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.
$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
Space Nuclear Systems Engineer
$90K - $140K *
Transform advanced nuclear propulsion systems through innovative analyses and multidisciplinary collaboration. Leverage your expertise in nuclear engineering to support NASA's cutting-edge space react...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Information Systems
$196K - $217K *
Innovate by developing mission-critical internal software to streamline operations. Collaborate with teams to enhance efficiency and automate processes, ensuring seamless integration of core systems w...
1 week ago
Avionics Manufacturing Engineer II
$88K - $105K *
Elevate avionics production by optimizing processes, resolving issues, and implementing new technologies. Collaborate with design teams to enhance manufacturability and drive continuous improvement in...
6 days ago
Launch Systems & Real-Time Controls Software Engineer 2
$92K - $154K *
Unlock your potential by developing innovative software solutions for cryogenic fueling systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team in an Agile environment, tackling complex challenges and ensuring missi...
Reposted 2 days ago
Launch Systems & Real-Time Controls Software Engineer 2
$92K - $154K *
Elevate software development for cryogenic fueling systems, ensuring mission-critical solutions through innovative design and collaboration in an Agile environment. Engage with diverse teams to delive...
Reposted 2 days ago
$100K - $140K *
Join a team that's redefining systems engineering for defense initiatives. Leverage advanced digital engineering practices to enhance mission outcomes and foster collaboration across diverse teams, dr...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Advance mission capabilities by integrating digital engineering practices and fostering collaboration across teams. Leverage systems modeling and innovative solutions to enhance defense objectives and...
Today
$100K - $140K *
Lead the charge in integrating advanced digital engineering practices to enhance mission-oriented capabilities, fostering collaboration and innovation across systems for defense initiatives and ensuri...
1 week ago
$177K - $265K *
Shape the future of space systems as a Systems Engineer, driving DOORS management and ensuring baseline consistency. Collaborate on requirements and verification metrics while fostering improvements i...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as you provide systems engineering expertise for international THAAD initiatives, ensuring seamless communication and technical support for critical defense operations while coll...
1 month ago
Senior Systems Engineering & Integration Engineer
$85K - $135K *
Champion complex transit projects by leading systems engineering efforts, ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness of advanced communication and control systems across multiple domains...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineering & Integration Engineer
$85K - $135K *
Deliver innovative transit solutions by leading systems engineering teams, managing complex projects, and ensuring seamless integration of advanced communication and control systems for enhanced opera...
2 weeks ago
Junior SBST Systems / Mission Engineer
$75K - $112K *
Join a dynamic team as a Junior Systems/Mission Engineer, supporting the development of advanced space-based capabilities. Collaborate with experts to translate mission objectives into engineering sol...
Yesterday
$130K - $194K *
Engineer cutting-edge electrical systems for launch facilities, overseeing design, installation, and commissioning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and drive innov...
3 weeks ago
Principal Cyber Systems Engineer
$119K - $179K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity solutions, ensuring compliance, and protecting vital systems. Collaborate with experts to assess risks, design secure architectures, and lead in...
3 days ago
$119K - $163K *
Lead and execute technical projects within a dynamic engineering team, ensuring successful integration and operational readiness of hardware/software configurations while driving innovation and collab...
3 weeks ago
Spacecraft Systems Integration & Test Responsible Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of aerospace by ensuring satellite platforms are flight-ready through system-level integration, testing, and verification. Own the execution of critical phases to guarantee performanc...
4 weeks ago
Systems Engineer Staff - Level 4
$104K - $194K *
Champion the Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) Team by integrating technical solutions across disciplines, ensuring timely execution of redesign projects, and fostering collaboration with stakeh...
Yesterday
Systems Engineering Section Manager 2
$139K - $208K *
Elevate your career by managing a dynamic team of Systems Engineers, driving technical performance and program success across complex aerospace projects while fostering collaboration and innovation in...
1 week ago
Spacecraft Payload Integration Systems Engineer
$180K - $200K *
Lead the charge in spacecraft systems engineering, ensuring seamless integration of payloads and platforms for national security missions. Collaborate across teams to drive performance, manage risks...
6 days ago
Aerospace NPM Requirements Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts for NASA's deep-space nuclear-electric propulsion mission, focusing on requirements development and integration for the SR-1 Freedom Nuclear Pow...
Yesterday
Senior Ground Systems Automation & Controls Engineer
$140K - $179K *
Lead the charge in designing and building advanced test systems for spaceflight hardware, ensuring robust integration and sustainable engineering practices while collaborating with cross-functional te...
Yesterday
$140K - $215K *
Drive innovative project execution across multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced in-space propulsion systems, ensuring alignment with technical objectives, cost, and schedules in a dynamic, fast...
Reposted yesterday
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.