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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$95K - $178K *

Lead the charge in managing and executing complex system integration projects, ensuring technical specifications and customer requirements are met while navigating cost and schedule constraints. Drive...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$152K - $229K *

Inspire innovative solutions as a Staff Principal Systems Engineer, leading the development of advanced launcher hardware for Navy platforms. Collaborate with a diverse team to ensure system integrati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of aerospace innovation, designing and testing cutting-edge electronic systems for ground support equipment. Collaborate with experts to ensure the success of NASA...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $140K *

Transform your career by leading spacecraft testing initiatives, enhancing processes, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure the success of cutting-edge aerospace projects. Drive innovation an...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Contribute to the development of advanced aerospace actuation systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve complex engineering challenges and enhance flight control technologies through...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$98K - $110K *

Lead propulsion system analyses and hardware development for spacecraft, applying fluid mechanics and thermodynamics principles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and performan...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $244K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing aerospace materials and processes. You'll develop specifications for composite materials, ensuring reliable performance while collaborating across departments...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $205K *

Engage cross-functional teams to oversee avionics production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality hardware for spacecraft. Drive project execution and coordinate efforts across engineering, manuf...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Advance the future of systems engineering by leading complex Navy combat system initiatives. Engage in strategic planning, technical documentation, and program management while ensuring adherence to D...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$101K - $151K *

Innovate as a Senior Cybersecurity Systems Engineer, driving mission-critical solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards while enhancing syste...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$69K - $141K *

Analyze and enhance systems engineering processes to support Air Force DCGS. Collaborate with teams to optimize virtual infrastructures, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with engineering stan...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $163K *

Drive innovation in systems engineering by leading integration and validation efforts for advanced tactical missions. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless hardware-software interaction and deli...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $163K *

Elevate your career by leading system engineering efforts, integrating software and hardware solutions, and ensuring compliance with system-level requirements in a dynamic Agile environment. Join us i...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and enhance rocket modeling systems, conducting simulations and assessments for U.S. launch and missile programs. Contribute to advanced aerospace projects while shaping...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions for complex government programs. Leverage your expertise in Linux systems and cloud technologies to support and innovate within a dynam...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $120K *

Innovate and enhance edge systems by installing, testing, and evaluating advanced technologies. Collaborate with a multi-disciplined team to improve customer satisfaction through effective data collec...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$79K - $147K *

Champion systems engineering excellence by developing requirements, verifying systems, and collaborating across teams to support the Sentinel program. Leverage your technical skills to drive innovatio...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Drive innovative systems engineering solutions by developing requirements, verifying systems, and collaborating across teams to support critical defense programs. Engage with stakeholders to ensure pr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $180K *

Join us to shape the future by designing and managing cryogenic systems that are essential for spacecraft manufacturing and testing, ensuring safe and reliable operations while partnering with diverse...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $165K *

Design and optimize environmental test systems for spacecraft components, ensuring rigorous qualification and acceptance testing. Collaborate with teams to validate hardware performance under space-li...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$173K - $259K *

Pioneer innovative spacecraft operations by leading strategic mission management, refining technical protocols, and enhancing team efficiency to ensure the health and performance of satellite systems...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and integrate advanced avionics systems. Lead multi-disciplinary engineering efforts, establish client requirements, and utilize Model Based Systems Engineering to drive...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of avionics by leading multi-disciplinary engineering efforts to develop and integrate complex flight systems, ensuring client satisfaction and technical excellen...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Lead configuration management activities across the program lifecycle, ensuring data integrity and compliance. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and deliverables while supporting audits and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Advance your career by leading configuration management activities across the program lifecycle. Ensure data integrity and compliance while collaborating with diverse teams to optimize processes and d...

1 week 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.