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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$142K - $213K *

Champion the systems engineering lifecycle, from concept to delivery, ensuring robust requirements management and verification strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop architectu...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Join a dynamic team to lead the full systems engineering lifecycle, from concept to delivery. Engage with customers and stakeholders, ensuring robust system architecture and effective verification str...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Transform complex systems engineering challenges into actionable solutions. Engage with diverse teams to drive projects from concept through delivery, ensuring robust architectures and successful inte...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$194K - $292K *

Lead the charge in cybersecurity execution, driving risk management and technical solutions across engineering and program teams. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance system security and c...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$196K - $217K *

Lead the charge in building a high-performing software engineering team that delivers mission-critical internal platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to drive technical excellence...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K *

Drive advanced weapon-system capabilities by analyzing targeting data, optimizing employment strategies, and supporting integration efforts for the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile–Nuclear program. Collabo...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$79K - $118K *

Transform the future of space systems by managing technical interfaces and ensuring successful payload integration. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to drive mission success through innovati...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $134K *

Champion technical analysis and troubleshooting for product implementations, ensuring alignment with customer specifications. Conduct training and serve as the on-site representative, enhancing produc...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Contribute to mission success by providing technical expertise in systems engineering and integration for high-impact US Government initiatives in a classified environment, collaborating with diverse...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $149K *

Optimize testing strategies for avionics and RF products in lunar missions. Collaborate with engineers to develop and execute test plans, ensuring hardware meets performance and safety standards acros...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $226K *

Drive innovative spacecraft and ground system designs, collaborating across disciplines to meet mission needs for national space initiatives. Engage in architecture studies, define system capabilities...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $276K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence by leading the EOIR section. This role combines functional management with technical contributions, overseeing a growing team while driving innovat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $237K *

Engineer innovative solutions to complex technical challenges in mission systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance Windows environments, automate processes, and ensure optimal performance and securit...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $269K *

Elevate operational excellence by leading cross-functional initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and productivity. Utilize Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement and deli...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $136K *

Unlock potential by leading safety assessments and recommendations for launch and space vehicle systems. Ensure compliance with safety requirements while fostering collaboration across teams in a dyna...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $136K *

Transform safety assessments by evaluating vehicle systems and operational procedures, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective hazard management through independent audits and recommendations to...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of aerospace innovation, leading the design and development of advanced ordnance systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and compliance th...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Empower NASA programs by analyzing space environments, developing models, and ensuring spacecraft compatibility. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess risks and support systems engineerin...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $206K *

Join us to provide technical direction and drive software operations with a skilled team. You'll manage requirements, perform testing, and support mission capabilities in a fast-paced, collaborative e...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $206K *

Shape the future of software systems by providing technical leadership and ensuring operational excellence in complex software applications, while collaborating with distributed teams to create effici...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $206K *

Lead the technical direction of software systems engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to streamline development, verification, and operational support of software application...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

Lead the design and delivery of cutting-edge satellite electronics, ensuring projects meet schedule, cost, and quality standards. Collaborate with teams and customers to drive innovation and accountab...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Analyze and oversee complex technical programs, ensuring effective execution and compliance. Manage multidisciplinary teams, enhance system reliability, and represent leadership in stakeholder engagem...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $173K *

Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts, integrating and validating complex systems while managing performance metrics and ensuring supportability. Collaborate with cross-functional te...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Transform systems engineering through innovative test solutions, collaborating with teams to develop comprehensive test plans and automate processes. Drive excellence in system evaluations and custome...

Reposted 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.