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 System Concepts Engineer
$82K - $220K *
Unlock your potential as a Systems Concepts Engineer, driving mission engineering and system design. Collaborate with teams to analyze complex systems, define architectures, and present findings to le...
3 weeks ago
Mission Integration Engineer (Commercial & Civil)
$100K - $205K *
Join a team that's integral to the technical integration of commercial and civil space missions, collaborating with diverse engineering disciplines to ensure successful payload delivery and mission re...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join our team to drive systems engineering excellence in Army Aviation programs. Leverage your expertise in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to ensure requirements traceability, conduct analyses...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Integration and Test Engineer
$138K - $185K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of advanced RF systems integration and testing. Collaborate with experts to ensure seamless hardware and software functionality, while contributing to innovative s...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Engineer innovative mechanical systems and products, applying research and design principles. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment to develop solutions for energy production and measurement, ensu...
Today
$79K - $147K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative mechanical systems, applying engineering principles to create cutting-edge products. Collaborate on projects that enhance energy production and eff...
Yesterday
Space RADAR Data Processing - Staff Engineer Systems
$163K - $244K *
Unlock potential by developing and implementing advanced RADAR data processing algorithms in MATLAB for Space applications, enhancing capabilities for production and on-orbit programs in a classified...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Combat Systems Engineer
$86K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading complex combat systems engineering projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance throughout t...
2 days ago
Sr. Materials Data Systems Engineer
$108K - $130K *
Optimize the MAPTIS system to enhance materials data access for engineering teams. Collaborate on technical requirements, monitor system performance, and support digital transformation initiatives to...
Today
Sr. Materials Data Systems Engineer
$108K - $130K *
Transform the engineering landscape by ensuring optimal performance and integration of the MAPTIS system, while collaborating with teams to enhance data discoverability and support digital transformat...
1 week ago
Deep Space Ground Navigation Engineer III
$130K - $182K *
Drive navigation for deep-space missions by owning lifecycle processes, performing orbit determination, and developing operational software. Collaborate with teams to enhance navigation capabilities f...
2 weeks ago
Deep Space Ground Navigation Engineer III
$119K - $167K *
Optimize deep-space navigation by owning mission lifecycle processes, from orbit determination to live operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop software and automate workflows, e...
2 weeks ago
Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer - 3
$108K - $162K *
Join a team that's leading the integration and testing of advanced electro-optical subsystems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Collaborate across disciplines to drive innovation and ment...
4 days ago
Senior Propulsion Structural Analyst, Integrated Design
$132K - $198K *
Lead the analysis and design of high-performance engine components, ensuring reliability and performance through thermal, structural, and dynamic evaluations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...
3 weeks ago
$81K - $150K *
Lead the development and maintenance of software for ISR and UAS systems, ensuring reliability and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create deployable system images and enhance plat...
Today
$81K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading software development for C4ISR systems. Engage in all phases from requirements generation to integration and testing, ensuring high standards and innovative solutions for c...
2 days ago
Ground Software Engineer Senior - Security Clearance; Field-Based) - Grand Forks
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative software solutions in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with satellite operators and remote teams to enhance mission-critical applications, ensuring seamless op...
2 weeks ago
Skillbridge Senior Principal Safety Systems Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Champion system safety excellence by developing compliant programs, conducting analyses, and leading efforts to communicate safety findings effectively. Influence engineering practices while ensuring...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal System Concepts Engineer
$95K - $245K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative solutions for complex systems, driving mission engineering and architecture design. Collaborate with teams to analyze performance and mitigate risks, while men...
3 weeks ago
Principal System Concepts Engineer
$95K - $245K *
Lead the charge in harnessing advanced systems engineering to drive mission success, integrate complex hardware and software systems, and develop innovative solutions that meet evolving customer requi...
1 month ago
Senior Airworthiness/Aerosystems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading airworthiness certification efforts for advanced military aircraft systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance operational readines...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $136K *
Innovate NDE methods for additive manufacturing in aerospace, driving inspection development and cross-functional collaboration to enhance production quality and reliability while addressing complex e...
Today
Sr. Principal Systems Security Engineer
$129K - $193K *
Explore a pivotal role in Systems Security Engineering, enhancing mission security solutions for advanced sensor technologies. Collaborate with teams to protect warfighters through innovative cybersec...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead innovative propulsion engineering efforts, tackling complex challenges from design to testing. Collaborate across disciplines to develop reliable, cutting-edge systems for in-space propulsion, en...
6 days ago
Sr. Staff Engineering Systems Architect
$166K - $289K *
Champion technical leadership for strategic initiatives in Mission Data Management. Drive innovation, oversee IRAD efforts, and ensure alignment with business objectives across multiple programs, enha...
Reposted 2 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.