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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$134K - $241K *

Support the integration of advanced missile defense systems by providing technical guidance, collaborating with stakeholders, and managing design and integration activities to ensure mission success a...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$134K - $241K *

Join a dynamic team to provide technical guidance for missile defense site integration, ensuring effective collaboration across agencies and stakeholders while identifying and mitigating design gaps t...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$134K - $241K *

Lead the charge in providing technical guidance and support for missile defense integration, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure effective system design and performance while addressing gaps an...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$104K - $130K *

Champion supplier performance by driving quality, cost, and delivery improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes and ensure compliance, while managing sup...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $147K *

Join a dynamic team as you shape the future of systems engineering, performing critical analyses and ensuring effective solutions across all system levels while collaborating with experienced engineer...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Contribute to the Service Engineering team by leading multi-domain technical projects, ensuring seamless integration of systems, and providing critical operational support to enhance customer satellit...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Join a team that's redefining satellite communications through innovative systems engineering. Lead integration efforts, collaborate across disciplines, and drive design evolution to ensure mission su...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Empower innovation by leading systems integration for satellite communications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance design, manage technical reviews, and ensure seamless product develop...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Collaborate across teams to drive the development and integration of advanced airborne systems. Lead requirements management and design efforts to ensure technical performance and mission readiness th...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Innovate solutions for satellite communications by leading system integration, analysis, and design evolution. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless product development and maintain system basel...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $100K *

Transform your career by joining a dynamic engineering team focused on developing cutting-edge test equipment for satellite electronics. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure project success and co...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer III, driving satellite operations and on-orbit testing. Leverage your expertise to enhance efficiency, collaborate with government and contractors, and tackle...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$140K - $180K *

Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop Python-based software for simulation, automation, and machine learning applications, transforming complex technical concepts into effective tools f...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Transform complex technical concepts into innovative software solutions. Collaborate with experts to develop Python-based applications for national security, focusing on machine learning, automation...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$141K - $212K *

Join us to analyze and validate spacecraft structures, guiding design improvements and ensuring performance through rigorous testing and simulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $252K *

Lead the charge in transforming customer goals into innovative spacecraft architectures. Drive cross-disciplinary collaboration, manage product lifecycle, and ensure mission success from concept to on...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$121K - $180K *

Elevate your career as a Senior Payload Engineer, driving satellite program success through expert oversight of design, integration, and testing phases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensu...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$150K - $180K *

Lead systems engineering initiatives, mentor teams, and drive aerospace development. Oversee technical processes, enforce standards, and ensure high-quality engineering solutions while collaborating w...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$124K - $170K *

Elevate your career by driving spacecraft structural analysis, validating designs, and enhancing performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust engineering solutions and contrib...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in developing embedded software for aerospace systems, ensuring successful integration and validation of flight-critical avionics from concept to launch. Innovate in a fast-paced envir...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the design and development of software for embedded systems, ensuring the success of spacecraft operations. Collaborate on innovative projects from conception to flight, driving technical excelle...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $136K *

Shape the future of communications systems by collaborating on design, integration, and testing. Utilize engineering principles to enhance performance and solve challenges across the product lifecycle...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$118K - $142K *

Unlock your potential by collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and test innovative communication systems. Leverage systems engineering practices to enhance system performance and lead pr...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of communications systems engineering. You will assist in designing, developing, and testing advanced solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enha...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive engineering excellence by providing technical support for aircraft and vessel systems. Collaborate on design, testing, and compliance to enhance operational capabilities while ensuring adherence...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.