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.
$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
$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
$150K - $250K *
Champion the development and maintenance of secure, scalable back-end systems, collaborating with a team to deliver high-quality software solutions while ensuring data integrity and compliance in a hi...
2 weeks ago
$114K - $171K *
Elevate your career by defining and managing requirements for spacecraft ground systems. Drive program maturity through analysis, integration, and documentation while collaborating in a model-based sy...
1 week ago
Software Engineer I - Flight Software
$83K - $115K *
Engage in designing, developing, and testing software for space systems. This entry-level role offers a collaborative environment to write clean code, manage version control, and stay updated on indus...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer I - Flight Software
$83K - $115K *
Join us in designing and developing innovative software applications for space systems. This entry-level role offers a collaborative environment to enhance your programming skills while contributing t...
2 weeks ago
$82K - $136K *
Unlock potential by applying your engineering expertise to develop advanced propulsion systems for innovative space missions, ensuring optimal performance and collaboration across multidisciplinary te...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering support for advanced technology programs, driving mission performance improvements through analysis, risk management, and technical expertise in radar and electr...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive excellence in testing by leading complex verification activities, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure product readiness, and resolving technical challenges to meet engineering and custome...
1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a team that's transforming innovative software prototypes into robust, operational systems. Drive full-stack development, ensure data security, and support mission-critical applications in a dyna...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
$146K - $210K *
Make your mark at the forefront of rocket engine innovation. Drive the design and development of mechanical systems for hypergolic propulsion while mentoring teams and executing complex engineering so...
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$95K - $115K *
Transform mission systems by leveraging your DevOps expertise to administer and troubleshoot complex environments, ensuring seamless integration and performance across storage, virtualization, and Kub...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to mission success by managing and troubleshooting complex systems, including NetApp storage and Kubernetes environments. Collaborate on engineering documentation and design solutions while...
3 weeks ago
$156K - $215K *
Lead the design and development of complex embedded software systems, ensuring reliability and performance. Collaborate with teams, mentor engineers, and drive innovation through new technologies whil...
Today
$156K - $215K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing complex embedded software systems, guiding a team of engineers while making impactful design decisions that enhance performance, reliability, and innovation...
Today
$160K - $190K *
Champion innovation in avionics design and integration, leading complex projects and mentoring engineers to deliver high-reliability systems for space applications while collaborating across teams to...
Yesterday
Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer
$114K - $178K *
Join a dynamic team to drive the design and integration of advanced autonomous systems for defense applications, ensuring technical excellence throughout the systems engineering lifecycle and enhancin...
Today
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and improving complex mechanical systems. Leverage your engineering expertise to lead projects, solve technical challenges, and collaborate with diverse teams...
Yesterday
Staff Systems Architect Engineer
$152K - $229K *
Join a team that's redefining aerospace systems engineering through innovative model-based approaches. Lead the development of complex architectures and requirements, collaborating with diverse teams...
Yesterday
$88K - $105K *
Shape your career with a dynamic Systems Engineer role supporting critical U.S. Air Force programs. Collaborate on system requirements, design, and documentation while ensuring technical integrity and...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts for advanced defense projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze requirements, develop specifications, and ensure technical int...
6 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of missile systems by leading design and development efforts, guiding requirements formulation, and ensuring technical integrity in complex engineering projects...
6 days ago
$80K - $130K *
Shape the future of missile systems by leading design and development efforts, guiding requirements formulation, and ensuring technical integrity in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and ope...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of airborne networking through advanced systems engineering. Leverage your expertise in complex systems to drive innovation and support mission-critical operation...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by supporting the design and development of power electronics systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure cost-effective solutions, verify performance, and contribute to technical docum...
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.