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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$104K - $194K *

Lead systems engineering efforts by developing, tracking, and verifying requirements for advanced RF systems. Collaborate across teams to integrate systems onto air mobility platforms, ensuring compli...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Advance satellite ground systems by engineering innovative solutions, conducting analyses, and overseeing system development. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure compliance and support project mi...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $215K *

Join our team as a Systems Engineer to drive systems development across the INCOSE lifecycle, providing essential programmatic support for high-profile customer programs and collaborating with stakeho...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense systems by designing, integrating, and analyzing the U.S. Navy's Aegis Weapons System. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering to enhance missio...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$148K - $222K *

Lead the charge in developing and owning the high-voltage battery system, ensuring seamless integration with vehicle architecture while driving technical direction and cross-functional collaboration f...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Shape the future of communications systems engineering by analyzing, designing, and verifying state-of-the-art solutions. Collaborate with teams to support hardware development and ensure compliance w...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $185K *

Reimagine the dynamics of spacecraft by leading loads analysis and testing. Collaborate across teams to ensure vehicle integrity through rigorous testing and analysis, driving innovations in aerospace...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $184K *

Deliver technical expertise as a Sr. Principal Engineer Systems, overseeing systems engineering disciplines to ensure program success. Collaborate across teams to manage requirements, verification, an...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$58K - $108K *

Drive innovation in system engineering by managing technical documentation, overseeing compliance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance flight test planning and execution for stra...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $120K *

Innovate cutting-edge SATCOM solutions to support national security missions. Collaborate with esteemed clients, manage complex engineering projects, and ensure technical excellence in RF systems desi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Lead the charge in managing a dynamic Systems Engineering team, overseeing technical project execution and functional leadership while fostering a culture of inclusion and high performance across mult...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $230K *

Drive technical excellence and team leadership in software engineering, overseeing project delivery and fostering employee development while contributing to algorithm design and software lifecycle man...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $168K *

Drive innovation in mission modeling by leading a team to develop, integrate, and analyze complex systems. Utilize your expertise in systems engineering to enhance operational analysis and simulation...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $197K *

Unlock potential by driving the development of cutting-edge space payload emulators. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate hardware and software, ensuring seamless functionality in a h...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $118K *

Drive innovation by collaborating with teams to develop advanced systems architecture and requirements for cutting-edge flight technologies, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs and enhancing sys...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Take ownership of complex ground systems verification and testing, leveraging 15+ years of experience. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and security while driving innovative solutions in a...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$164K - $223K *

Join our team to lead the design and verification of complex systems, ensuring performance and compatibility across all interfaces. Collaborate with engineers to optimize system architecture and mento...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Unlock potential by integrating mission systems engineering to ensure successful interfaces for spacecraft launches. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage technical decisions, and mentor jun...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of air mobility and maritime systems. Lead design and integration efforts, ensuring product lifecycle success while collaborating with stakeholders to meet custom...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Join our team to lead technical planning and system integration efforts, ensuring effective solutions that meet customer requirements while managing a skilled workforce in a dynamic environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of avionics by leading system architecture and design, ensuring seamless integration and compliance. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance pilot experi...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Shape the future of launch systems as a Level 3 Systems Engineer, driving technical solutions and leading cross-functional teams to enhance ULA's Vulcan Centaur capabilities with minimal oversight and...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Champion the development of advanced launch systems by integrating cross-functional teams, driving requirements, and conducting technical analyses to enhance ULA's future capabilities with minimal ove...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Drive innovative development of the Vulcan Centaur launch system, collaborating with cross-functional teams to tackle technical challenges, oversee requirement integration, and lead influential design...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Empower your engineering skills by leading cross-functional teams in enhancing launch systems and advancing our technology capabilities while influencing decisions and solving complex problems indepen...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 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.