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

$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 *

Lead the charge in integrating complex mission systems as a Systems Engineer. Collaborate with diverse teams, manage customer interactions, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic aerospace envi...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Drive the full systems engineering lifecycle, ensuring effective integration, verification, and validation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver technical briefings to leadership and cu...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $175K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing mission-critical software for satellite operations, ensuring seamless command, monitoring, and coordination across ground networks and space...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$108K - $227K *

Join a top-tier team to develop cutting-edge SIGINT capabilities, tackling diverse technical challenges in systems engineering, RF/antenna engineering, and field operations while ensuring seamless int...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $227K *

Join a dynamic team to engineer advanced SATCOM systems, tackling diverse technical challenges in RF communications and systems integration. Lead the lifecycle from design to deployment, ensuring cutt...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $227K *

Unlock potential by leading systems engineering for SATCOM prototypes, tackling diverse technical challenges in RF communications, and collaborating with a top-tier team to develop innovative SIGINT c...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$91K - $137K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering. Collaborate on test solutions, develop comprehensive plans, and automate testing processes while ensuring data integrity and managing cust...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $170K *

Lead the design and implementation of innovative satellite ground systems, ensuring efficiency and security. Collaborate across teams to support all engineering lifecycle phases and drive projects to...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $175K *

Innovate as a Principal Systems Engineer, leading complex space programs from concept to launch. Drive system architecture, integration, and technical direction while mentoring the next generation of...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$146K - $234K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative systems architecture for government projects, utilizing Model-Based Systems Engineering practices. Collaborate with diverse teams to gather requirements, creat...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $216K *

Lead critical Systems Engineering initiatives by collaborating with stakeholders, managing requirements, and supporting integration efforts in a dynamic environment. Drive project success through effe...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$66K - $106K *

Drive mission-critical systems engineering efforts, collaborating across teams to design, implement, and maintain cross-domain technologies while ensuring compliance and security in a dynamic environm...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Deliver your expertise to the development of RF subsystems for satellites. Utilize advanced engineering skills to specify, document, and ensure high-performance designs. Collaborate with a team of exp...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace technology through innovative systems engineering. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects, driving efficiency and safety in aviation with your expertis...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to maintaining and enhancing enterprise network infrastructure. Support multi-site operations, implement cloud solutions, and ensure security best practices while collabor...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Optimize interdisciplinary design and integration of complex aerospace systems. Serve as a key technical advisor, ensuring sound solutions and schedules while balancing technical needs with business c...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Champion the technical execution of UCS Re-architecture IR&D, managing cost, schedule, and performance while aligning investments with strategic goals. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$192K - $289K *

Champion the Systems Engineering and Integration efforts for a complex NATO program, leading a diverse team to ensure performance requirements are met while managing technical baselines and fostering...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$192K - $289K *

Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team in systems engineering, ensuring effective integration and verification of complex systems while adhering to cost, schedule, and technical constraints. Drive s...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $216K *

Innovate complex systems engineering solutions across multi-system environments, guiding teams to translate mission needs into effective technical outcomes while collaborating with stakeholders to enh...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $216K *

Empower multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative systems engineering solutions across complex environments, ensuring seamless integration and performance optimization while collaborating with sta...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Unlock your potential as a Principal Systems Engineer, driving innovative solutions for advanced space payloads. Collaborate across teams to define system architectures and ensure mission success in c...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Innovate with a dynamic team to develop and maintain complex software systems, ensuring robust requirements and verification criteria while collaborating across engineering disciplines in an Agile env...

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.