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.
$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
Sr. Systems Engineer, Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE)
$95K - $181K *
Advance your career as a Senior Systems Engineer, leading system requirements and verification efforts. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring systems meet...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Administrator, USG Program
$135K - $205K *
Unlock potential by managing and securing classified systems in a TS/SCI environment. Collaborate with security teams to ensure compliance and operational integrity while providing hands-on technical...
Today
Network Systems Integration Engineer III
$119K - $163K *
Explore advanced network solutions as you integrate and optimize systems, ensuring performance and security across diverse segments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage requirements and...
3 weeks ago
$79K - $118K *
Pioneer hardware security solutions by assessing threats and vulnerabilities. Collaborate with teams to enhance program protection and supply chain security for critical defense systems. Drive initiat...
Today
Principal Systems Engineer (MBSE)
$93K - $171K *
Join us to advance engineering solutions as an individual contributor focused on system requirements, model development, and analysis within a multi-disciplinary team while collaborating across stakeh...
4 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Empower innovation by developing system-level artifacts and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve customer objectives. Join a dynamic team to build a new program and enhance customer relationship...
Today
$118K - $219K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming customer requirements into comprehensive systems solutions. Engage in technical planning, integration, and analysis across all product lifecycle stages whi...
Yesterday
$104K - $194K *
Unlock potential by driving system integration and analysis across all phases of product development. Collaborate with diverse engineering teams to translate customer requirements into effective solut...
6 days ago
$104K - $194K *
Engineer innovative solutions by leading systems integration and verification efforts. Collaborate across teams to ensure timely delivery of advanced hypersonic systems while managing technical challe...
1 week ago
$118K - $219K *
Drive technical planning and system integration to deliver effective solutions. Collaborate across all product lifecycle stages, ensuring customer requirements are met within technical, schedule, and...
2 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Help us drive innovation by performing technical planning and system integration for complex aerospace systems, ensuring compliance with requirements and fostering collaboration across engineering dis...
2 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Drive innovative solutions as you shape system designs and lead integration efforts for advanced aerospace projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams throughout the engineering lifecycle to ta...
1 week ago
Principal Systems Engineer / Senior Principal Systems Engineer
$93K - $171K *
Lead the charge in driving innovative systems engineering solutions. Collaborate across teams to define and refine requirements while managing multi-disciplinary efforts and ensuring integration with...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$79K - $118K *
Transform complex systems engineering challenges into innovative solutions. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to manage technical interfaces and ensure successful payload integration for spac...
2 days ago
Senior/Principal R&D Systems Engineer - Space-Based Remote Sensing Researcher, Onsite
$117K - $235K *
Innovate in remote sensing research by leading complex projects, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and driving technical excellence in space-based applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary t...
2 weeks ago
Space/Satellite Applications Systems and Software Engineers
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative systems and software for space and satellite applications, leveraging your expertise in embedded systems to drive project success and enhance operational capab...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Champion the development of next-gen satellite electrical systems, leading cross-functional teams through requirements, design, and testing phases, ensuring successful operations from inception to pos...
1 month ago
Principal Systems Engineer - Mission Architecture
$173K - $260K *
Unlock the potential of satellite systems by leading engineering efforts, managing technical budgets, and shaping mission architecture. Collaborate with teams to drive innovation and support business...
Yesterday
Senior Electrical Systems Engineer
$116K - $194K *
Support our mission by providing technical leadership in electrical systems for naval ship design. Collaborate with multiple teams to assess risks, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with specifica...
1 week ago
Senior Electrical Systems Engineer
$116K - $194K *
Shape the future of electrical systems engineering by leading technical assessments, collaborating with diverse teams, and driving innovative solutions for naval ship modernization efforts in a dynami...
1 week ago
$85K - $125K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace systems. As a Systems Engineer I, you'll tackle technical challenges, support system design, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer/ Sr. Principal Engineer Systems
$98K - $184K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on systems engineering for multi-domain command and control. Drive technical execution, manage project costs, and collaborate across teams to achi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Systems Engineer (Level 5)
$169K - $253K *
Drive innovation in maritime systems engineering, supporting complex programs of national importance. Collaborate with multi-disciplined teams to develop cutting-edge oceanic technologies, ensuring su...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineering (Aircraft Avionics Engineer)
$95K - $115K *
Elevate avionics integration by leading technical design, development, and sustainment efforts for airborne and ground control systems, ensuring high reliability and operational safety across diverse...
Today
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.