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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$144K - $200K *

Shape the future of propulsion systems by leading design and optimization efforts. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive projects from concept to production while mentoring junior engineers and ensu...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $160K *

Drive mission success by integrating complex systems, collaborating across teams, and ensuring operational excellence from development to deployment. Engage with stakeholders to translate requirements...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Unlock your potential as a project engineer, leading a dynamic team in missile control systems. Collaborate with Navy partners and drive project success while enhancing your career through mentorship...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $251K *

Elevate your career by leading Flight Software development programs, ensuring timely delivery and seamless coordination between engineering and management teams. Drive agile execution, manage risks, a...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $251K *

Empower the development of critical Flight Software by leading program planning, execution, and stakeholder communication. Drive agile methodologies and ensure timely delivery while managing complex s...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $251K *

Drive the planning and execution of Flight Software development programs, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and program management for timely delivery of spacecraft software systems...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by designing and testing software systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to prioritize requirements and resolve technical issues, while maintaining comprehensive documenta...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$68K - $131K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer II, where you'll tackle technical challenges, manage requirements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Drive innovation in avionics systems as you lead a dynamic engineering team, ensuring strategic defense capabilities through advanced technologies and effective project management in a collaborative e...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $141K *

Join our team to advance groundbreaking national space architectures by providing expert Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services. Engage with diverse communities to design and imple...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$193K - $289K *

Take ownership of engineering leadership by managing teams and driving technical execution for strategic intelligence programs, ensuring effective problem resolution and development of talent across a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Drive success by leading a high-performing team in mission engineering, ensuring alignment across programs, and fostering collaboration to achieve operational excellence in a dynamic environment...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team as you leverage Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to support the U.S. Space Force in developing integrated space systems. Contribute to architecture, testing, and sustainment...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $220K *

Transform your career by leading the integration and automation of high-performance computing systems in a dynamic Linux environment. Collaborate across teams to ensure scalable, secure, and maintaina...

Yesterday

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's optimizing cloud infrastructure and enhancing system performance. Leverage your DevOps expertise to manage configurations, automate processes, and ensure security while collaboratin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead a multi-disciplinary team to architect and integrate advanced space systems, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs and technical requirements throughout the program lifecycle. Drive innovatio...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Architect advanced space systems by leading multi-disciplinary teams through design, integration, and validation phases. Ensure alignment of stakeholder needs with system architecture while managing t...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Transform national security initiatives by leading model-based systems engineering efforts. Collaborate across teams to integrate complex systems, enhance digital processes, and mentor peers, driving...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$127K - $153K *

Engage with a dynamic team to lead mechanical engineering efforts in developing advanced phased array communication systems, ensuring high-quality execution and continuous improvement across multiple...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$98K - $184K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing hardware security through comprehensive threat assessment and risk analysis. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering to support critical defense progra...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $200K *

Lead a dynamic team in the technical execution of innovative gravity sensing solutions. Drive system design, mentor engineers, and ensure alignment with mission objectives while fostering a high-perfo...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$106K - $198K *

Optimize satellite communications systems by leading integration and testing efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring system requireme...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$106K - $198K *

Lead the charge in system integration and testing for satellite communications, ensuring comprehensive test plans and execution. Collaborate with engineering teams to validate requirements and trouble...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $116K *

Help us drive innovation in space exploration by applying your astrodynamics expertise to mission design and trajectory analysis, contributing to ambitious Earth-orbiting and interplanetary missions t...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Engineer cutting-edge systems through all phases from inception to deployment. Collaborate within a mission-focused team, driving user interaction and ensuring seamless integration of hardware and sof...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.