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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$117K - $195K *

Advance avionics architectures for diverse missions, ensuring seamless integration of command and data handling systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and support mis...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $143K *

Innovate avionics systems engineering solutions, leading design and verification efforts for space hardware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution and delivery...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's pivotal in developing and sustaining mission-critical ground systems for space operations. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure system readiness and operational exce...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$94K - $129K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced ground system solutions for missile defense, ensuring integration and alignment across technical teams while managing requirements and risks in a fast-paced envi...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$94K - $129K *

Develop and integrate advanced ground system solutions for missile defense, ensuring alignment across technical teams. Manage requirements, risks, and performance metrics to deliver cohesive systems u...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $263K *

Transform RF systems for advanced launch vehicles by leading architecture design, conducting analyses, and mentoring engineers. Drive end-to-end link budgets and ensure robust performance across all f...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $190K *

Analyze and support systems engineering activities for Government training systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate documentation and verification planning under senior en...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$102K - $123K *

Advance robotic systems engineering by developing simulation software and tools for space exploration. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance flight operations and ensure safe command validation f...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $225K *

Lead the charge in space vehicle systems engineering, driving design, development, and integration efforts. Collaborate with clients and teams to innovate and enhance advanced technology solutions for...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$142K - $213K *

Join a team that's redefining space security by developing advanced spacecraft and mission systems. Leverage your expertise in spacecraft engineering and mission design to tackle complex challenges an...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Help us shape the future of space security by applying your expertise in spacecraft engineering and mission design. Join a dynamic team to develop, integrate, and deliver advanced systems for complex...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $203K *

Explore the intersection of engineering and operations to define and enhance lunar landing systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure technical requirements are met while driving efficiency and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $186K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on defining and certifying innovative lunar landers. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure safety and efficiency in delivering crit...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$201K - $220K *

Advance the holistic mission platform integration, ensuring seamless alignment of hardware, software, and operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and deliver high-perfo...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Advance your career by performing comprehensive systems engineering analyses, ensuring effective integration and validation of total systems solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams t...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$106K - $198K *

Lead the charge in developing mission-critical Command & Control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and create innovative architectures that meet diverse...

Colorado, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Contribute to innovative space acquisition efforts by providing expert Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory services, guiding mission-critical programs through their lifecycle and ensuring compl...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space systems engineering by providing critical advisory services to government programs, ensuring successful acquisition and execution of mission-critical spa...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$133K - $166K *

Empower innovation in spacecraft propulsion with this pivotal role. You'll drive requirements development, verification, and validation while mentoring and collaborating across teams to ensure mission...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join us to provide critical systems engineering support for the Space Launch System, ensuring seamless integration and verification across multiple engineering disciplines while collaborating with div...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$87K - $131K *

Champion systems engineering efforts for space subsystems and payloads, overseeing full lifecycle processes from mission design to operational support, ensuring integration, verification, and validati...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $207K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering excellence, overseeing complex analysis, technical planning, and risk management. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver major project outcomes whil...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Engineer complex systems by leading requirements engineering, integration, and V&V efforts. Drive project deliverables while mentoring teams and ensuring alignment with organizational goals in a dynam...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Engage in advanced systems engineering, leading complex projects and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Utilize expertise in requirements engineering, systems integration, and risk manageme...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$210K - $255K *

Help us shape the future of software integration by leading modernization efforts, collaborating across teams, and ensuring mission continuity through innovative solutions and robust architectures...

Today

  •   8 - 10 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.