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.
$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
Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer
$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
Staff Systems Engineer - Electronic Warfare (EW)
$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
Avionics Manufacturing Engineer II
$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
$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
$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
$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
Staff Mechanical Systems Engineer
$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
Sr Principal Engineer Systems (26-465)
$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
Senior Ground Software Engineer
$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
$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
$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
Satellite Mission Engr Asc - Early Career
$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
Satellite Mission Engr Asc - Early Career
$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
HW Requirements Systems Engineer (Level 2 or Level 3)
$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
Spacecraft Mechanical Ground Support Equipment Engineer
$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
Senior Cybersecurity and Space Vehicle Defense Mission Engineer
$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
Aerospace SR-1 Requirements Systems Engineer
$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
$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
$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
Systems Engineer (Journeyman) - PMA 272
$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
Founding Lead Systems Engineer
$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
$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
$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
Avionics Test Engineer III - Lunar Core Components
$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
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.