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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to advance radar systems engineering for planetary exploration. Contribute to the development, modeling, and testing of landing radar systems, ensuring mission success and fosterin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$198K - $273K *

Innovate your career by leading multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring technical excellence and strategic execution across major programs. Drive solutions, mentor teams, and uphold company v...

4 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $204K *

Elevate your career as you develop and execute automated test solutions, ensuring system integration and performance validation in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment. Lead critical testing effo...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $163K *

Lead innovative software solutions in a dynamic environment, driving the full technology-development life cycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission-critical systems and mentor...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of submarine construction by leading risk assessment initiatives, collaborating with diverse teams, and ensuring successful project execution in a dynamic environment. Flexibility and...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $115K *

Shape the future of aerospace technology by designing innovative mechanical systems for cutting-edge satellite and spacecraft applications. Collaborate across teams to ensure high-performance, reliabl...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$72K - $134K *

Transform the manufacturing data lifecycle as an Engineering Planner, managing new part creations and assembly updates within the MPM Link/Windchill system while ensuring data integrity across cross-f...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $163K *

Transform vehicle design and flight test operations through hands-on structural analysis and collaboration across disciplines, ensuring safety and integrity in aerospace projects while meeting tight d...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of missile defense by engaging in C3BM systems engineering, integrating advanced technologies, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance Command, Control, Communications, and Bat...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $200K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity by leading systems engineering efforts in developing, integrating, and testing secure enterprise infrastructure and products, while ensuring compliance with industry...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $197K *

Transform engineering projects by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring technical excellence and innovation while managing cost, schedule, and quality standards. Drive project success through effec...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $197K *

Join a dynamic team to lead medium-sized engineering projects, ensuring successful integration of innovative solutions while managing technical specifications, quality standards, and programmatic func...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $197K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in engineering projects, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring successful integration of technical solutions while managing cost, schedule, and quality sta...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $197K *

Drive medium-sized technical projects, integrating engineering solutions and fostering innovation. Lead cross-functional teams, manage programmatic functions, and ensure projects meet specifications...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $153K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, driving installation and support for cross-domain systems globally. Collaborate with teams to integrate solutions, enhance security, and deliver exceptiona...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $134K *

Manage the lifecycle of manufacturing data by creating and updating part records in the MPM Link/Windchill system. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and compliance while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $134K *

Unlock the potential of manufacturing data as you drive the lifecycle of part records, ensuring accuracy and compliance across cross-functional teams. Your expertise will enhance assembly processes an...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $134K *

Drive the lifecycle of manufacturing data by managing part creation, updating assembly bills, and ensuring compliance within the MPM Link/Windchill system, collaborating with cross-functional teams to...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Join a team that's driving the lifecycle of manufacturing data, managing new part creations, and ensuring data integrity across cross-functional teams. Your expertise will enhance assembly bill of mat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $151K *

Champion the lifecycle of manufacturing data by collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and update part records in the MPM Link/Windchill system, ensuring data integrity and compliance thr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$111K - $170K *

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to manage system requirements, support verification and validation, and drive product goals. Lead systems engineering efforts to ensure successful execution an...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $163K *

Innovate and contribute to the design and testing of undersea hardware. Collaborate with a diverse team to solve complex engineering challenges while managing technical, schedule, and cost constraints...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$182K - $338K *

Champion the future of F-35 software architecture by leading design decisions, enforcing technical standards, and collaborating with teams to deliver high-quality solutions in an agile environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $120K *

Drive systems engineering excellence by translating operational needs into rigorous requirements and architectures for cutting-edge avionics software, ensuring safety and compliance throughout the dev...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.