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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$210K - $255K *

Unlock potential by serving as a key software engineering focal point, integrating modern solutions with legacy systems, and driving modernization efforts to enhance operational capabilities and missi...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space security by developing resilient spacecraft and mission systems. Leverage your expertise in spacecraft engineering and mission design to tackle complex c...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Deliver innovative spacecraft solutions by leading cross-disciplinary teams in mission design, integration, and operations. Tackle complex challenges in space security, ensuring resilient capabilities...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer the integration of complex systems by transforming mission needs into actionable technical solutions, bridging diverse technical teams, and ensuring seamless operational capabilities throughou...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Transform satellite technology by managing RF systems for cutting-edge spacecraft. Collaborate with engineers to design, test, and integrate RF electronics, ensuring mission success and reliability in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $235K *

Architect and lead the avionics subsystem through its lifecycle, ensuring compliance with modern standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, integrate, and verify advanced avionics s...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $240K *

Lead a dynamic team in providing Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory services for complex space systems, ensuring mission success through effective oversight, requirement management, and lifecy...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead a dynamic team in providing systems engineering and technical advisory services for advanced space and ground architectures, ensuring mission success through effective oversight and integration o...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by securing mission-critical systems in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with engineers and cybersecurity experts to ensure robust security measures are integrated throughout the...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Elevate your career by tackling complex challenges in spacecraft engineering and mission design. Join a dynamic team dedicated to developing resilient space systems that enhance security and operation...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$210K - $255K *

Empower mission success by leading systems engineering strategies and digital transformation. Drive integration of Model-Based Systems Engineering practices to enhance space systems architecture and s...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in defining and integrating software systems for space operations, ensuring robust requirements management and cross-disciplinary collaboration in a dynamic, fast-paced environment...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Join a team that's tackling complex challenges in space systems engineering. You'll collaborate across disciplines to develop, integrate, and test advanced spacecraft for national security missions, e...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $118K *

Shape the future of space exploration by joining our team as a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects, guiding spacecraft from concept to launch, and ensure mission succe...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative spacecraft avionics and power systems, overseeing design, testing, and integration. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliable hardware delivery and support on-orbit operations, dri...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$176K - $269K *

Lead a high-performing systems engineering team to design and verify next-gen spaceflight systems, ensuring safety and quality through disciplined engineering practices and innovative problem-solving...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $160K *

Transform complex engineering challenges into innovative solutions by developing, integrating, and validating spacecraft systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance performance and drive contin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$108K - $130K *

Advance systems engineering and operations integration for SLS emulators, collaborating across disciplines to support NASA's SPIE Element. Lead technical efforts, manage requirements, and ensure succe...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$156K - $195K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing safety and reliability in propulsion systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop robust safety strategies and ensure mission success while managing cri...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Empower the future of space exploration by providing systems engineering and integration support for the Space Launch System Upper Stage, ensuring mission readiness and operational excellence through...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$89K - $116K *

Transform systems engineering processes to support innovative space missions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams through the full lifecycle, ensuring mission success from design and integration...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Shape the future of space exploration by leading integration efforts for launch systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless vehicle integration, uphold safety standards, and manage laun...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Grow your career with a leading role in systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on design, requirements management, and verification activities to ensure mission success and foster collab...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Drive innovation by leading systems engineering efforts for mechanical ground support equipment, ensuring effective design, testing, and collaboration across teams to enhance strategic defense capabil...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $142K *

Unlock potential by designing and testing advanced Command, Control, and Communications systems. Collaborate on critical projects, leveraging your engineering expertise to enhance system performance a...

Today

  •   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.