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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Systems Engineer - Ground-Based Systems
$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
Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Avionics
$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
Space Systems Technical Advisor
$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
Systems Engineering Sr Mgr - L6
$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
Systems Engineering Sr Mgr - L6
$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
Systems Engineering Sr Mgr - L6
$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
Space Vehicle Systems Engineer (architect)
$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
$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
Manager Systems Engineering 2 - Targeting Integration & Test
$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
Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineer - Integration & Test
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Sr Systems Engineer (Flight Operations – Flight Dynamics)
$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
Quality Engineer - Spacecraft Manufacturing
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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
$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
What is a Space Systems Engineer?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.