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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$155K - $185K *

Develop software solutions in a collaborative DevOps environment, enhancing cyber training applications. Engage in the full software lifecycle, from design to deployment, while gaining diverse technic...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $143K *

Elevate innovation by analyzing and optimizing spacecraft propulsion systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance design, testing, and integration processes, ensuring cutting-edge solutions for...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development and integration of advanced hypersonic weapon systems, managing complex technical baselines and guiding risk management efforts. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensur...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$210K - $250K *

Lead the development of a cutting-edge orbital transfer vehicle, overseeing all technical aspects from design to flight. Collaborate with teams and manage suppliers to ensure successful integration an...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $149K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of space exploration by developing innovative software solutions for lunar and beyond missions. Leverage your experience in aerospace or software engineering...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in designing and managing innovative aerospace systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety and efficiency in aviation technology. Your expertise will shape the...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $179K *

Unlock potential by driving mission success for diverse payloads through integration and testing. Collaborate across teams to ensure flawless operations, from concept through recovery, pushing the bou...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $169K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of defense technology by developing innovative software solutions for precision targeting and strike planning, contributing to critical missions within a dynamic t...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $169K *

Advance software development and deployment for MLOps systems, focusing on integration and customer support. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality solutions in a dynamic environment, with opp...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $112K *

Elevate spacecraft development by leading GNC and ADCS initiatives, collaborating across teams to ensure mission success and drive innovative solutions for diverse spacecraft applications...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $280K *

Drive system architecture definition and refine requirements in a collaborative, agile environment. Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with customer needs and technical solutions...

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6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $181K *

Transform radar product development by defining requirements, shaping system architecture, and overseeing verification and validation from concept to design maturity while collaborating across enginee...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of power electronics systems. Lead technical authority and design efforts, ensuring compliance with customer specifications while managing risks and guiding multi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative test systems for launch vehicles and space applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and validate automated test solutions, ensuring high-quality el...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Innovate and develop cutting-edge Automated Test Equipment for the Fleet Ballistic Missile program, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance electrical ground support systems and ensure strategic d...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Innovate engineering solutions by applying principles and conducting analyses to meet customer requirements. Lead tasks, manage requirements, and support systems engineering activities across diverse...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $172K *

Shape the future of satellite technology by developing advanced software solutions that drive mission success. Collaborate with experts to enhance embedded systems, user interfaces, and analytical too...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $187K *

Engineer innovative security controls and assess cybersecurity measures while collaborating with a dynamic team. Ensure compliance with NSA and DoD standards, enhancing system performance and reliabil...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Lead innovative RF communication solutions by guiding a skilled team in systems engineering projects that enhance national security. Collaborate across disciplines to optimize system architecture and...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$169K - $253K *

Join a team that's at the vanguard of space technology, leading the assembly, integration, and testing of advanced RADAR payloads. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance operational capabilities fr...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$71K - $100K *

Contribute to the advancement of aerospace innovation by supporting flight testing and collaborating across engineering disciplines. You’ll engage with multiple platforms and enhance processes to ensu...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $129K *

Advance your career by leading the development of electrical ground support equipment for space-based communications payloads, ensuring mission success through innovative testing and integration strat...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative spacecraft core flight software to enhance mission success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, develop and test software solutions, and ensure compliance with safety standard...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Drive innovation in aeronautical engineering by leading teams in harness design, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards while integrating complex electrical systems for advanced aircraft program...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Lead the charge in advancing aerospace electrical systems by managing design teams, integrating complex subsystems, and ensuring compliance with stringent standards while delivering innovative wiring...

Today

  •   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.