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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$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team as a Chief Engineer, leading the design and development of advanced Space Vehicles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success while managing technical risk...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in enhancing complex ISR systems through expert integration, rigorous validation, and strategic risk management. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions that exceed cust...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's leading innovative ISR and aviation solutions! As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll manage critical projects, mentor engineers, and ensure excellence in systems integration and v...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Transform complex spacecraft designs through rigorous systems engineering, focusing on Power and Thermal subsystems. Lead ConOps development, manage requirements, and ensure integration and validation...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $147K *

Lead systems integration efforts for advanced aerospace programs, ensuring seamless coordination across teams. Drive the development and verification of system elements, enhancing engineering practice...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Shape the future of strategic navigation by leading a dedicated team in field engineering, ensuring effective support for the TRIDENT program while managing site performance and customer relations in...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing F-35 sustainment through strategic analysis and project recommendations, enhancing operational support and affordability while collaborating across various p...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving complex system design efforts through model-based systems engineering. Collaborate across teams to enhance IT systems and foster a culture of innovation and integration in...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts, ensuring seamless integration and validation of complex systems while managing technical, schedule, and cost constraints across all project pha...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Transform advanced aircraft development by integrating COTS components into system architecture. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, utilizing CATIA and Cameo for hardware design and build-up on the...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Unlock potential by joining our team to establish and maintain configuration management processes, ensuring product consistency throughout the lifecycle while collaborating with cross-functional teams...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Lead the charge in technical planning and system integration, ensuring effective solutions that meet customer requirements while balancing cost and schedule constraints across all system lifecycle pha...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Join a dynamic team to support all phases of the program lifecycle, ensuring systems integration and technical documentation for advanced engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional groups...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $163K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing ground systems engineering for aerospace missions. Support design, integration, and testing of critical infrastructure, ensuring reliable communication betwee...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $163K *

Drive technical planning and system integration for comprehensive solutions, ensuring effective analysis across all system levels. Collaborate with teams to translate customer requirements into action...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $210K *

Advance mission operations by developing and integrating simulation tools for the U.S. Space Force. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance decision-making through innovative modeling and analysis of...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Empower the Systems Engineering team in driving excellence across launch vehicle systems, engaging in multi-disciplinary collaboration and application of core engineering principles, fostering innovat...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$97K - $117K *

Drive your career with structural design and analysis for advanced aerospace systems, collaborating on innovative projects that ensure the integrity of flight hardware. Engage in testing and contribut...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform spacecraft systems engineering by leading cross-functional teams to develop, validate, and optimize spacecraft designs, ensuring mission success from concept through flight while fostering c...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $163K *

Drive mission success by serving as a key systems engineering liaison, enhancing airborne ISR systems and infrastructure through real-time support, troubleshooting, and configuration management in a d...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $171K *

Lead the charge in integrating data science with product support engineering to enhance system readiness and drive efficiencies. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate insights into actionable re...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Unlock potential by leading complex MBSE and DE projects, enhancing systems engineering practices across diverse space and defense programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Empower your career by leading complex MBSE and DE projects, enhancing systems engineering practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure mission success in space an...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's redefining enterprise systems engineering by providing expert guidance on architecture, integration, and innovation. Lead technical solutions and collaborate with stakeholders to en...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Empower the U.S. Space Force by providing expert support in system development, integration, and operational analysis, ensuring effective capabilities for space operations and enhancing mission succes...

4 days ago

  •   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.