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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$133K - $161K *

Unlock potential by leading end-to-end power electronics development for aerospace applications. Engage in hands-on design, testing, and collaboration, making impactful contributions in a dynamic star...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$152K - $265K *

Join us to tackle complex challenges in radar systems engineering, leading algorithm development and integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission capabilities and ensure ope...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation in ground system architectures, ensuring alignment across major acquisitions. Collaborate with government teams to deliver technical solutions and strategic insights that enhance miss...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Shape advanced ground system architectures to enhance mission capabilities. Collaborate with government teams to ensure alignment across acquisitions and engineering activities, delivering technical i...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $120K *

Unlock potential by advancing cutting-edge RF and SATCOM technologies. Collaborate with esteemed clients to develop solutions for high-stakes national security missions, managing complex engineering p...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Engage in advanced R&D to enhance technologies for critical space missions. Provide expert technical insight on satellite systems, space operations, and environmental effects, ensuring resilience and...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$114K - $252K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative RF solutions through expert systems engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and clients, ensuring full compliance with mission needs while shaping...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$133K - $161K *

Shape the future of space systems by leading radiation hardness assurance efforts. Collaborate with engineers to analyze environments, conduct tests, and ensure product reliability for LEO and beyond...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$133K - $161K *

Champion the future of space systems by leading radiation hardness assurance efforts. Drive innovative testing and analysis for LEO and beyond, ensuring product reliability while mentoring a growing t...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$167K - $220K *

Collaborate with a dynamic team to design and implement advanced flight software for spacecraft systems, ensuring mission success through innovative solutions and robust software architecture across e...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$167K - $220K *

Drive the development of advanced flight and ground software systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success in challenging environments. Contribute to innovative solution...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform complex engineering projects by leading the design and development of life support systems for a pioneering commercial space station. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compli...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Drive comprehensive systems engineering tasks, including requirement verification, lifecycle management, and test planning in a collaborative environment, ensuring high standards for system performanc...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Manage engineering activities for complex information systems, guiding teams in requirements and solutions engineering. Oversee system integration and ensure timely delivery of geospatial intelligence...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Transform the future of weather systems by leading engineering initiatives, driving modernization efforts, and ensuring operational efficiency for critical radar infrastructure, while collaborating wi...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic application team to enhance software solutions, manage risks, and drive continuous improvement in a collaborative Agile environment, ensuring high-quality deliver...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $174K *

Join a team that's pivotal in ensuring operational readiness of critical simulation environments. Drive modernization initiatives, manage lab configurations, and collaborate with experts to enhance te...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $196K *

Innovate with a dynamic team to design and verify embedded flight systems, advancing aerospace technologies while leading agile software development and ensuring mission success through rigorous engin...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Join a team that's advancing navigation technology through model-based engineering and agile practices. Collaborate with experts to enhance mission success and drive innovation in national defense sys...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of software systems for autonomous aviation, managing architecture, integration, and performance across airborne, ground, and cloud environments to enhance operation and reliabili...

Mountain View, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform autonomous aviation with your software expertise, developing, deploying, and maintaining high-performance systems across aircraft, control centers, and cloud environments. Join us in shaping...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing and maintaining complex software applications in a federal environment, ensuring operational excellence and innovative solutions across various systems and n...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $147K *

Drive your career with a critical role in shaping E3 strategies across aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and robust design, leading initiatives from conce...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $182K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of advanced GN&C sensor systems for deep-space missions. Collaborate on innovative technology solutions and ensure successful integration and fli...

3 weeks 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.