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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$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

$120K - $160K *

Champion the modernization of space launch ranges by providing expert systems engineering support, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving digital transformation to enhance mission capa...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join us to drive modernization efforts for space launch ranges, enhancing capabilities and supporting the Assured Access to Space mission through innovative engineering solutions and collaboration wit...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$161K - $241K *

Shape the future of spacecraft safety by leading system safety engineering efforts. Collaborate with multi-disciplined teams to define and implement safety requirements, ensuring mission reliability a...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$212K - $335K *

Drive the execution of complex engineering projects in advanced space systems. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful delivery from concept to deployment, addressing mission ne...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$104K - $173K *

Innovate spacecraft solar array systems as a technical expert, leading development, testing, and integration efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance power systems for space mission...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Advance integration strategies as a Systems Engineering Lead, coordinating across teams and environments. Drive software integration, manage test planning, and ensure alignment with mission objectives...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Lead the integration of complex systems as a Staff Systems Engineer, collaborating with diverse teams to develop and execute innovative software integration strategies for advanced aerospace and defen...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Lead the development and execution of system/software integration strategies, coordinating across teams and environments to ensure successful integration and testing for advanced aerospace and defense...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$212K - $335K *

Lead the charge in delivering complex engineering projects, ensuring alignment across systems and teams. Drive technical execution and collaboration for advanced space network solutions, while managin...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$82K - $136K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of spacecraft design! As a Structures Design Engineer, you'll oversee the development of cutting-edge structures, generate detailed drawings, and drive innova...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $155K *

Optimize system performance and reliability as a Level 3/4 System Administrator, supporting real-time operations through effective troubleshooting, documentation, and maintenance of Windows and Linux...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Contribute to the development and testing of complex systems solutions, ensuring requirements are met through collaboration with Agile teams. Engage in functional analysis and verification to deliver...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Engineer comprehensive systems solutions by translating customer requirements into actionable designs. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance through rigorou...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $184K *

Champion hardware security by assessing threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring robust program protection and supply chain security. Collaborate with teams to enhance system integrity and compliance for...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Empower our team by implementing and maintaining enterprise infrastructure solutions. Collaborate across engineering and cybersecurity teams to support complex projects and enhance operational efficie...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$92K - $120K *

Join a team that transforms mission operations through innovative systems engineering. Collaborate with experts to enhance NASA's training and control systems, ensuring the success of human spacefligh...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Engage in systems engineering for Communication and Navigation integration on the SLS Program. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective payload integration, manage requirements, and support Artemis...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$91K - $137K *

Unlock your potential as you contribute to mission operations, collaborating with engineers to develop operational concepts and procedures, enhance tools, and support simulations for complex space mis...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$164K - $305K *

Contribute to systems engineering ownership for launch systems, driving technical integration, establishing processes, and ensuring balanced solutions against performance, schedule, cost, and risk whi...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$164K - $305K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Systems Engineering Leader, driving technical integration and fostering collaboration across departments to ensure robust systems engineering practices, risk management...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$67K - $125K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing program planning and execution. You'll coordinate schedules, manage budgets, and analyze project impacts while ensuring effective communication with stakehol...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $167K *

Innovate in satellite payload engineering by leading the design and optimization of operational solutions for GEO and MEO missions, enhancing performance monitoring, and supporting spacecraft operatio...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$150K - $200K *

Drive innovation by owning the system model for autonomous aircraft, translating mission needs into clear requirements, and ensuring design decisions are data-driven. Collaborate across teams to enhan...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $196K *

Lead the charge in delivering cutting-edge space systems engineering solutions. Collaborate on mission design, subsystem integration, and verification processes while ensuring high standards for class...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.