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.
$162K - $243K *
Empower your career by leading advanced systems engineering initiatives. Drive digital transformation through model-based architecting and architecture analysis, collaborating with stakeholders to enh...
3 weeks ago
$104K - $166K *
Join a dynamic team to support military missile detection systems, providing software expertise across high-visibility programs. Collaborate with vendors and lead Agile planning to enhance complex sys...
Yesterday
Principal Engineer Systems - AHT
$108K - $163K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing systems requirements using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver technical solutions and suppo...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Engineer and lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative solutions for military systems, overseeing the entire program lifecycle from design to production while ensuring compliance with custom...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative solutions for military systems by managing a multidisciplinary team through the entire program lifecycle, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and ef...
1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Drive your career forward by supporting critical PNT systems for the U.S. Space Force. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute test plans, analyze data, and ensure system performance in a d...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to execute systems engineering and testing for PNT systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and reliability for U.S. Space Force programs in a fast...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the systems engineering function for a major IT project, overseeing design, development, and integration of technical systems. Collaborate with teams to resolve complex issues and ensure successf...
2 weeks ago
Program Chief Engineer (Lead or Senior) - Sys Architecting, Requirements & Interfaces
$176K - $285K *
Lead engineering initiatives across multi-disciplinary teams to ensure the successful design, development, and delivery of advanced Space Mission Systems. Drive quality and innovation while managing t...
Reposted 4 days ago
Principal Electrical Engineer, Power Systems
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's pioneering innovative power systems for aviation and ground applications. In this hands-on role, you'll lead the design and validation of medium-voltage electrical systems, ensuring...
1 week ago
$112K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts across the lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance mission-critical defense systems. Drive innovation and technical exc...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Space Vehicle Engineering and Integration Leader
$155K - $233K *
Lead the charge in advancing critical space capabilities through technical expertise and strategic collaboration, ensuring successful program execution and innovation in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
Senior Staff CORE Systems Engineer
$184K - $276K *
Lead transformative systems engineering efforts, driving cross-discipline integration and innovation for air and sea platforms. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure compliance and deliver cutting...
3 days ago
$96K - $168K *
Engineer robust MBSE models to enhance systems and mission engineering processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve requirements traceability, system design, and validation across the...
4 weeks ago
Space Sr. Staff Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer
$192K - $289K *
Drive compliance and innovation as a key EMI/EMC Engineer, leading design and analysis efforts across the product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure electromagnetic compatibi...
2 days ago
Space Sr. Staff Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer
$192K - $289K *
Shape the future of space systems by leading EMI/EMC design and compliance efforts. Drive strategic direction and ensure E3 controls across programs, while mentoring engineers and collaborating with c...
3 days ago
$70K - $115K *
Reimagine the future of satellite technology by leading spacecraft test programs. Drive innovation in testing procedures and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the highest standards of...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
champion engineering excellence by enhancing Depot and Automatic Test Systems for aircraft; collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement upgrades, manage requirements, and ensure compliance w...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
SME Systems Engineer Wright-Patterson AFB
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of defense technology by leading systems engineering efforts in aircraft sub-system integration and electronic warfare. Collaborate with teams to enhance capabilities and ensure airwo...
3 days ago
Avionics Hardware Engineer (Level 3) - Lunar Permenence
$130K - $182K *
Shape the future of space exploration by developing avionics for lunar vehicles. Collaborate with engineers to define, test, and certify hardware, impacting sustainable infrastructure for crew and car...
1 week ago
RF Communication Systems Engineer
$77K - $128K *
Join a dynamic team to support RF communication system design, testing, and analysis for satellite systems. Engage in architecture development, requirements flowdown, and hands-on testing to ensure op...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Engagements & Knowledge Management Lead
$120K - $176K *
Lead the charge in strategic knowledge management and executive support for high-visibility initiatives, ensuring seamless collaboration across agencies and fostering key partnerships for mission succ...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer II
$119K - $172K *
Join a dynamic team to design and operate avionics test systems, ensuring spacecraft readiness through rigorous testing and innovative strategies. Your expertise will drive the success of groundbreaki...
5 days ago
Spacecraft Ground Operations Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive spacecraft ground operations excellence by integrating mission support, ensuring compliance, and enhancing system performance through collaboration and technical expertise in a dynamic environme...
2 weeks ago
Aerospace Engineer - Flight Performance
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's pioneering the future of aerospace by designing hypersonic flight vehicles and launch systems. Collaborate with experts to optimize flight performance and trajectory, ensuring innov...
1 week 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.