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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$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

$95K - $115K *

Drive system design and integration by collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure stakeholder needs are met and security, performance, and compliance standards are upheld throughout the syste...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative Ground System architectures, integrating advanced technologies, and ensuring seamless operations within the Avionics Integration Organization, while collaborat...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Transform space program outcomes by providing expert guidance on ground systems integration, ensuring seamless collaboration between government and contractors throughout the acquisition and developme...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation in space systems as a Ground Systems Engineer, providing expert guidance on satellite ground station integration and supporting critical government programs through collaboration and...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Empower your career by leading innovative space programs as a Ground Systems Engineer. Collaborate with government and contractors to integrate satellite ground systems, ensuring mission success throu...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining AI supercomputing by developing high-performance software for cutting-edge hardware. Collaborate on the Linux OS and device drivers that power our innovative network fabr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $200K *

Contribute to the development of cutting-edge supercomputer software, focusing on high-reliability Linux systems and device drivers. Collaborate with hardware teams to enhance performance and reliabil...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform military aviation through leadership in complex systems engineering, managing multi-program execution while serving as a vital customer liaison. Drive design reviews, oversight of requiremen...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Champion systems engineering efforts for a Navigation and Positioning project, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with DO-278 guidelines while enhancing system integrity an...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Lead innovative space vehicle engineering efforts, collaborating with government teams to ensure mission success through technical guidance, risk management, and system integration across multidiscipl...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovative space vehicle engineering by providing expert guidance on technical and programmatic aspects, ensuring mission success through effective collaboration and risk management across multi...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Innovate within hypersonic programs by applying model-based systems engineering expertise. Collaborate with government teams to enhance system architecture and ensure compliance throughout the enginee...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the development of advanced aerospace actuation systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions throughout the product lifecycle, from concept to testing and i...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $150K *

Shape the future of unmanned aircraft navigation systems by leading a skilled team in developing and integrating advanced navigation technologies, ensuring operational excellence and compliance throug...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$169K - $253K *

Unlock your potential in systems engineering for maritime programs of national importance. Collaborate with multi-disciplined teams to develop cutting-edge oceanic systems, enhancing your skills in a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$101K - $133K *

Optimize quality management systems in aerospace/defense, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement. Collaborate with teams to enhance product reliability and drive quality initiatives, while man...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $158K *

Drive innovation in spacecraft propulsion systems by leading development, analysis, and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-performance solutions for civil, commercial, and...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team to support satellite systems engineering and operations, ensuring optimal performance and maintenance of satellite communications in challenging environments, including annual depl...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$81K - $151K *

Join a team that's driving Cyber Resiliency initiatives by managing workforce planning, metrics analysis, and resource allocation. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met wh...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive your career forward as you lead complex systems engineering projects, ensuring effective operational maintenance and sustainment of critical radar systems supporting US Space Force missions...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Join a team that delivers innovative solutions to critical missile surveillance systems. As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will drive technical excellence and operational readiness for ground-based...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$77K - $129K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative solutions in propulsion systems design, integration, and anomaly resolution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety and performance for...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $129K *

Join a team that drives innovation in propulsion systems design and integration. You'll solve complex engineering challenges, enhance performance, and ensure safety standards are met while collaborati...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Empower innovation by leading systems engineering efforts for space operations, ensuring seamless integration and support for advanced capabilities within a dynamic team environment focused on mission...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.