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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1
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$146K - $234K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team in systems engineering, overseeing operations, and driving performance excellence across multiple domains while ensuring customer satisfaction and strateg...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $234K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of engineers, overseeing systems integration and operational excellence while driving performance and strategic objectives in a fast-paced environment...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $156K *

Contribute to the integration of rocket stages by managing assembly processes, driving quality control, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful build and test operations. Sh...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$68K - $131K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in jet engine assembly and testing. As a Test Engineer, you'll ensure operational readiness and lead cross-functional efforts to meet validation requirements in a...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Shape innovative solutions by performing comprehensive systems engineering analyses, ensuring seamless integration and validation of complex systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Empower a dynamic team by driving technical planning and system integration, ensuring effective solutions that meet customer requirements while navigating technical, schedule, and cost constraints in...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$266K - $399K *

Drive technical excellence as you lead multidisciplinary teams in systems engineering, ensuring mission success and integrity across complex programs while shaping long-term strategies and fostering c...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $110K *

Drive satellite operations excellence by analyzing telemetry data, optimizing performance, and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure seamless satellite lifecycle management from procurement t...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$160K - $200K *

Tackle complex challenges by designing and integrating system architectures while collaborating with diverse teams to align technical requirements and ensure mission success in a dynamic environment...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $171K *

Engineer innovative systems solutions that enhance product lines and support advanced tactical missions. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration and validation of requirements, driving...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Explore a dynamic role in designing and testing analog and power electronics for space applications. Collaborate with engineers throughout the full lifecycle, ensuring high reliability and performance...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform the future of space technology by designing and testing analog and power electronics hardware. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure high reliability in power systems, from concept to de...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $144K *

Advance systems engineering solutions for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and manage engineering changes while ensuring com...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $144K *

Lead the charge in engineering solutions for advanced precision strike systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance the Navy's air-to-ground missile capabilities while ensuring complia...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$113K - $170K *

Engineer innovative cybersecurity solutions while guiding a team in model-based systems engineering within a secure, multi-level environment to deliver high-quality defense systems. Join us in advanci...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovation in propulsion systems by developing cutting-edge hypergol engines. Collaborate across disciplines to tackle complex challenges from design to testing, ensuring reliability and efficie...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $140K *

Join a team that's pioneering secure solutions for classified data and networks. Contribute to system configuration, testing, and innovative engineering projects that enhance security for government c...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $197K *

Drive the development of advanced system solutions by leading cross-functional teams, managing requirements, and ensuring system integration and verification throughout the product lifecycle. Champion...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $215K *

Champion the development of advanced avionics systems, leading cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and performance. Drive technical presentations and analyses, validating design margins and en...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $215K *

Join a team that's redefining aerospace innovation by leading the development of advanced avionics systems, ensuring compliance and reliability through rigorous analysis and collaboration with cross-f...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $215K *

Innovate your career with us as you lead the development of advanced avionics systems, ensuring compliance and reliability through rigorous analysis and collaboration in a dynamic team environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $215K *

Drive your career with a leading role in avionics development, overseeing signal and power integrity for cutting-edge aerospace hardware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance a...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $215K *

Transform the future of aerospace by leading the development of cutting-edge avionics systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and deliver innovative solutions from concep...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $215K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge avionics systems, ensuring compliance and performance from concept to qualification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative aerospace...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $215K *

Shape the future of aerospace technology by leading the development of advanced avionics systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and deliver innovative solutions from con...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.