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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$85K - $158K *

Unlock your potential by leading logistics initiatives across multiple teams, ensuring efficient transportation and compliance. Drive process improvements and risk management while coordinating comple...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Transform engineering projects by leading integration activities, ensuring operational readiness, and coordinating cross-functional teams to mitigate risks and achieve milestones effectively...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Transform your career by joining a dynamic team as a Project Engineer, overseeing hardware procurement for advanced aircraft programs. Collaborate with stakeholders in a fast-paced environment to driv...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Unlock potential by managing control accounts within the Integrated Master Schedule, ensuring alignment with program baselines and EVM standards. Collaborate across teams to drive performance, mitigat...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Elevate your career by supporting the Fleet Ballistic Missile Program through innovative training development and coordination. Collaborate with teams to enhance onboarding and streamline processes in...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Transform project execution by collaborating with cross-functional teams to manage schedules, costs, and risks. Drive program performance through strategic insights and effective communication, ensuri...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Transform production operations by leading projects that enhance quality, cost, and schedule performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and innovation in manufacturing pr...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Lead the charge in managing production operations, ensuring quality, cost, and schedule performance across multiple programs. Drive process improvements and coordinate cross-functional teams for succe...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Lead the charge in managing production operations, ensuring quality, cost, and schedule performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, support program launches, and driv...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $138K *

Drive the design, development, and testing of advanced systems, ensuring integration of software and hardware. Collaborate on requirements analysis and system architecture for cutting-edge space-based...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $105K *

Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...

Pittsfield, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$152K - $265K *

Elevate your career by leading the development of radar algorithms, translating requirements into designs, and ensuring operational performance through collaboration in cross-disciplinary teams...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $163K *

Engage with a specialized team to support the installation and testing of the Trident II Submarine Launcher Subsystem for the U.S. Navy, ensuring operational readiness and technical excellence in a co...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $193K *

Join a team that's redefining space exploration by driving On-Orbit Test activities, collaborating with experts, and leading critical operations to ensure mission success while shaping innovative engi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Partner with us to drive engineering excellence, ensuring technical performance, cost efficiency, and schedule adherence across programs while managing risks and fostering collaboration with stakehold...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $103K *

Manage spacecraft engineering operations, including TT&C and subsystems oversight. Collaborate with teams to analyze performance, troubleshoot issues, and enhance operational protocols while ensuring...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$72K - $103K *

Take ownership of spacecraft operations and engineering tasks, ensuring optimal performance through analysis, troubleshooting, and effective communication with stakeholders across various teams and de...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $204K *

Execute a collaborative approach to develop and validate Cyber solutions, conducting risk assessments and coordinating with architects to ensure compliance with security requirements throughout the li...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $126K *

Lead the charge in ensuring product and process quality by driving quality planning, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives that meet customer and regulatory standards while enhancing ope...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$220K - $260K *

Partner with us to lead the technical vision and execution of spacecraft systems, overseeing architecture, cross-functional teams, and risk management from concept through launch to ensure mission suc...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $157K *

Empower mission-critical systems engineering efforts by analyzing requirements, designing solutions, and integrating complex systems. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality technical solutio...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $155K *

Elevate your career by providing technical leadership and hands-on engineering support in a dynamic aerospace research environment, collaborating with NASA and industry partners to drive innovative so...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $178K *

Explore a pivotal role in systems integration and testing, driving the development of secure satellite communication solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-performance softw...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $136K *

Lead the charge in driving test execution for launch vehicle systems, managing cross-functional teams and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards while fostering continuous improvement i...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $136K *

Drive cross-functional project management for system test execution, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Lead integration efforts, manage schedules, and facilitate test planning to...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   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.