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.
Autonomy Software Engineer - SD
$110K - $130K *
Empower innovation by developing cutting-edge embedded software for spacecraft autonomy. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create scalable solutions, enhance mission workflows, and drive technology a...
2 weeks ago
Flight Systems Safety Engineer (BT-26198)
$95K - $115K *
Develop and evaluate safety engineering processes for space systems, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. Collaborate with contractors and manage documentation to uphold safety standards in high-s...
1 week ago
Specialist Engineer, Flight Test
$176K - $269K *
Unlock potential by leading ground and flight test activities, ensuring safety and compliance while coordinating with engineering teams. Drive mission success through effective planning, execution, an...
3 days ago
Manager Cyber Systems Engineering 2
$161K - $241K *
Drive technical leadership and innovation in Systems Engineering, overseeing a diverse team to deliver cutting-edge solutions for Space Systems programs while fostering collaboration and employee deve...
1 week ago
$124K - $149K *
Join a dynamic team to support the design and testing of communications systems, focusing on satellite spectrum coordination and regulatory compliance. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance system...
5 days ago
Staff Industrial Engineer (Spacecraft Production Scaling)
$175K - $205K *
Transform spacecraft production by developing scalable strategies and optimizing operations. Collaborate across teams to enhance throughput and remove constraints, ensuring readiness for rapid growth...
1 week ago
Space RADAR Payload I&T Technical Advisor - Staff Engineer Systems
$169K - $253K *
Shape the future of space technology as a technical leader in RADAR payload I&T. Drive integration and testing efforts, mentor teams, and solve complex challenges to enhance mission capabilities in cu...
Today
Space RADAR Payload I&T Technical Advisor - Staff Engineer Systems
$169K - $253K *
Drive innovation in space technology by leading the assembly, integration, and testing of advanced RADAR payloads. Collaborate across teams to solve complex challenges and enhance mission capabilities...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Lead systems engineering activities for complex programs. Oversee requirements development, architecture, and cross-functional coordination to ensure system solutions meet operational and technical go...
1 month ago
Principal Systems Security Engineer
$103K - $155K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing security solutions for military systems. Contribute to the development of cutting-edge sensor technologies and ensure compliance with government standards whi...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by leveraging your MBSE expertise to support critical defense projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions that address complex challenges for...
2 weeks ago
Staff Systems Architect (Environmental Control Systems)
$177K - $265K *
Drive the development and design of Environmental Control Systems, leading analyses and ensuring compliance with airworthiness criteria as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team focused on inno...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Systems Architect (Environmental Control Systems)
$177K - $265K *
Champion the design and development of Environmental Control Systems, leading a multidisciplinary team in complex analysis and integration of thermal technologies for advanced air vehicle subsystems...
4 weeks ago
System Safety Engineer / Principal System Safety Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Lead the charge in creating safe and reliable engineering solutions by applying safety methodologies and principles to complex systems, ensuring compliance and driving excellence in system safety acro...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$76K - $155K *
Contribute to advanced EMI/EMC solutions for human spaceflight programs, ensuring spacecraft compliance through deep technical expertise in electromagnetic analysis, as well as ESD strategies and risk...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr Principal Engineer Systems-19779
$122K - $184K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team in systems engineering integration for advanced missile systems, ensuring comprehensive design and development support for critical defense infrastructure...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $140K *
Innovate cutting-edge thermal solutions for aerospace systems while leading cross-functional teams. Engage in complex thermal analyses and develop strategies for spacecraft and robotics in diverse env...
1 month ago
Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer II
$132K - $198K *
Join a dynamic propulsion engineering team to lead the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems. Drive innovation through design, testing, and project management while mentoring others an...
Today
Principal Systems Engineer - Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems
$108K - $163K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of Electronic Warfare systems for airborne platforms. This role involves system design, integration, and testing, collaborating with cross-functional teams to del...
2 days ago
RF Subsystems Engineer (TWTA / Spacecraft Hardware)
$82K - $136K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of satellite technology by driving the design and development of critical RF subsystems. Collaborate with engineers to ensure optimal performance and support spac...
3 weeks ago
Ground System Engineer Asc - Early Career
$65K - $121K *
Transform your career by providing technical expertise in Ground Systems Engineering, focusing on UAS Ground Control Stations. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance mission operations, troublesho...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential by developing and testing safety-critical flight software. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance GN&C algorithms and ensure high-quality performance in aerospace application...
6 days ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
$165K - $199K *
Champion innovative mechanical engineering solutions to enhance product performance and reliability. Collaborate cross-functionally to tackle complex challenges and drive continuous improvement throug...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
$165K - $199K *
Shape the future of mechanical engineering by leading complex analyses and developing innovative solutions for advanced systems and products. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance performance, rel...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
$158K - $189K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge mechanical systems for aerospace applications, overseeing projects from concept to field support while ensuring compliance with industry standard...
3 weeks ago
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.