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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$92K - $110K *

Lead the analysis and evaluation of complex Missile Defense Systems, utilizing model-based engineering approaches to assess performance and support data reviews. Collaborate with a distributed team to...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to conduct structural analysis on advanced spacecraft, ensuring design integrity through rigorous testing and collaboration on complex engineering challenges...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Lead the charge in spacecraft structural analysis. Collaborate with engineers to ensure design integrity through advanced simulations, testing, and documentation in a fast-paced environment focused on...

Mountain View, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in overseeing critical systems engineering for defense projects. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective technical oversight, compliance, and lifecycle management of advanced...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Explore the forefront of defense and technology by ensuring compliance and enhancing the engineering processes for complex defense systems. Collaborate effectively with stakeholders and lead requireme...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$147K - $215K *

Transform the future of space capabilities by leading system integration for advanced Environmental Monitoring solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance missile warning and reconnaissance systems...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $240K *

Lead the development of a sovereign platform for Canada’s defense sector. Architect and build a specialized team while ensuring seamless integration, high usability, and security compliance. Make impa...

Ottawa, ONHybrid

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $200K *

Champion the integration and testing of satellites, collaborating with design teams to ensure quality and efficiency. Lead tooling development and processes, while supporting launch site activities an...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in integrating and modernizing advanced weapon control systems, providing strategic technical oversight and program management across military platforms while collaborating with divers...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Advance your career by leading the integration and modernization of advanced weapon control systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to provide strategic guidance and technical oversight, ensuring seam...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead a multi-disciplinary team to design and develop advanced UAS solutions, transforming operational needs into scalable architectures and ensuring successful product execution from concept to produc...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $130K *

Elevate your career by partnering with us to drive systems engineering excellence, supporting critical defense initiatives through analysis, collaboration, and innovative solutions across multi-discip...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving manufacturing excellence for spacecraft components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop procedures, troubleshoot issues, and ensure quality in a dynamic prod...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $134K *

Shape the future of space communications by leading engineering efforts in telecom systems for deep-space missions. Collaborate with experts to develop innovative solutions, ensuring reliable performa...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$109K - $126K *

Lead the charge in optimizing our Edifecs platform, ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance, manage technical ove...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Lead the Edifecs Platform Management, ensuring operational stability and strategic alignment while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance cloud scalability and performance in a dynamic e...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Champion innovation by leading Edifecs application support, ensuring operational stability and strategic alignment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance cloud scalability and optimize ED...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Drive operational excellence as a Software Systems Engineer Principal, overseeing Edifecs platform management, ensuring compliance, scalability, and strategic alignment while collaborating with cross...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing EDI solutions through strategic oversight, technical guidance, and collaborative partnerships, ensuring operational excellence and compliance in a dynamic clo...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $180K *

Create high-fidelity simulation systems that empower pilots and engineers for human spaceflight. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, integrate, and maintain software that enhances tra...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Empower a multidisciplinary team to drive test infrastructure and system integration, ensuring technical excellence and project success through collaboration, risk management, and innovative solutions...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$128K - $214K *

Join a dynamic team as a Lead Systems Engineer, providing Tier III IT support across diverse technologies. Lead and mentor engineers, resolve complex issues, and enhance operational efficiency while e...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $147K *

Optimize hardware security by assessing threats and vulnerabilities. Collaborate with teams to enhance program protection and supply chain security for critical defense systems. Drive effective commun...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $240K *

Innovate avionics solutions for space vehicles by architecting and leading the development of core systems. Drive technical excellence from design to production, ensuring reliability and scalability i...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform aerospace engineering by leading multidisciplinary teams in avionics and mission hardware development, ensuring integration across the hardware lifecycle while advancing digital engineering...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 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.