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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$194K - $292K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity systems through innovative engineering and collaboration, ensuring compliance with critical standards while delivering high-quality solutions fo...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $215K *

Champion autonomous systems engineering to lead innovation in military applications, collaborating with senior leaders to enhance soldier capabilities and combat effectiveness through cutting-edge res...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$104K - $194K *

Shape the future of Electronic Warfare by developing innovative solutions to complex challenges. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance algorithms, analyze requirements, and leverage advanced tech...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $156K *

Shape the future of avionics by developing processes and collaborating with engineers to enhance manufacturing readiness and product design. Drive continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring hig...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $100K *

Lead the charge in developing and testing satellite electronic units by designing innovative test equipment and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure high-quality performance and relia...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $110K *

Join us to support NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center by applying engineering technology and systems engineering concepts. This hands-on role involves data collection, troubleshooting, and collab...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $244K *

Lead the charge in innovative aerospace vehicle design and analysis. Collaborate across disciplines to tackle complex engineering challenges throughout the vehicle life cycle, ensuring safety and stru...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$169K - $253K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of underwater systems through innovative mechanical engineering. Collaborate on design, integration, and testing to deliver cutting-edge solutions in a fast-paced...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $203K *

Elevate your career by driving software development for missile defense systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance performance, optimize tools, and support critical operations for national sec...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Drive innovation by architecting and building a real-time ground data pipeline for aircraft telemetry, ensuring low latency and high reliability in a dynamic startup environment. Your work will direct...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Advance your career by integrating and testing cutting-edge avionics for missile defense systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure timely delivery of mission-critical hardware while supportin...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in designing and integrating complex hybrid systems, overseeing the full development lifecycle while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovati...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Join a team that's dedicated to real-time spacecraft operations, ensuring mission success through detailed planning and technical direction. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, supporting critical s...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Support critical satellite flight operations by developing plans and procedures, analyzing performance, and providing technical direction to ensure mission success during all phases of spacecraft oper...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$83K - $155K *

Innovate within a dynamic team to enhance national security through advanced systems engineering. Engage in the full lifecycle from requirements to validation, collaborating across disciplines to deli...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $145K *

Lead the charge in designing and fabricating ground support equipment for spacecraft. Collaborate across teams to ensure efficient production and safety, while managing tooling lifecycle and mechanica...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$166K - $249K *

Transform space mission engineering by leading cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring robust system architectures and lifecycle decisions that enhance mission assurance and operational resilience in cont...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of deep-space propulsion by developing and verifying interface requirements for NASA's SR-1 spacecraft, ensuring successful collaboration with industry partners a...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $163K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role supporting systems engineering for advanced maritime technology, enhancing operational capabilities through collaboration with government teams and stakeholders in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $163K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing critical infrastructure support systems. Leverage your systems engineering expertise to drive innovation and deliver solutions that empower operating forces i...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Deliver impactful solutions through systems engineering for advanced aircraft protection systems, focusing on research, design, integration, and lifecycle support to enhance crew safety and operationa...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing spacecraft systems engineering, overseeing mission architecture, requirements management, and team development to ensure flight readiness and operational succ...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $150K *

Analyze and support complex systems engineering processes for defense programs, ensuring compliance with specifications and enhancing system performance through comprehensive evaluations and technical...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive the design, integration, and maintenance of complex systems and networks, ensuring performance, reliability, and security while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet technical requir...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $182K *

Drive the testing of Electrical Power Systems for lunar missions, collaborating with engineers to define strategies, develop plans, and execute rigorous test campaigns, ensuring performance and safety...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.