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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$79K - $155K *

Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts for complex defense projects. Collaborate across teams to develop and integrate support systems, ensuring operational effectiveness and maintain...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $125K *

Unlock potential by integrating systems engineering across teams to enhance supportability and maintainability of complex systems. Collaborate on design, verification, and lifecycle analyses for missi...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $125K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense systems through innovative engineering. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance support systems for critical missile programs, ensuring reliability a...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in software systems engineering. Leverage your expertise in RESTful services, CI/CD pipelines, and identity management to enhance legacy systems and collaborate a...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $226K *

Develop and lead comprehensive studies on national security space capabilities, evaluating system performance and proposing enhancements. Collaborate with key stakeholders to address urgent integratio...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock your potential as a Mechanical Engineer, driving innovative design and development for unmanned systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create cutting-edge electronic warfare and ac...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Shape the future of systems engineering by integrating processes, validating requirements, and collaborating on innovative solutions for complex naval programs. Join a team committed to excellence and...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of aerospace systems by leading multidisciplinary teams in the design, integration, and certification of specialized aircraft systems for defense and government clients, ensuring miss...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Elevate your career by coordinating engineering projects, ensuring compliance with standards, and resolving design challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical developments a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Drive the execution of engineering projects by coordinating planning, design compliance, and technical developments, ensuring alignment with standards and specifications while resolving design challen...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Champion the electromagnetic integrity of a complex space station, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards. Lead the development of control plans, manage supplier testing, and mentor junior engine...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform your career by leveraging your expertise in composite materials to drive innovative solutions in design, manufacturing, and testing. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance product qualit...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$109K - $149K *

Join our dynamic team to develop and refine test assets for cutting-edge aerospace systems. Collaborate closely with engineers and technicians to enhance production testing processes, ensuring efficie...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $203K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in advanced targeting and tracking systems. Collaborate across disciplines to define and integrate complex requirements, enhancing the effectiveness of military t...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $118K *

Optimize your career by joining a dynamic team as a Systems Safety Engineer, focusing on safety analyses, requirements development, and collaboration with technical teams to enhance complex systems de...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $118K *

Unlock potential by leading systems safety engineering efforts for complex defense programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety compliance and enhance system design through rigor...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading a group of experts in a high-stakes environment. Drive collaboration, manage technical tasks, and ensure successful execution of contract...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering, overseeing a talented group of experts. Collaborate with government leaders to address complex challenges and ensure successful execution...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative GN&C solutions for lunar missions, providing technical leadership and driving system performance from design to flight operations, while collaborating across multidisciplinary team...

Madison, ALRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of spacecraft GN&C system performance from design to flight operations, driving architecture, algorithm development, and team collaboration to ensure mission success in advanced lunar o...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $249K *

Lead the charge in advancing aerospace innovation as a Senior Staff Propulsion Engineer, driving material initiatives and managing compliance in a collaborative environment. Your expertise will shape...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $249K *

Join a team that's redefining propulsion engineering, leading material initiatives, and driving compliance in a collaborative environment. Your expertise will shape critical missions and mentor the ne...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$202K - $303K *

Lead the charge in shaping the technical vision and architecture for next-gen command and control systems, driving interoperability and competitiveness across mission applications in a dynamic defense...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $200K *

Elevate your career by owning the design and development of electrical systems for consumer devices. Collaborate across teams to optimize power efficiency and drive innovations from concept to mass pr...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $149K *

Shape the future of space exploration by developing avionics products for lunar vehicles. Collaborate with a skilled team to drive the entire product lifecycle, ensuring quality and safety in hardware...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.