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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$75K - $131K *

Empower innovation at a dynamic engineering team, driving technical solutions through collaboration in system engineering, while managing complex requirements and leading diverse design processes for...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $147K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, driving the design and integration of cutting-edge space systems. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver mission-capable spacecr...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$182K - $338K *

Join a team that's redefining advanced technology solutions for international clients. Lead modernization efforts, drive technical excellence, and collaborate across diverse teams to deliver mission-c...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$208K *

Champion the development, integration, and testing of mission-critical flight software across various applications, ensuring robust reliability from prototype to flight-ready stages. Bring your expert...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $95K *

Transform satellite mission operations by leveraging your engineering expertise to ensure successful on-orbit program execution, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to meet mission objec...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $169K *

Drive the development and operations of a cutting-edge heavy-lift launch vehicle. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance and successful delivery of customer requirements while managin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$121K - $169K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing complex launch vehicle projects, ensuring compliance with customer specifications while collaborating with engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$121K - $169K *

Unlock potential by leading complex projects in a dynamic environment, ensuring successful integration of customer requirements while collaborating with engineering teams to deliver innovative launch...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $155K *

Lead the execution of complex projects for a cutting-edge launch vehicle, ensuring compliance with customer specifications while collaborating with engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions an...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$280K - $310K *

Unlock potential by leading the safety architecture for humanoid robots, ensuring compliance and risk management from concept to deployment. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, dri...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $215K *

Lead mission integration efforts by collaborating across teams to ensure successful program execution, from requirements verification to operational deployment, while managing customer relationships a...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions while ensuring high performance and quality standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze and enhance system functionalities...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $136K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovating mechanical systems and hardware. In this role, you'll tackle engineering challenges, collaborate cross-functionally, and enhance product development througho...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to support GEOINT mission capabilities, collaborating with government and development partners. Drive systems engineering efforts, oversee integration, and ensure operational readi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Empower the future of GEOINT systems by leading architecture analysis, integration, and engineering efforts. Drive enterprise transformation initiatives while collaborating across organizations to enh...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $224K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on developing cutting-edge radar systems. Collaborate with experts in systems engineering to drive innovation and enhance missile defense capabili...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$109K - $126K *

Unlock potential by leading Edifecs application support, ensuring operational stability and strategic alignment while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive modernization and performance o...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Deliver operational excellence by managing Edifecs platform support, ensuring compliance and scalability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive architecture decisions and optimize EDI proce...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Lead the charge in managing Edifecs application support, ensuring operational stability and strategic alignment while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive modernization and performance e...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Transform your career by leading Edifecs application support, ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and drive m...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Join a team that's redefining systems engineering by leading Edifecs application support, ensuring operational excellence, and driving strategic initiatives in a collaborative environment focused on c...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Elevate your career by leading the Edifecs platform management, ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive modernization and cloud...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Lead the Edifecs Platform Management team, ensuring operational stability and strategic alignment while driving cloud scalability and performance optimization in a collaborative environment...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Lead the charge in optimizing EDI operations by managing the Edifecs platform, ensuring compliance and scalability while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and dri...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $126K *

Lead the Edifecs application support team, ensuring operational stability and strategic alignment while managing technical oversight, cloud scalability, and collaboration with cross-functional teams t...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.