

Lead the charge in transforming data center network designs into seamless execution. Drive end-to-end delivery of infrastructure projects, ensuring timely and efficient deployment across multiple site...

Colorado, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Execute project development and implementation, managing budgets, schedules, and vendor tasks while ensuring quality standards and fostering collaboration across teams and clients...

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$63K - $111K *

Lead the procurement process as a Senior Subcontract Administrator, managing subcontractor relationships, negotiating agreements, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Drive efficiency in t...

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2 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Champion quality assurance by driving manual and automated testing for web and mobile applications, ensuring compliance and security throughout the development lifecycle while collaborating with Agile...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$123K - $185K *

Lead the charge in optimizing process control and equipment projects across multiple manufacturing plants, driving improvements and ensuring effective implementation in the Feed Manufacturing Operatio...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI evaluation by leading rigorous methodologies, collaborating with engineers, and mentoring teams to ensure accurate assessments that drive product innovation and market standards...

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2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI by developing innovative solutions. Leverage your expertise in cloud, data, and automation to create impactful applications and streamline processes while a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $150K *

Lead the charge in managing complex, technically sophisticated projects, focusing on data centers. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure project alignment with client goals, budgets, and sch...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

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

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate your career by leading mechanical system upgrades in data centers. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive project success, manage risks, and optimize processes while ensuring alignment wit...

Oregon City, ORRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$90K - $100K *

Elevate public safety solutions by implementing and supporting Emergency Call Handling systems. This remote role requires extensive travel and expertise in cloud technologies, ensuring seamless deploy...

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $160K *

Champion the migration to a modern Databricks lakehouse, designing robust data pipelines and ensuring data quality. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytics capabilities and set technical standards...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$149K - $198K *

Champion the investigation and diagnosis of complex AV behaviors, driving solutions autonomously across simulation and on-road environments. Utilize Python and custom tools to enhance diagnostic capab...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $244K *

Shape the future of high-voltage transmission projects by leading design, planning, and execution efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure technical excellence and adherence to safe...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in managing and securing Microsoft Active Directory services, ensuring robust identity management and operational excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.