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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   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.