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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$200K - $240K *

Shape the future of space systems engineering by leading complex acquisitions and integrating advanced capabilities for the U.S. Space Force. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive program success an...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team to lead complex systems acquisition for advanced space capabilities. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering to drive program planning, risk mitigation, and technical oversi...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Join us to drive innovation in space systems engineering, collaborating with government partners to enhance spacecraft designs and ensure mission success through expert guidance and strategic planning...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in advancing innovative space programs by collaborating with government stakeholders, enhancing spacecraft subsystems, and mitigating technical risks to ensure mission success and stra...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $220K *

Lead critical integration efforts in advanced space systems, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance capabilities and ensure seamless operations across ground and mission segments while managing r...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Transform your career by leading critical satellite ground system projects. Oversee contractor designs, ensure system integration, and act as a trusted advisor to enhance mission success in a fast-pac...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in mission execution and engineering integration, ensuring alignment of science objectives with operational plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize mission performan...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform mission objectives into engineering solutions by leading planning, integration, and execution of extended mission activities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure operational su...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $255K *

Engineer innovative Space RF payloads, ensuring technical oversight from design to deployment. Collaborate with teams to assess requirements, evaluate technologies, and guide integration processes for...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space technology by designing and integrating advanced electronic subsystems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, radiation-tolerant s...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $240K *

Lead complex systems integration for advanced space capabilities, driving program planning and risk mitigation while collaborating with government and contractor teams to deliver innovative solutions...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in advancing space systems integration, applying your expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive program execution, risk management, an...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $195K *

Drive advanced systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on Flight Software integration, verification, and validation. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance and support on...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $105K *

Architect innovative digital signal processing solutions for space-based systems, leveraging advanced algorithms and systems engineering principles. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment to enhanc...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$190K - $250K *

Drive systems engineering excellence while collaborating across disciplines to analyze and implement strategic solutions for complex space programs. Join our team to foster innovation and promote rigo...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $128K *

Join a team that's applying systems engineering expertise to spacecraft design, focusing on ConOps, requirements management, integration, and validation activities to meet mission objectives in a coll...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining spacecraft engineering by owning design, integration, and testing processes. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure seamless operations and contribute to innovative sol...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of space nuclear power systems by owning the electrical architecture and verification strategy. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure seamless integration and performance of comple...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$124K - $238K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...

Palo Alto, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $238K *

Accelerate progress at the system level by leading cross-functional teams in spacecraft design, requirements management, and fault analysis. Drive integration, verification, and validation activities...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Unlock potential by providing advanced orbital analysis and engineering support for Space Domain Awareness operations, enhancing national security space missions through data integration and analytica...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role supporting Space Domain Awareness operations through advanced orbital analysis, enhancing national security space operations with engineering rigor and innovative...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in developing resilient space vehicle systems, ensuring seamless integration and support throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver innovative capabilities tha...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Deliver comprehensive systems engineering support for space vehicle development, ensuring integration and operational readiness across the spacecraft lifecycle while collaborating with diverse teams t...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $226K *

Lead the charge in advancing space vehicle systems engineering to support innovative defense projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure mission success and contribute to the evolving landscape...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 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.