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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$69K - $141K *

Transform complex engineering projects by leading teams to design, develop, and implement innovative systems. Ensure high-quality deliverables while fostering collaboration and maintaining strong rela...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $141K *

Lead engineering teams to execute complex projects, ensuring high-quality system designs and timely delivery while collaborating across disciplines and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$131K - $237K *

Join us to lead large-scale systems engineering initiatives, defining technical vision and driving innovation in cryptologic and cybersecurity capabilities while advising government stakeholders and e...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$65K - $101K *

Empower the future of naval engineering by designing and managing advanced control systems for US Navy and Coast Guard ships. Collaborate in a dynamic environment to enhance machinery control moderniz...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop advanced electrical power systems for cutting-edge facilities, contributing to impactful global infrastructure projects while managing diverse technical chall...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in designing advanced electrical systems for cutting-edge facilities. Collaborate across teams to develop power distribution, enhance troubleshooting efforts, and ensure compliance wit...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$156K - $215K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of complex flight software systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance while mentoring engineers and d...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$156K - $215K *

Innovate by designing and developing complex flight software systems, leading a team to ensure reliability and performance. Drive continuous improvement and integrate new technologies while mentoring...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform software development by prototyping across embedded, full stack, and autonomy domains. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring rapid transition from concept to produ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$58K - $108K *

Champion innovative hardware systems engineering by driving product development, integrating hardware, software, and firmware components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful p...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$127K - $190K *

Champion innovative solutions as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading diverse teams in the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications program. Drive technical performance while foste...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $234K *

Lead the integration and advancement of complex systems and GEOINT capabilities. Provide technical guidance, mentor engineering teams, and translate mission needs into effective solutions across multi...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $234K *

Join us to lead and mentor engineering teams in developing complex systems and GEOINT capabilities. Provide expert guidance, translate mission needs into solutions, and support multidisciplinary effor...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $131K *

Advance your career by developing innovative RF Electronic Warfare solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally in a dynamic setting, creating and testing algorithms and models that bolster defense capab...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $166K *

Lead the charge in modernizing FAA surveillance and radar systems, applying your extensive systems engineering expertise to enhance air traffic management safety and reliability across the National Ai...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Invent innovative solutions as a Ground Systems Integration Engineer, managing complex software and hardware integration for critical space programs. Drive full life cycle support, ensuring seamless o...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead systems engineering efforts to enhance C3I&N capabilities, ensuring compliance with specifications through rigorous testing, documentation, and technical support across the system lifecycle...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance systems engineering processes, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with specifications. Collaborate on technical support, program evaluations, and innovative sol...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by providing critical systems engineering support for C3I&N initiatives. Collaborate on program evaluations, technical documentation, and system validation to ensure optimal perfor...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion vehicle-level configuration management, ensuring traceability and integration of CAD designs. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to translate changes into actionable deliverables whil...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Oversee a team of Systems Engineers, guiding project development and performance in a high-stakes environment. Drive collaborative efforts and foster engineering excellence across multiple aerospace p...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $204K *

Elevate your career by leading interdisciplinary teams to design and implement innovative Cyber solutions. Collaborate on risk assessments, develop security strategies, and ensure compliance throughou...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $204K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative Cyber solutions through collaboration and expertise. Engage in risk assessments, design evaluations, and ensure compliance while working with cros...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $117K *

Help us drive innovation in electrical systems by maintaining and optimizing test facilities for turbojet and turbofan engines. You'll oversee critical equipment, ensuring operational readiness and sa...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $184K *

Join a dynamic team to drive the design and development of advanced VLEO spacecraft, ensuring seamless integration and performance through collaboration, analysis, and innovative problem-solving acros...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.