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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$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in technical leadership and mission orchestration, guiding multidisciplinary teams through the lifecycle of space systems. Drive strategic communication and mentorship while ensuring o...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining space systems engineering by leading innovative technical solutions. As a Chief Engineer, you'll ensure system viability and customer satisfaction while driving architect...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team of Cloud Engineers supporting critical infrastructure for the Intelligence Community. Contribute to network and enterprise computing solutions, enhancing national security through...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in managing a specialized engineering team focused on RF & Digital Signal Processing. Drive R&D initiatives while mentoring talent and ensuring alignment with business goals to exceed...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team to design and enhance global video engineering networks. Leverage your expertise in network architecture and systems support to drive innovation and ensure optimal performance for...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $155K *

Champion the development of advanced radar algorithms, translating system requirements into actionable designs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission capabilities and ensure opera...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$83K - $125K *

Join a team that's integral to missile defense operations, supporting high-level decision-makers. As a System Integration Engineer, you'll integrate and troubleshoot critical systems, ensuring seamles...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $161K *

Champion the design and execution of advanced test systems for electronics, leveraging your hardware and software expertise. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance testing efficiency for...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$166K - $309K *

Lead the integration and delivery of ground systems, managing software development and operations across deep space and commercial programs. Oversee technical teams, ensuring adherence to engineering...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $275K *

Lead software development initiatives, managing teams to design, develop, and test innovative solutions. Ensure adherence to standards and processes while fostering a collaborative Agile environment f...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $275K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software engineering management. Lead a dynamic team, oversee technical execution, and drive continuous improvement while managing personnel and financial perf...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration by providing critical engineering support for advanced space vehicle systems, ensuring their reliability and safety through comprehensive int...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in ensuring the successful integration and testing of advanced space vehicles, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions and mitigate risks for critica...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $181K *

Lead the design and development of secure communication solutions for military applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver system solutions, ensuring safety and efficacy in comple...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in Model-Based Systems Engineering to drive advanced aerospace and defense projects. Lead architecture development, enhance collaboration, and tackle complex challenges in...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Unlock the potential of advanced aerospace solutions by leading Model-Based Systems Engineering efforts. Drive innovation in system architecture and collaborate across teams to deliver next-generation...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Join a dynamic team to drive innovation in digital systems engineering, leading the integration and optimization of complex space and defense systems. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver advance...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Discover innovative solutions by providing remote and on-site client support. Tackle technical challenges, optimize platforms, and enhance customer satisfaction through expert troubleshooting in a dyn...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $171K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable data ecosystems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative AI solutions and ensuring data governance and qualit...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading RF design and software integration projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with aviation standards while managing risks and driving innova...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in automation excellence, guiding technical teams to develop robust programming standards and procedures while leveraging your semiconductor expertise and proficiency in Aveva and Siem...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $210K *

Transform your career by owning electrical verification and support for integrated antenna assemblies. Engage in hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and data acquisition while collaborating with cross...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$169K - $216K *

Lead the charge in developing reliable embedded software for spacecraft, ensuring operational excellence from design to testing. Collaborate on innovative solutions to complex challenges in safety-cri...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $188K *

Champion innovative software solutions for ground systems in a collaborative Agile team. Drive technical leadership and hands-on development to enhance command and control capabilities for launch vehi...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $188K *

Accelerate your career as a Ground Systems Software Engineer, driving innovative software solutions for launch vehicle avionics. Collaborate in an Agile environment, tackle complex challenges, and lea...

Reposted 2 days 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.