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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$84K - $129K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovative structural engineering solutions. Leverage your expertise in materials and design to tackle complex challenges in power transmission upgrades, ensuring clien...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$192K - $213K *

Transform data into insights by building robust calibration systems for multispectral infrared imagery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality data products for environmental m...

Denver, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $172K *

Innovate your career as you design and maintain mission-critical software for defense financial systems. Lead a growing team, integrate AI capabilities, and ensure compliance in both classified and un...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Champion strategic pursuits in the Space ecosystem, driving acquisition and partnerships. Lead full-lifecycle capture efforts to align technical solutions with government needs, influencing pipeline g...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of procurement by analyzing data, managing suppliers, and driving strategic sourcing initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance supply chain operations and achiev...

Greenlawn, NYRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $166K *

Transform electric transmission design by leading a dynamic team in delivering innovative solutions for major utilities. Drive project execution, client relations, and staff development in a fast-pace...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advanced security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture through hands-on penetration testing and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Mentor...

California, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $154K *

Elevate your career by installing and programming advanced electronic security systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure the integrity of communication and power systems while adhering to ind...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$85K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading structural design projects, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to create innovative 3D models and drawings. Utilize advanced software to ensure high-quality del...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$134K - $205K *

Shape the future of energy by leading a structural engineering team on innovative nuclear projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor engineers, and apply your expertise in structural d...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$96K - $148K *

Join a team that's enhancing mission-critical IT services by managing and supporting UNIX/Linux systems in a dynamic environment. Leverage your expertise to implement improvements and ensure robust cy...

Roanoke, VARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Transform the internal IT landscape by managing employee support, systems administration, and infrastructure scalability. Drive automation and security initiatives while enhancing user experience in a...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$101K - $188K *

Elevate your career by enhancing platform reliability and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve operational challenges, improve observability, and ensure dependable systems in a...

Connecticut, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Lead the charge in data analytics innovation, leveraging machine learning and Python to enhance decision-making and optimize engineering processes. Collaborate with teams to drive impactful solutions...

Connecticut, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $205K *

Drive the development of safety-critical autonomous systems, ensuring robust safety performance through hazard analysis and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Contribute to innovative solution...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $260K *

Drive the development of an intelligent content delivery network, optimizing web performance through cutting-edge infrastructure and AI. Collaborate with a lean team to transform complex problems into...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$125K - $140K *

Unlock your potential as a Program Manager, leading complex cybersecurity initiatives. Drive project success by coordinating resources, managing timelines, and ensuring the protection of sensitive dat...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Innovate and enhance software solutions in a dynamic SaaS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality applications while driving continuous impro...

Puerto Rico, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$146K - $192K *

Drive project success by providing engineering support and technical evaluations for electric power generation projects. Collaborate with clients on design reviews, economic analysis, and risk assessm...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $158K *

Partner with us to enhance design systems by building shared components and patterns. Collaborate with designers and engineers to create accessible, user-friendly interfaces that elevate product exper...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Empower mission success by leading systems engineering for hypersonic test missions. Drive technical integrity, stakeholder engagement, and risk management throughout the mission lifecycle, ensuring s...

Crane, INRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$116K - $210K *

Transform environmental remediation projects as a technical leader, guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex regulatory challenges, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to ensure compl...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $165K *

Champion safety in innovative nuclear fuel recycling by evaluating hazards, developing safety documents, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance safety measu...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$142K - $236K *

Join a team that's redefining supply chain strategies for high-volume and low-volume space programs. Leverage your expertise in procurement and supplier management to drive efficiency and reliability...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$94K - $141K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee supplier quality assurance, manage compliance, and engage in supplier evaluations. Leverage your expertise to ensure product integrity while collaborating directly with...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.