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 Electrical Engineer - ATE
$130K - $160K *
Transform the future of power electronics by designing and validating innovative systems. Collaborate across functions to optimize product performance and ensure seamless integration from concept to m...
3 weeks ago
Senior Power Electronics Controls Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing control systems for high-performance power electronics, ensuring optimal performance of propulsion and ground power systems in a collaborative engineering...
Today
Principal Systems Engineer III (Network)
$110K - $130K *
Tackle complex networking challenges as you design and support robust network infrastructures across data center environments. Ensure security, availability, and performance while mentoring teams and...
Reposted yesterday
Software Systems Engineer - High Consequence Systems, Onsite
$87K - $168K *
Engineer high-impact national security systems by developing, testing, and integrating software solutions. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance decision-making systems using modern too...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $178K *
Drive data transformation and analysis to enhance productivity and decision-making in an engineering environment. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize supply chain strategies and improve master d...
6 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing acquisition strategies for cutting-edge national security systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to implement innovative ground-based architectures and support program a...
Yesterday
$160K - $200K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement acquisition strategies for advanced ground-based systems, ensuring compliance with government standards and supporting innovative natio...
5 days ago
Junior Systems Engineer / Analyst
$95K - $105K *
Engineer cutting-edge electronic warfare systems while collaborating with senior engineers. Support testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of advanced RF components. Grow your career in a dynamic...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration by developing innovative ground software solutions. Collaborate with industry leaders and contribute to mission-critical projects that drive...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative ground software solutions for space exploration, collaborating with top industry partners to enhance mission operations and support the future of space technol...
6 days ago
$200K - $255K *
Join a team that's pioneering advanced satellite architectures, leading the design and integration of complex systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for next...
3 weeks ago
SETA Space Systems Test Engineer (TS/SCI)
$140K - $195K *
Contribute to the testing and evaluation of complex space systems, ensuring mission performance through rigorous end-to-end demonstrations and operational testing. Collaborate with diverse teams to va...
1 week ago
Avionics/Electrical Engineer, Defense Systems Integration
$95K - $115K *
Engage in the integration of mission systems on aircraft, ensuring compliance with certification standards while managing deliverables and risks throughout the project lifecycle. Collaborate with team...
2 days ago
Avionics/Electrical Engineer, Defense Systems Integration
$95K - $115K *
Champion the integration of mission systems on aircraft, ensuring compliance with Defense customer requirements. Lead the development of critical deliverables and support testing phases while managing...
1 week ago
Senior Requirements and Test Engineer
$82K - $245K *
Drive the development of robust GN&C systems, leading multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-fidelity models and test planning. Collaborate across functional boundaries for successful program executio...
Reposted 5 days ago
Staff Electrical Hardware Design Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing cutting-edge electrical hardware for spaceflight systems, ensuring robust integration and performance across various interfaces while mentoring junior engin...
3 weeks ago
$145K - $269K *
Elevate your career by leading proposal development and project management efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives and ensure successful submissions, while enha...
Today
$129K - $239K *
Drive project excellence as a Project Engineer, collaborating with diverse teams to manage technical scope, cost, and schedule while ensuring alignment with program objectives and delivering value-foc...
1 week ago
$145K - $269K *
Manage project execution for the Fleet Ballistic Missiles program, collaborating with Navy and Lockheed Martin stakeholders to drive risk management and program success through effective communication...
1 week ago
$129K - $239K *
Lead the execution of engineering projects within the FBM program, collaborating with Navy stakeholders to drive program success, manage risks, and ensure compliance with engineering standards and cus...
1 week ago
$78K - $87K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance automated systems in manufacturing, ensuring optimal performance and innovation. Collaborate with technicians to troubleshoot and implement solutions, driving efficiency...
4 days ago
Satellite Requirements Systems Engineer
$120K - $160K *
Shape the future of satellite systems engineering by leading requirements management, ensuring compliance and interfacing with multidisciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge electro-optical capabilit...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the design and verification of FPGA environments, mentoring teams and enhancing methodologies. Drive innovation in Electronic Warfare systems through effective test strategies and collaborative p...
6 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Transform the future of C4ISR systems by leading FPGA design initiatives, mentoring engineers, and enhancing communication solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge te...
1 week ago
Staff Systems Safety Engineer (Compliance)
$250K - $280K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the safety and regulatory compliance of humanoid robots. Drive product readiness, engage with certification bodies, and ensure adherence to global standards for a market-re...
2 days 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.