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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$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in system-level design and integration for rugged military-grade embedded systems. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure mission-ready solutions that meet customer requi...

Today

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

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading complex engineering projects in a dynamic team. Drive the development and integration of advanced systems for operational space missions, ensuring timely delivery and su...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $205K *

Unlock potential by leading structural analysis for spacecraft, ensuring integrity through finite element modeling and hand calculations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support design, ver...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $299K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee system integration for satellite communications, driving technical product development and ensuring seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines to enhance subs...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $299K *

Lead system integration efforts for satellite communications, driving design evolution and ensuring robust interface definitions. Collaborate across teams to mitigate risks and enhance subsystem capab...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $299K *

Drive system integration for satellite communications, leading technical development and analysis. Collaborate across teams to enhance designs, manage baselines, and ensure compliance while mitigating...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $143K *

Advance operational excellence by applying systems engineering to support Mars missions, ensuring spacecraft safety, leading anomaly investigations, and optimizing performance through innovative autom...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $203K *

Lead the definition and certification of a lunar lander system, ensuring safety and verification standards are met. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive technical direction and mentor engineers in...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $158K *

Join our propulsion engineering team to lead the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems. You'll oversee system and component ownership, ensuring excellence in design, testing, and proje...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$66K - $128K *

Unlock your potential as you design and implement software for spacecraft simulators, collaborating with engineers to create cutting-edge solutions in the space industry. This entry-level role offers...

San Jose, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$69K - $141K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and integrate complex software systems using model-based approaches. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering to manage requirements and deliver innovative solutio...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Unlock potential by driving the development and integration of complex software systems using model-based approaches in an Agile environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure complian...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $203K *

Shape the future of defense technology as a Systems Engineer in a dynamic team, driving technical planning, system integration, and verification in a fast-paced R&D environment while collaborating wit...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$169K - $253K *

Join a team that drives end-to-end engineering execution across the program lifecycle, ensuring technical performance while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals in defens...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $171K *

Contribute to our digital transformation as a Systems Engineer, leveraging Model-based Engineering and Agile practices to enhance national defense capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$132K - $198K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration by leading technical development for spacecraft missions, managing requirements, and executing tests to ensure mission success across civil...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Join a team that's redefining systems engineering by leading innovative E3 integration and ensuring seamless deployment of advanced technologies across air mobility platforms...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $144K *

Help us integrate and evolve ground systems for national security space missions. Collaborate across teams to drive software evolution, manage technical baselines, and ensure successful mission onboar...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $202K *

Lead the charge in designing and integrating avionics systems for cutting-edge spacecraft. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure mission success through innovative solutions and rigorous testin...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading the expansion of technology strategies to drive growth in the space industry. Collaborate with teams to operationalize innovative solutions and achieve long-term objectives...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$178K - $331K *

Champion innovation by leading systems engineering efforts across diverse programs, driving process improvements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver effective solutions that meet...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$158K - $294K *

Empower innovation by leading engineering projects that modernize the C-130J. Collaborate with a high-performing team to drive process optimization and ensure the delivery of safe, effective solutions...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$178K - $331K *

Champion the design and delivery of advanced satellite communication systems. Lead the Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test team to ensure successful execution of technical requirements, risk ma...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $144K *

Champion the design and integration of space vehicle systems, ensuring mission requirements are met through effective architecture and engineering practices. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive tec...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Support software testing initiatives by analyzing requirements, executing automated test scripts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance in a dynamic environmen...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 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.