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.
$131K - $243K *
Shape the future of aerospace by leading the development of advanced avionics systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and reliability, while delivering innovative solutio...
2 weeks ago
$131K - $243K *
Engineer cutting-edge avionics solutions by leading development lifecycles, conducting critical analyses, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and performance excellence...
2 weeks ago
System Engineer Level 3/4 - Mission Operations Engineer
$114K - $171K *
Join a team that's redefining mission operations by developing innovative concepts and procedures. Collaborate with experts to enhance tools and processes, ensuring successful execution of complex spa...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Missile Systems Integration/Electrical Test Engineer
$70K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring mission success through comprehensive integration testing. You'll lead efforts in planning, executing, and documenting tests for complex systems, collaborating...
Today
Propulsion Engineer I - Hardware and Bus Systems
$109K - $139K *
Transform propulsion systems by owning hardware and subsystem design, analysis, and testing for spacecraft. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance vehicle performance and reliability, contributing t...
1 week ago
Space RADAR Payload I&T Technical Advisor - Sr. Staff Engineer Systems
$184K - $276K *
Champion the integration and testing of advanced RADAR payloads, leading teams to solve complex technical challenges while ensuring quality and efficiency in production processes. Collaborate across d...
Today
Space RADAR Payload I&T Technical Advisor - Sr. Staff Engineer Systems
$184K - $276K *
Drive innovation in space technology by leading the integration and testing of advanced RADAR payloads. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges and enhance mission capabil...
Today
Principal Electronics Systems Engineer
$190K - $210K *
Lead hardware architecture and development for mission-critical electronics systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure design integrity, resolve technical issues, and mentor engineers while managing...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the development of innovative engineering solutions while leading coordination among cross-functional teams. Engage with various stakeholders to ensure project success in hull, mechanical, an...
Reposted 2 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Join a dynamic team to design, implement, and maintain enterprise infrastructure solutions across mission-critical environments, ensuring operational excellence and collaboration with cybersecurity te...
1 week ago
$130K - $135K *
Join a team that's leading systems engineering efforts for critical space operations, managing risks, integrating projects, and ensuring compliance with objectives while collaborating with diverse sta...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead critical systems engineering initiatives to enhance national security. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and maintain advanced IT solutions for the Department of Defense, ensu...
3 weeks ago
$104K - $155K *
Manage the design and evaluation of phased-array RF architectures for satellite ground stations, ensuring optimal performance through collaboration with cross-functional teams and rigorous analysis of...
4 weeks ago
Staff Build Reliability Engineer, Clean Line
$143K - $215K *
Transform your career by leading precision cleaning and contamination control initiatives. Drive technical strategy and standards to ensure hardware quality and reliability throughout the manufacturin...
1 week ago
Aeronautical Engineer Mgr - L5
$129K - $239K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a skilled team in the development and support of critical Crew Systems, ensuring technical execution and lifecycle management across multiple business lines...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer, Hardware Reliability (Build Reliability)
$115K - $170K *
Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing hardware reliability through collaboration across design, manufacturing, and testing. Utilize data-driven insights to improve product quality and ensure missio...
1 week ago
$83K - $99K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing manufacturing processes for high-reliability satellites. Collaborate across engineering and supply chains, driving efficiency and innovation in aerospace sol...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$93K - $134K *
Lead the design and development of mechanical systems for DoD programs, ensuring feasibility and compliance with specifications. Collaborate on technical documentation and support system integration t...
3 weeks ago
9E System Responsible Engineer
$145K - $203K *
Architect the integration of advanced aerospace systems, ensuring seamless collaboration across engineering teams. Lead design assessments and support operations for a next-gen reusable launch vehicle...
1 week ago
9E System Responsible Engineer
$145K - $203K *
Pioneer the development and operations of advanced aerospace systems, leading integration efforts for reusable launch vehicles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless design and te...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Requirements Management
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of nuclear safety by overseeing reactor systems, ensuring compliance with standards, and driving design improvements to support advanced micro-reactor demonstrato...
Reposted 1 week ago
$117K - $226K *
Join a dynamic team as a Space Systems Engineer, driving innovative solutions for complex space programs. Engage with stakeholders, lead multi-disciplinary efforts, and contribute to mission-critical...
3 days ago
$86K - $150K *
Pioneer innovative space vehicle systems engineering solutions to address complex challenges for government and commercial sectors, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure design accuracy...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Advance your career by partnering with us to develop and verify safety-critical systems for our commercial Seaglider program. Lead requirements management and support certification compliance while co...
1 month ago
$120K - $127K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing Tier II technical support for global ISR systems. Collaborate in a fast-paced environment, ensuring operational excellence and customer satisfaction while mai...
Today
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.