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.
Sentinel - Systems/Principal Systems Engineer - Support Systems Integration
$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
Sentinel - Systems/Principal Systems Engineer - Support Systems Integration
$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
Sentinel - Systems/Principal Systems Engineer - Support Systems Integration
$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
Senior Software Systems Engineer
$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
Space Systems Integration Engineer – Global Mission Operations
$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
Mechanical Engineer - Unmanned Systems Payload Design
$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
$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
$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
Project Engineer Asc - Early Career
$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
Project Engineer Asc - Early Career
$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
Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference Engineer Principal
$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
$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
Senior Manufacturing Test Engineer, Electromechanical Systems
$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
Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (Systems Engineering Design)
$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
Sentinel - Systems / Principal Systems Safety Engineer - 17900*
$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
Sentinel - Systems / Principal Systems Safety Engineer - 17900*
$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
$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
$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
$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...
1 month ago
$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
Sr. Staff Propulsion Engineer - 6
$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
Sr. Staff Propulsion Engineer - 6
$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
Consulting Engineer Systems Architect
$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
Senior Hardware Electrical Engineer
$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
Avionics Hardware Engineer II - Lunar Permanence
$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
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.