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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$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

$100K - $120K *

Elevate production capabilities by leading avionics manufacturing efforts, optimizing processes, and ensuring quality. Collaborate with design teams to enhance manufacturability and drive continuous i...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of satellite systems engineering by providing expert oversight and support throughout all phases of spacecraft procurement, ensuring compliance and performance excellence in a dynamic...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$82K - $172K *

Elevate your career by leading engineering teams on complex projects, ensuring high-quality system designs and timely execution while collaborating with senior leadership and maintaining strong client...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $179K *

Drive mission safety and compliance as a Senior Space Systems Engineer, leading cross-functional teams to develop safety analyses and regulatory strategies for FAA licensing, ensuring robust verificat...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $142K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and optimize propulsion systems, ensuring integration and performance meet rigorous standards. Drive innovation in fluid systems while supporting prod...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $142K *

Engineer innovative propulsion systems for advanced aerospace projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize designs, ensure compliance, and enhance performance while supporting product...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $113K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of propulsion systems for space applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive innovation, manage projects, and mentor engineers while ensuring exce...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $144K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$69K - $141K *

Drive impactful solutions as a Systems Engineer, adeptly integrating systems and addressing complex challenges to enhance mission outcomes in a dynamic environment...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $145K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing space technology by designing, developing, and testing innovative software applications. Collaborate with experts to deliver high-quality solutions while stay...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space technology by designing, developing, and testing innovative software solutions. Collaborate with experts to deliver high-quality applications while advan...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$147K - $196K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and validation of advanced systems, integrating complex hardware and software solutions. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust performance and meet customer...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$127K - $170K *

Lead the design and validation of advanced systems engineering solutions, integrating complex hardware and software to enhance tactical decision-making capabilities across diverse mission scenarios...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of program management by leveraging your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovative solutions in a cloud-native envir...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud-native program management solutions. As a key contributor, you'll blend software systems engineering and product ownership to drive strategic execution a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of program management solutions. Leverage your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovation and deliver high-quality, c...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $239K *

Transform the future of systems engineering by leading integration, verification, and validation efforts. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective solutions that meet customer requirements while man...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $131K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering, driving innovative solutions for missile defense applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement complex systems, ensuring perfor...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$168K - $252K *

Take ownership of system architecture and integration for a critical space program. Lead a talented team, manage complex requirements, and ensure mission success under tight timelines while shaping th...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing lab operations for advanced simulation systems. You'll provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and ensure seamless integration of systems in a fast-p...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Lead the charge in managing and executing complex system integration and testing projects, ensuring alignment with customer requirements while addressing technical, schedule, and cost constraints. Dri...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Engineer innovative solutions by managing and executing complex system integration and testing projects, ensuring alignment with customer requirements while addressing technical, schedule, and cost co...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Champion the integration and testing of complex systems, ensuring alignment with customer needs and technical specifications. Collaborate with engineers to develop comprehensive test plans and validat...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Accelerate progress at the intersection of engineering and program management, ensuring technical issues are resolved and resources are effectively allocated. Collaborate with leaders to maintain prog...

2 weeks ago

  •   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.