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 - $178K *
Join the mission to enhance inventory management of classified Nuclear Weapons Related Materiel for the US Navy's Fleet Ballistic Missile Program, ensuring compliance and accuracy while collaborating...
6 days ago
Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer
$83K - $100K *
Innovate with us to enhance cybersecurity for space systems. This role blends engineering and security to protect NASA missions from cyber threats, ensuring safe and resilient operations in challengin...
1 week ago
Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer
$83K - $100K *
Lead the charge in safeguarding space systems against cyber threats. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design resilient cybersecurity features, ensuring NASA missions remain secure and reliab...
1 week ago
Lead Systems Engineer- Avionics
$120K - $145K *
Partner with us to innovate and manage complex aerospace systems, driving efficiency and safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on cutting-edge projects that redefine aircraft operations and...
1 week ago
$146K - $228K *
Shape the future of national space architecture by providing expert Systems Engineering support. Collaborate with diverse teams to design, validate, and deliver innovative capabilities while managing...
1 week ago
Senior Staff RF Communication Systems Engineer
$143K - $238K *
Join us to shape the future of RF communication systems by designing, integrating, and optimizing complex payloads. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle technical challenges and drive in...
3 weeks ago
Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer (AHT)
$103K - $155K *
Champion satellite communication operations by providing expert technical support for AEHF/Milstar payloads. Collaborate with teams to resolve issues, enhance system performance, and ensure mission su...
3 weeks ago
Senior Auxiliary Systems Engineer
$116K - $194K *
Elevate your career by providing critical technical support for auxiliary systems in ship design. Collaborate with diverse teams to resolve complex issues and enhance modernization efforts, ensuring o...
2 weeks ago
Staff Engineer Systems - Level 5
$177K - $265K *
Join a team that's defining and developing spacecraft ground systems. As a Systems Engineer, you'll analyze requirements, manage interfaces, and drive software qualification to ensure mission success...
Today
$101K - $158K *
Unlock potential by overseeing electrical systems for aerospace testing, ensuring operational readiness through maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to e...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $170K *
Lead the charge in integrating enterprise networking and cyber compliance, ensuring secure and resilient communications solutions within defense environments. Collaborate with technical teams and seni...
6 days ago
Spacecraft Ground Software Engineer III
$140K - $165K *
Join a team that's transforming spacecraft operations through innovative ground software solutions. Lead the design and development of scalable systems that enhance mission readiness and support real...
Yesterday
$100K - $130K *
Elevate your career by providing critical Systems Engineering support in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for Tactical Communications and Electromagnetic Warfare projects, ensuring effective col...
1 week ago
Systems Test Engineer (Space & Missile Warning)
$125K - $183K *
Lead the testing and evaluation of advanced missile warning and surveillance systems, ensuring readiness for operational deployment. Collaborate with teams to enhance space sensing capabilities and su...
1 week ago
$151K - $226K *
Drive mission success by providing expert engineering oversight for NASA's parachute systems, ensuring quality and safety from fabrication to post-flight inspection, while collaborating closely with m...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer (Space Communications)
$130K - $155K *
Take ownership of designing and optimizing global connectivity services, leading cross-functional teams to tackle high-priority challenges in software development, distributed systems, and customer-fa...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer (Space Communications)
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and optimization of global connectivity services. Collaborate across diverse technical areas, from cloud orchestration to API development, ensuring robust soluti...
1 week ago
$177K - $265K *
Lead cybersecurity execution across systems engineering and development programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to identify cybersecurity risks, implement improvements, and support compliance, enhanc...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer (Engineer Systems 2) - 29936
$79K - $100K *
Join a team that's focused on integrating and supporting IT operations. As a Systems Engineer, you'll enhance mission systems, ensure cybersecurity compliance, and deliver daily technical support whil...
Reposted 1 week ago
Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems Engineer
$180K - $220K *
Innovate spacecraft attitude control systems by analyzing requirements, developing architectures, and verifying designs. Collaborate with teams to enhance satellite performance and ensure mission succ...
6 days ago
Space Systems MBSE Engineer (Secret clearance)
$147K - $215K *
Shape the future of space systems by integrating advanced engineering models and leading cross-disciplinary teams to tackle complex challenges and ensure mission success throughout the system lifecycl...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) Engineer
$184K - $225K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in satellite assembly and testing, leveraging your expertise to enhance integration and operations. Collaborate with engineers to ensure cutting-edge outcomes in...
4 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer II - Secret Clearance
$132K - $198K *
Lead the charge in advancing space systems engineering by developing technical budgets, defining requirements, and managing spacecraft missions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive innovation and...
Today
$133K - $160K *
Empower innovation by leading complex test activities, ensuring product verification through functional, integration, and acceptance testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve technical issues...
2 weeks ago
Space Nuclear Systems Engineer
$90K - $140K *
Lead the charge in advancing space nuclear systems through innovative analyses and multidisciplinary collaboration, focusing on fission surface power, nuclear thermal propulsion, and electric propulsi...
3 days ago
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.