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 Staff Mechanical Engineer
$158K - $189K *
Transform spacecraft development by leading a team of engineers in mechanical design, ensuring robust solutions from concept to orbit. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative satellite ha...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Systems Engineer, Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE)
$95K - $181K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative solutions as a Senior Systems Engineer. Lead the development and maintenance of system requirements, ensuring successful verification and validation while collabo...
1 week ago
Senior Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer
$169K - $216K *
Unlock potential by leading the full lifecycle of GNC development, from design to flight testing. Collaborate on advanced simulations and system analyses to drive architectural decisions and ensure mi...
Today
Space Principal/Sr. Principal Mission Validation Lead Systems Engineer
$108K - $163K *
Engineer innovative solutions as a Principal/Sr. Principal Mission Validation Lead Systems Engineer, coordinating on-orbit validation and collaborating across teams to ensure mission success while eng...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of engineering projects, leading system design, implementation, and problem resolution initiatives. Bring your expertise to mentoring engineers while ensuring cust...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer – Space Technologies
$74K - $113K *
Engineer advanced space systems by developing requirements, managing interfaces, and ensuring integration across disciplines. Collaborate with teams to validate designs and enhance technical documenta...
1 week ago
System Engineer - Infrastructure Sustainment
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, tackling complex technical challenges while optimizing mission-critical infrastructure across multiple locations. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance se...
1 week ago
$200K - $240K *
Architect cohesive system architectures and lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration of complex aerospace systems, balancing engineering rigor with rapid execution across multiple...
6 days ago
Sr Principal Systems Engineer Architect
$122K - $184K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing system architectures and requirements for complex aerospace systems, utilizing model-based systems engineering to ensure mission effectiveness and design int...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the development and evaluation of safety-critical flight software, integrating GN&C algorithms while utilizing MATLAB, Python, and C/C++. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance flight softwar...
3 weeks ago
Guidance/Navigation/Control Engineering Sr - E3
$122K - $227K *
Unlock your potential by developing and integrating high-fidelity missile simulations. Collaborate with a skilled engineering team to enhance performance and optimize real-time execution across comple...
1 week ago
Guidance/Navigation/Control Engineering Sr - E3
$122K - $227K *
Develop and optimize high-fidelity missile simulation frameworks, integrating legacy models and ensuring accurate threat modeling. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance performance and validat...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative aerospace projects, driving growth, and fostering client relationships. Collaborate with technical teams to deliver successful outcomes while managing budgets...
3 weeks ago
Senior Air Vehicle Systems Engineer
$112K - $179K *
Lead the future of Naval Aviation by providing expert systems engineering support. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage air vehicle projects, ensuring airworthiness and technical excellence in a d...
1 week ago
Senior Software Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Innovate with us to develop and maintain complex software systems, applying Model-Based Systems Engineering methods. Collaborate across teams to ensure system integration and performance, while managi...
2 weeks ago
$107K - $195K *
Shape the future of biomedical research by leading systems engineering and cloud integration efforts that empower secure, scalable research environments while collaborating with stakeholders to drive...
4 weeks ago
$107K - $195K *
Transform your career with a leadership role driving systems engineering excellence, integrating enterprise applications, and ensuring secure, scalable solutions for biomedical research environments i...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $251K *
Engineer innovative software solutions by leading development activities, applying advanced programming techniques, and ensuring adherence to standards throughout the software lifecycle to address com...
Yesterday
$120K - $224K *
Optimize software development processes by designing, coding, and testing solutions for mission-critical applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality software delivery...
Today
$120K - $224K *
Partner with us to drive agile transformation as a Release Train Engineer, overseeing multiple Agile Release Trains. Facilitate collaboration, resolve conflicts, and ensure timely delivery while coach...
Yesterday
$135K - $251K *
Drive innovative software solutions as part of an Agile team, collaborating on cutting-edge command and control applications to protect US space assets. Engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute...
2 days ago
$135K - $251K *
Shape the future of satellite technology by leading software initiatives, mentoring engineers, and driving secure architecture for next-gen IR monitoring systems in a dynamic environment. Your experti...
2 days ago
$120K - $224K *
Innovate within a dynamic team to develop and enhance software for advanced defense systems. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful implementation and adherence to project schedules while...
6 days ago
$148K - $164K *
Shape the future of naval defense systems by providing expert engineering solutions for precision weapons programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance operational capabilities and ens...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $251K *
Advance innovative software solutions by designing microservice architectures, enhancing cloud computing capabilities, and collaborating with teams to deliver mission-critical applications for diverse...
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.