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.
$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...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Lead cross-functional teams in the development of innovative systems, ensuring successful project execution through collaboration with various engineering disciplines and adherence to schedule and bud...
Reposted yesterday
Staff Software Systems Engineer - Advanced Autonomy Systems Engineering Lead
$218K - $327K *
Accelerate progress at developing next-gen autonomy systems, leading hardware/software architecture, defining requirements, and ensuring compliance with functional safety standards while collaborating...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Software Systems Engineer - Advanced Autonomy Systems Engineering Lead
$218K - $327K *
Transform the future of autonomy systems by leading cross-functional collaboration, defining requirements, and ensuring robust safety architecture for next-gen L3/L2+ vehicles. Join us to shape the ev...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Software Systems Engineer - Advanced Autonomy Systems Engineering Lead
$218K - $327K *
Elevate the next generation of autonomous vehicle systems by defining requirements, collaborating on architecture, and ensuring safety. Contribute your expertise to high-level systems engineering and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$70K - $175K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to support the next-gen ICBM system. Collaborate on system engineering activities, ensuring alignment with program goals while driving innovation and technic...
1 week ago
Senior Supply Chain Engineer - Liquids Systems
$104K - $130K *
Join as a Senior Supply Chain Engineer to enhance supplier performance for cutting-edge aerospace engines. Lead quality improvements, collaborate across teams, and ensure reliability in manufacturing...
4 weeks ago
$144K - $200K *
Lead the design and optimization of advanced propulsion systems, integrating technical expertise and cross-functional collaboration to drive innovative solutions from concept to production in a fast-p...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Principal Systems Engineer (Level 4)
$135K - $203K *
Transform complex maritime systems through innovative engineering solutions, collaborating with multi-disciplined teams to develop cutting-edge technologies for national security. Engage in all phases...
2 weeks ago
Lead Systems Engineer - Integrated Avionics Systems
$108K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to design and integrate complex Integrated Avionics systems, driving solutions from development to end-of-life. Engage in all lifecycle phases, focusing on issue resolution and sys...
Yesterday
Spacecraft Mission Operations Engineer III, Blue Ghost
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in lunar mission operations, architecting ground systems and developing flight procedures. Drive mission planning and execution, ensuring seamless transitions from design to live opera...
6 days ago
Lead Systems Engineer / Integration Lead
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in technical integration across multiple systems, ensuring seamless collaboration among subsystems and vendors. Drive architectural decisions and manage requirements to deliver a coher...
2 weeks ago
$145K - $269K *
Champion innovative harness design solutions in aerospace, leading teams to integrate complex electrical systems while ensuring compliance with stringent standards and project timelines...
Yesterday
Mission Planning Systems Engineer
$87K - $152K *
Drive the development of advanced missile systems by leading verification and validation strategies, collaborating across teams, and ensuring compliance with nuclear requirements to enhance national s...
Today
Principal Systems Architect Engineer
$98K - $147K *
Join us to support model-based systems engineering and architecture definition for complex aerospace systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure requirements are traceable and aligned...
Yesterday
Principal Systems Architect Engineer
$98K - $147K *
Drive model-based systems engineering efforts, defining requirements and architectures for complex aerospace systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment with program objectiv...
Yesterday
Electrical Engineering Systems Architect - 6
$157K - $236K *
Join our dynamic team as an Electrical Engineering Systems Architect, where you'll lead innovative projects, collaborate across disciplines, and tackle complex challenges in developing cutting-edge in...
1 week ago
$132K - $198K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative counter-UAS systems, integrating optics, computer vision, and embedded technologies. Drive cross-functional collaboration to create cohesive, mission-critical...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Innovate in aerospace engineering by developing key performance parameters and supporting advanced systems design for space exploration and scientific discovery. Join a team dedicated to pioneering fu...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to analyze and model space environments, supporting NASA programs. Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, develop theoretical models, and assess spacecraft compatibility with n...
3 weeks ago
Analysis Engineer II (Spacecraft)
$95K - $115K *
Analyze structural integrity across diverse aerospace projects, enhancing designs through advanced analysis techniques. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with safety and per...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive impactful intelligence analysis by leveraging advanced imagery science techniques. Collaborate with teams to enhance situational awareness and support critical military operations through expert...
2 weeks ago
Chief Software Engineer, Space Ground Systems
$220K - $292K *
Oversee the technical leadership and execution of advanced ground systems for space operations, ensuring integration and delivery of mission-critical capabilities while collaborating with multi-discip...
Yesterday
Chief Software Engineer, Space Ground Systems
$220K - $292K *
Lead the technical vision for innovative ground systems, driving development and integration of advanced satellite command and control solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance mi...
Yesterday
Chief Software Engineer, Space Ground Systems
$220K - $292K *
Transform the future of space operations by leading innovative ground systems development. Drive technical strategy and oversee complex projects, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of mission...
Yesterday
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.