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.
$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
$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
Systems Engineer II/III - Integrated Flight Mgmt Systems (FMS)
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by developing and certifying advanced Flight Management Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive system integration, verification, a...
1 week ago
Senior Requirements Engineer- MBSE
$135K - $216K *
Transform your career by collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and document mission planning specifications, ensuring clarity and traceability in a complex systems environment. Drive inn...
1 week ago
Aerospace V&V Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of verification and validation efforts for advanced spacecraft systems, ensuring mission success criteria are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and execute V&V plan...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by leading technology integration initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders to identify needs, and developing impactful business cases. Drive measurable success in cybersecuri...
2 days ago
Lead Engineer - Payloads Design Engineering (Payload Systems Design) - Experienced or Senior
$103K - $171K *
Join a dynamic team as a Lead Engineer, guiding technical strategies across multiple payloads projects while ensuring compliance and excellence. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and d...
Reposted 4 days ago
$115K - $138K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration by leading power electronics design and testing for innovative space flight hardware. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects from concept to de...
1 week ago
$130K - $162K *
Unlock potential by leading system engineering efforts across diverse aerospace projects. Collaborate with teams to design, validate, and support radar altimeter systems, ensuring compliance and excel...
1 week ago
$130K - $162K *
Shape the future of radar systems as a Lead Systems Engineer, providing technical leadership, developing technology roadmaps, and engaging with customers to capture new opportunities while mentoring t...
1 week ago
$149K - $187K *
Engineer cutting-edge radar systems by providing technical leadership, developing technology roadmaps, and engaging with customers to capture new opportunities while mentoring future talent and foster...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Engineer, Decision Advantage
$144K - $192K *
Take ownership of advanced systems engineering for tactical decision-making software, ensuring robust performance across diverse configurations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innova...
Today
Senior Systems Engineer, Decision Advantage
$167K - $222K *
Join a team that's redefining defense technology through advanced systems engineering. Leverage your expertise in algorithm development and modeling to create robust command and control solutions that...
Today
$110K - $160K *
Lead the development of advanced propulsion systems, collaborating across teams to design, qualify, and support flight hardware for next-gen spacecraft. Drive innovation and tackle complex challenges...
Today
$110K - $160K *
Drive the development of advanced propulsion systems, collaborating across teams to design, qualify, and support flight hardware for next-gen spacecraft, ensuring mission success and technical excelle...
Today
Staff Flight Software Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Transform your career by joining a dedicated team to design and develop innovative flight software systems for spacecraft. Engage with multifaceted engineers to create reliable, fault-tolerant solutio...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Advanced Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading technical projects in electric power generation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product development, ensuring compliance and performance while enhancin...
Yesterday
Senior Advanced Systems Engineer
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in designing and integrating advanced aerospace systems, driving innovation and ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams on cutting-e...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion innovative electrical solutions for submarine systems, leading cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and performance. Drive project success through effective communication and collabora...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Propulsion Engineer - Hardware and Bus Systems
$140K - $179K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and analysis of propulsion systems for spacecraft. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance vehicle capabilities and ensure operational excellence in...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing space technology by developing and executing rigorous tests for avionics and electrical subsystems. Your expertise will ensure the reliability and performance...
3 weeks ago
Electronics Systems Architect Mgr - L5
$166K - $309K *
Transform the future of electronics architecture by leading a dynamic team, driving innovative proposals, and enhancing customer engagement while ensuring mission requirements are met through effectiv...
2 days ago
Electronics Systems Architect Mgr - L5
$148K - $275K *
Drive innovation by leading a team of electronics architects to design and develop complex systems. Collaborate on proposals and product strategies while ensuring alignment with mission requirements a...
2 days ago
Electronics Systems Architect Mgr - L5
$166K - $309K *
Drive innovation in system architecture by leading a team of architects, managing proposals, and engaging with customers to develop cutting-edge electronics solutions that meet mission requirements an...
2 days ago
Electronics Systems Architect Mgr - L5
$185K - $344K *
Elevate the Electronics Architect group by managing team dynamics, driving proposal strategies, and ensuring effective system architecture development. Lead recruitment and foster customer engagement...
2 days 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.