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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$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...

5 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

$153K - $230K *

Empower a team of SEIT engineers, balancing management duties with program support. Drive technical excellence and innovation in systems engineering practices, ensuring adherence to quality standards...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $163K *

Drive the integration and testing of complex electronic systems, ensuring seamless functionality from design to installation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test plans and execute...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$76K - $142K *

Join our Systems Engineering team to drive digital transformation through model-based systems engineering. Collaborate across domains to develop complex system models, ensuring efficiency and interope...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Drive the integration of complex systems for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment, collaborating with diverse teams to solve multifaceted challenges and optimize life-cycle performance while ensurin...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovative solutions by integrating legacy systems with advanced technologies. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage technical efforts, ensuring effective system design and lifecycle optimiza...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $178K *

Empower innovation by leading systems engineering efforts, ensuring seamless integration and validation of complex systems while managing technical, schedule, and cost constraints across all project p...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Shape and optimize diagnostics software for avionics systems, ensuring robust development and testing across multiple aircraft configurations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet st...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming customer requirements into comprehensive systems solutions, ensuring effective integration and validation across all product levels while managing technica...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Transform the future of avionics systems by developing and optimizing diagnostics software for the MH-60R/S platform. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust system integration, testing, and documen...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Lead the planning and execution of F-35 testing processes, ensuring integration across engineering teams. Collaborate on test plans, oversee lab readiness, and generate reports to assess product quali...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Innovate total systems solutions through technical planning, integration, and analysis. Collaborate across design, test, and logistics to ensure reliability and maintainability while adhering to cost...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Unlock potential by leading the integration and testing of advanced F-35 sensor systems. Drive technical test planning, execution, and continuous improvement in a collaborative environment, ensuring m...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Engineer innovative hardware solutions to enhance system verification and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot complex systems, ensuring operational readiness...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $197K *

Engineer mission success by leading analysis and design for Dream Chaser flight operations. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring seamless mission execution from our contr...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $173K *

Optimize supplier performance and quality in a dynamic aerospace environment. Lead critical supplier assessments from qualification to delivery, ensuring compliance with high engineering standards and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Drive integration of complex systems for lunar exploration, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and customer needs. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to execute verification activities...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $238K *

Pioneer advanced GNC systems as a technical leader, driving design, analysis, and testing. Collaborate with teams to innovate spacecraft solutions while mentoring engineers and presenting findings to...

3 weeks ago

  •   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.