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.
$91K - $169K *
Elevate software solutions by leading development activities, designing and debugging applications, and ensuring adherence to standards throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with teams to tackle compl...
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Transform software development by designing, coding, and testing innovative solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure high standards and effective processes throughout the development lifecycle, add...
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$81K - $150K *
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Join our team to design, build, and maintain data processing solutions using Python and Rust. Collaborate with engineers to enhance infrastructure and automate workflows, contributing to AI/ML analysi...
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Join a team that's shaping the future of software development by designing, testing, and debugging innovative solutions. Collaborate across technical and non-technical teams to deliver high-quality so...
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Drive software development initiatives by designing, testing, and debugging solutions that address complex business challenges. Collaborate across teams to ensure adherence to standards and optimize s...
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Optimize software development processes by designing, testing, and debugging solutions that address complex business challenges. Collaborate with teams to ensure adherence to standards and enhance sys...
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Engineer innovative software solutions by collaborating in a dynamic team. Leverage your expertise in front-end development and database management to enhance user experiences and streamline operation...
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Design and develop high-performance C++ applications for modern cockpit interfaces. Collaborate in a dynamic team to create innovative software solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency throughout th...
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Drive innovation by developing scalable software solutions for mission-critical systems, enhancing decision-making for government and commercial clients through robust applications in defense, intelli...
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Lead complex engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring compliance with NASA standards. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive innovation and deliver high-quality results in a fast...
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Lead the charge in spacecraft EMC systems engineering, ensuring electrical integrity across satellite programs. Drive architecture decisions, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and oversee compl...
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1 week ago
Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I
$115K - $158K *
Engineer cutting-edge propulsion testing solutions, ensuring excellence in rocket engine performance. Lead test operations, mentor teams, and drive innovation in a collaborative environment to support...
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$100K - $138K *
Drive the technical development of spacecraft missions, managing requirements, budgets, and test planning. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful execution of cutting-edge aerospace projects for...
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Senior Power Electronics Engineer
$140K - $168K *
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Senior Power Electronics Engineer
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$100K - $120K *
Innovate mission operations by designing, analyzing, and testing satellite systems. Support the full mission lifecycle, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency while collaborating across teams t...
1 week 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.