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.
Senior Engineer, Mission Planning
$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
Senior Engineer, Mission Planning
$120K - $145K *
Drive the development of mission planning algorithms for autonomous satellite operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, prototype code, and optimize imaging strategie...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Mission Planning
$120K - $145K *
Innovate in mission planning by developing autonomous operations for satellite constellations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, prototype code, and optimize algorithms...
2 weeks ago
Space Hardware Project Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative space hardware solutions while collaborating with project teams to design, test, and validate systems. Contribute to the development of procedures and troubleshooting efforts in a...
1 week ago
Senior Process Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead new product and process development, ensuring timely delivery and qualification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance yield and manage production readiness while driving effective s...
Today
$150K - $181K *
Drive innovation in aerospace by leading the design and analysis of launch vehicle structures. Collaborate with global teams to ensure performance and reliability while mentoring engineers in a dynami...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Engineer innovative software solutions for Predictive Maintenance & Logistics projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and test software that enhances data manipulation, storage...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and deliver advanced software systems. Drive integration and testing efforts while managing requ...
3 weeks ago
SATCOM System Integration and Test Systems Engineering SME - Principle
$178K - $331K *
Join us to lead SATCOM systems integration and testing efforts across the program lifecycle. Utilize your expertise to foster customer relationships, drive technical solutions, and ensure successful i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer I - Mission Architecture
$124K - $171K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative satellite systems, managing technical budgets, and ensuring customer requirements are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive mission architectur...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineering Asc Manager - L4
$118K - $219K *
Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team to drive GPS IIIF Software and Data Integration efforts, ensuring timely product releases and effective management of resources while maintaining high standar...
Today
Principal Electrical Systems Engineer - Electro-Optical Systems
$150K - $225K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced electro-optical systems for aerospace applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation from concept through deployment, ensuring high r...
1 week ago
Guidance/Navigation/Control Engineering Asc - E1
$75K - $140K *
Drive the design and implementation of advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control systems in aerospace applications, ensuring precision during all flight phases and enhancing vehicle pe...
1 week ago
Guidance/Navigation/Control Engineering Asc - E1
$67K - $124K *
Develop and implement advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control of aerospace vehicles, ensuring optimal performance during all flight phases. Collaborate on complex simulations and enh...
2 weeks ago
$220K - $260K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical strategies for AI solutions, engaging with customers and internal teams to drive innovative software architectures and cloud solutions across the Intelligence Comm...
1 week ago
Mission Operations & Integration Systems Engineer -GPS IIIF
$185K - $225K *
Lead the charge in space systems engineering and integration, overseeing mission readiness and cross-functional collaboration. Drive innovative solutions and manage risks to ensure successful program...
6 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical strategies for AI solutions, engaging with customers and internal teams to drive innovation in shared software platforms and cloud architectures within the intelli...
1 week ago
Technical Project Manager - Space Power Systems
$110K - $130K *
Champion cross-discipline collaboration to manage suppliers for innovative Space Energy Solutions programs, ensuring project success through effective communication, mentorship, and strategic planning...
Yesterday
Senior Systems Engineer Wright-Patterson AFB
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of DoD innovation, applying advanced systems engineering to enhance weapon systems. Collaborate with experts to develop anti-tamper solutions that protect U.S. warf...
3 days ago
Senior Systems Engineer Wright-Patterson AFB
$108K - $130K *
Champion advanced anti-tamper engineering initiatives, ensuring the protection of U.S. weapon systems through innovative design and rigorous testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
3 days ago
Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer I
$82K - $113K *
Join a dynamic propulsion engineering team to lead the development of innovative space systems. Drive projects from concept to execution, ensuring excellence in design, testing, and stakeholder commun...
Today
Propulsion Production Engineer
$82K - $136K *
Lead the charge in supporting assembly and testing of propulsion systems, ensuring high-quality hardware performance across satellite programs while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achiev...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Deliver innovative solutions as a Ground Systems Engineer, collaborating in a dynamic Agile environment to support satellite ground systems for diverse customers, ensuring effective design, integratio...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, delivering engineering services for complex network and enterprise computing infrastructures, while ensuring top-tier support and compliance for...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by leading the transformation of engineering processes through model-based design. Drive modernization initiatives, enhance compliance, and collaborate across teams to create a f...
Yesterday
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.