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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$156K - $210K *

Drive product innovation by leading the technical roadmap for integrated propulsion systems, aligning customer needs with engineering capabilities, and coordinating cross-functional teams for successf...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $169K *

Lead the testing and integration of complex hardware and software systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful operation of Flatsat testbeds, while crafting clear documentatio...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Drive the integration and testing of Submarine Combat Systems, ensuring functionality and performance through rigorous testing procedures. Collaborate with engineers to log deficiencies and support va...

Victoria, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to support NASA's Landsat Next ConOps development, overseeing simulator requirements and integration. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure mission success through effective engineer...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$93K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Champion the development of radiation hardness assurance for space systems, overseeing testing, risk management, and product road-mapping. Collaborate with engineers and customers to ensure reliabilit...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$114K - $171K *

Reimagine systems engineering with principal responsibilities in requirements definition, verification, and testing. Collaborate across teams while supporting complex software and hardware integration...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Take ownership of system engineering processes, ensuring requirements verification and integration across multidisciplinary teams. Execute system definitions, development, and testing to support groun...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced software solutions for NASA's spacecraft systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and validate cutting-edge technologies that enhance space...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Contribute to NASA's mission by designing and deploying spacecraft simulators, ensuring advanced verification and validation of software systems. Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation in aerospa...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Accelerate progress at NASA by designing and deploying advanced spacecraft simulators. Join a dynamic team focused on software testing and validation for cutting-edge aerospace projects, ensuring the...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Drive the design and development of NASA spacecraft simulators, ensuring advanced verification and validation of software systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance ground software and smalls...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced software solutions for NASA's spacecraft simulators, ensuring robust verification and validation processes while collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers i...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop NASA spacecraft simulators, enhancing verification and validation processes for advanced space missions. Collaborate on innovative software solutions that imp...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing NASA's software testing and simulation efforts. Collaborate on designing and deploying spacecraft simulators, ensuring the integrity of critical systems throu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Champion the development and delivery of next-gen space vehicles by managing cross-functional engineering teams, ensuring technical and budget goals are met while resolving challenges throughout the s...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $190K *

Empower enterprise infrastructure by designing, implementing, and maintaining critical systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance technology solutions and ensure operational excellence across classifi...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$182K - $228K *

Lead system architecture for advanced satellite camera modules. Oversee requirements flowdown and collaborate across teams to ensure optimal performance and compliance with imaging goals, managing ven...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $203K *

Lead the charge in engineering execution across the program lifecycle, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive program success and deliver...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $163K *

Elevate your career by leading integration and testing for advanced defense systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive test plans, ensuring system performance and reliab...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Unlock potential by leading quality engineering initiatives to enhance product quality and operational performance. Collaborate across teams to identify risks, optimize processes, and implement data-d...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Advance your career as a Quality Engineer, leading cross-functional initiatives to enhance product quality and operational performance through data-driven methodologies and Lean Six Sigma principles...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $178K *

Drive the design and delivery of complex software systems across domains, ensuring scalability and resilience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate ambiguous challenges into effective...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing safety in Marine Corps weapons systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to analyze risks, recommend mitigations, and ensure compliance with safety stand...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $195K *

Lead the design and delivery of complex software systems, ensuring scalability and resilience. Collaborate across teams to define architecture and integration strategies, while simplifying complexity...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 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.