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.
$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
$80K - $95K *
Create innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, overseeing the lifecycle management and integration of Defense Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance while m...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead systems engineering efforts to integrate and sustain advanced Defense Systems for Electronic Warfare, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with DoD standards while collaborating with va...
4 weeks ago
Hardware System Engineer Sr Stf / IPT Lead
$129K - $239K *
Elevate hardware design and system engineering by leading advanced processing system development. Ensure technical integrity and compliance while driving innovation through digital transformation prac...
2 weeks ago
$114K - $213K *
Transform the future of launcher hardware by executing system integration, requirements development, and validation analyses. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions for Navy p...
1 week ago
$98K - $184K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team of Systems Engineers focused on innovative launcher hardware development for Navy platforms. Contribute to system integration, requirements management, an...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Lead the charge in coordinating engineering projects, ensuring timely drawing releases and effective communication across multidisciplinary teams to support program success and operational efficiency...
6 days ago
$79K - $147K *
Shape the future of strategic defense by leading engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance and budget goa...
1 week ago
$70K - $130K *
Drive project success by orchestrating activities across initiatives, translating technical concepts into actionable plans, and ensuring alignment with cost and schedule targets for optimal project de...
2 weeks ago
Staff Electronics Engineer - Ground System Architect/Integrator
$177K - $265K *
Transform aerospace systems by leading the design and integration of ground architectures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet customer needs and ensure compliance with industry standards...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$90K - $120K *
Elevate your career as you manage, optimize, and secure IT infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency, drive compliance, and foster collaboration across departments, ultimately supporting vital...
Reposted 2 days ago
Relay Ground Stations (RGS) Systems Engineer
$117K - $226K *
Lead the charge in mission assurance by applying systems engineering expertise to Relay Ground Stations, ensuring seamless data relay for critical missile warning missions and fostering collaboration...
2 days ago
$130K - $198K *
Pioneer innovative designs and solutions by collaborating across teams to enhance structural integrity and compliance, ensuring timely execution and adherence to safety protocols in aerospace projects...
3 days ago
Project Engineering Sr Mgr - L6
$158K - $294K *
Lead the charge in digitizing the C-130J and migrating to Saber 2.0. Collaborate across functions to define data and resource requirements, ensuring integration of cost, schedule, and technical goals...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a mission-focused team to develop and deploy systems, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software while collaborating closely with users and stakeholders to meet critical operational n...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Engage with teams to design, implement, and maintain cutting-edge IT systems while supporting mission-critical upgrades and deployments in a dynamic environment. Collaborate effectively to ensure robu...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Pioneer innovative system solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and upgrade IT systems, ensuring efficient operations for defense initiatives through meticulo...
4 weeks ago
Information Systems Security Manager
$143K - $238K *
Shape the future of information security by managing compliance across classified programs, overseeing security measures, and guiding teams in safeguarding sensitive data within dynamic systems...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career with a pivotal role in systems engineering, bridging design and compliance teams to select cutting-edge technologies for military-grade products, ensuring high performance and reliab...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the selection of advanced electronics technologies, bridging design and compliance engineering to ensure high-performance product development for military applications...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation as a Software Engineer, enhancing Kubernetes-native applications and collaborating across teams to deliver high-quality software solutions while ensuring operational excellence and ad...
2 days ago
$166K - $249K *
Pioneer innovative spacecraft systems as a Producibility Architect, enhancing production efficiency and quality. Collaborate across teams to implement process improvements and leverage AI/ML for strea...
2 weeks ago
Mission Systems Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining unmanned aircraft systems through innovative software development and integration. Collaborate across disciplines to design high-performance control systems for advanced...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Enterprise Architecture Mission Engineer
$128K - $170K *
Shape the future of national security space systems by developing enterprise architectures and providing technical expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabilities. Collaborate with leadership to mo...
3 weeks ago
System Engineer Level 5 - Mission Operations SME
$177K - $265K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing complex mission operations, developing CONOPS, and driving tools and processes for successful outcomes. Mentor teams and collaborate with stakeholders to ensu...
Reposted 2 weeks 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.