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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of rocket propulsion with a hands-on role overseeing design and execution of platforms for real-time analyzing of hot-fire test data, driving software architecture...

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $180K *

Elevate your career by architecting scalable platforms that capture and analyze rocket engine data in real-time. Lead cross-functional teams to modernize systems, ensuring insight-driven propulsion de...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$156K - $219K *

Join a team that's redefining power systems for space exploration. As a Senior Power Systems Engineer, you'll design and analyze innovative solutions for launch vehicles and lunar assets, driving adva...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Contribute to the development of critical electrical systems for submarines, interfacing with internal and external teams. Manage system specifications, review design products, and drive project succe...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by integrating advanced EO/IR systems in a dynamic environment. Collaborate on hardware and software interfaces, ensuring seamless functionality and performance in tactical applicatio...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$88K - $105K *

Transform systems engineering by integrating EO/IR technology into missile launch systems. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, ensuring hardware and software interfaces function seamlessly for optim...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$179K - $268K *

Manage and inspire the engineering team to excel in avionics projects, ensuring resource alignment and operational efficiency, while fostering cross-functional collaboration and adhering to industry s...

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Empower the future of aerospace engineering by providing vital systems support for Navy projects. Engage in requirements analysis, design, and integration while collaborating across disciplines to ens...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by delivering propulsion systems engineering support across defense programs, from proposal to certification. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and ensu...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $100K *

Empower your career by joining an Agile team focused on developing mission-critical software solutions. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, engaging in sprints and enhancing your skills in real-time...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$118K - $219K *

Shape the future of engineering projects by leading program development, managing budgets, and collaborating with teams to enhance processes and customer relationships in a dynamic environment...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Elevate engineering project outcomes by coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with design standards, and driving improvements in depot operations globally. Foster collaboration an...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Empower strategic planning for the Fleet Ballistic Missiles program by analyzing fleet requirements, developing production schedules, and collaborating with Navy stakeholders to ensure program success...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Engage in project management to drive production operations, ensuring quality, cost, and schedule performance for the Under Layer Radar program. Lead cross-functional teams and implement process impro...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Manage engineering projects by coordinating planning, execution, and integration across teams. Drive technical solutions, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with standards while enhancing team effi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $155K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team to design and implement software solutions for advanced radar systems, enhancing Space Domain Awareness through innovative engineering and collaborative p...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive modernization efforts by managing enterprise systems and infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to ensure high availability, performance, and security while delivering innovative solutions and t...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing engineering processes through data analysis, project management, and Lean methodologies. Lead initiatives that drive safety, quality, and cost improvements wh...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Deliver innovative systems engineering solutions by leveraging MBSE methodologies and hardware/software interface expertise. Collaborate across disciplines to support complex system architecture, inte...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Develop propulsion systems by leading tank architecture from ideation to qualification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize designs and ensure performance, while mentoring early-career...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join our team to enhance missile defense systems through advanced engineering, integrating cutting-edge technologies and collaborating on multi-national projects to ensure effective command and contro...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Engineer innovative ground software solutions for critical space missions. Leverage your technical expertise as a leader, guiding cross-disciplinary teams in advanced software architecture and develop...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$158K - $189K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in spacecraft assembly, integration, and test. You'll provide expertise and peer leadership, ensuring robust electrical systems support cutting-edge aerospace projects whi...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of autonomous operations by leading mission planning efforts, developing system requirements, and optimizing algorithms for satellite imaging. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.