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.
LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Aerospace & Avionics HW Systems
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in multidisciplinary aerospace engineering, integrating avionics and mission hardware across the lifecycle. Drive innovation in design, analysis, and verification while ensuring compli...
2 weeks ago
Senior Ground Station Systems Engineer
$180K - $285K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex antenna systems projects, from initial requirements to final delivery. Collaborate with talented teams to design, implement, and verify sophisticated satellite...
4 weeks ago
Principal / Senior Principal Navigation Systems Engineer
$114K - $171K *
Engage in the design and implementation of model-based navigation software, collaborating with experts to enhance advanced navigation technologies. Drive innovation and contribute to national defense...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Senior-Level
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of geospatial intelligence by providing technical leadership in systems engineering. Drive innovative solutions across complex environments, ensuring mission succ...
Yesterday
Principal Ground Integration Engineer, Top Secret Clearance
$200K - $250K *
Explore the future of ground systems integration by leading a dynamic team to develop and enhance cutting-edge infrastructure for diverse space missions, ensuring seamless connectivity between space a...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Innovate cutting-edge avionics for next-gen spacesuits, supporting lunar missions. Collaborate across teams in a dynamic environment, managing design, testing, and implementation. Drive advancements i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Safety Engineer I
$102K - $140K *
Join a team that's redefining space safety by ensuring compliance and risk management for spacecraft operations. Collaborate with experts to develop safety protocols and analyses, supporting successfu...
Today
Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer, RF
$148K - $222K *
Innovate the future of aerospace by developing GPS-based navigation systems for launch vehicles. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration and operation, while mentoring engineers and gu...
2 weeks ago
Lead Security Engineer - Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)
$140K - $185K *
Elevate your career by leading cybersecurity efforts for classified systems. Drive the implementation of security frameworks, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and shape the future of classifie...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer (Journeyman) In-Service
$130K - $157K *
Advance your career by providing vital engineering support for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance aircraft performance and reliability throughout their op...
2 days ago
Ground Software Engineer (Senior) - Millennium Space Systems
$187K - $280K *
Drive the design and development of ground software systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and efficiency while l...
1 week ago
Navigation Systems Engineer / Principal Navigation Systems Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Join our innovative team to design and implement advanced navigation software, enhancing national defense capabilities through model-based engineering and agile practices. Collaborate with experts to...
1 week ago
Navigation Systems Engineer / Principal Navigation Systems Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of advanced navigation systems. Collaborate with experts to enhance mission success through innovative model-based engineering and agile pract...
1 week ago
Avionics Manufacturing Engineer (All Levels)
$140K - $230K *
Transform the manufacturing of high-reliability avionics hardware by leading process optimization, collaborating across teams, and driving continuous improvement. Engage in new product introductions a...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $130K *
Join us to support mission-critical defense initiatives by conducting systems engineering assessments, evaluating technical architecture, and promoting innovation in a collaborative environment. Enhan...
Reposted 3 days ago
Space Systems Engineer/Senior Space Systems Engineer
$117K - $226K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space systems through innovative engineering solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, evaluate, and ensure mission success for cutting-ed...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior RF/Communication Systems Engineer
$170K - $280K *
The Senior RF/Communication Systems Engineer will be responsible for the architecture, design, and modeling of satellite communication payloads. This role involves collaboration with various design te...
Reposted today
$200K - $240K *
Advance your career by leading system-level design and integration for cutting-edge space-based intelligence systems. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure mission success and technical...
6 days ago
Staff Engineer, Flight Software
$155K - $180K *
Unlock the potential of satellite technology by leading software design and development for imaging payload and ADCS subsystems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical sol...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Engineer I - Secret Clearance
$124K - $170K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing technical budgets and requirements for innovative spacecraft missions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of aerospace pr...
Today
Communication Systems Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Transform advanced satellite and terrestrial communication solutions through end-to-end design, implementation, and support, ensuring high-performance networks that meet customer needs and drive innov...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in integrating advanced missile systems, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for d...
3 weeks ago
$142K - $213K *
Lead the charge in developing and supporting advanced propulsion systems for the US Navy. Collaborate with a dynamic team to integrate, validate, and optimize system solutions while ensuring adherence...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Join a team that's redefining power systems for space missions. Lead the design, integration, and testing of critical electrical power subsystems, ensuring reliability and performance in challenging o...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead and coordinate the Engineering and Infrastructure teams for critical launch operations, ensuring optimal system performance to meet mission requirements while overseeing operation validations and...
Reposted 2 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.