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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$125K - $187K *

Advance your career by joining a dynamic team as a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer, where you'll drive innovative solutions, ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards, and collaborate across teams...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of power systems engineering. As a key member, you'll design and develop scalable analysis modules, driving innovation in distribution system analysis and optimiz...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$115K - $135K *

Contribute to multidisciplinary systems engineering, driving technical scope to completion. Oversee integration and verification across various domains, ensuring quality and collaboration in deliverin...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $125K *

Contribute to GPSR Space Systems as a Test Engineer, leading cross-functional teams in Module and System Testing. Drive innovation in test architectures and ensure readiness for critical testing activ...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive the integration of advanced avionics systems, ensuring operational readiness from design to testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance capabilities and optimize architectures, i...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $123K *

Shape the future of project management by supporting dynamic teams, tracking action items, and facilitating communication. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project success and deliver impactful...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Champion advanced systems security engineering to enhance USAF weapon systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity and resilience throughout the acquisition life cycle while collaborating with diverse teams...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of maritime technology by designing and managing sophisticated systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and reliability while mentoring junior engineers and driving in...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$111K - $167K *

Drive the development and execution of test plans and procedures for complex systems, ensuring compliance with requirements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing methods and deli...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in developing precise work instructions for assembly, integration, and testing of aerospace hardware. Collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure quality and efficiency in pro...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $145K *

Advance the future of software development by designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and secure environments. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and ensure high-quality software delivery...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $145K *

Drive innovation by designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and secure software environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance software delivery processes across on-premises and cloud platforms, en...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $220K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing solar array manufacturing through innovative equipment solutions. You'll ensure reliability and performance while collaborating with engineers to enhance prod...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $200K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, where you'll leverage your expertise in systems architecture and integration to support innovative software projects in a collaborativ...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$146K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, leveraging your expertise in software systems to drive integration efforts, develop architecture artifacts, and enhance operational workflows in a collaborat...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $137K *

Drive innovative subsystem designs in a collaborative Integrated Product Team. Develop and validate critical components, ensuring performance, weight, and reliability standards while producing compreh...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Support the design and development of subsystem components, ensuring performance and reliability standards are met, while collaborating within an Integrated Product Team. Engage in engineering analyse...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by designing and deploying backend services for satellite mission operations. Lead the development of innovative APIs and microservices while integrating complex ground station sys...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$108K - $163K *

Collaborate with a diverse team to develop innovative mechanical systems solutions, focusing on undersea hardware design, analysis, and integration while managing technical, schedule, and cost constra...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $161K *

Empower innovation in spacecraft design by leading a team of engineers through all development phases, ensuring robust mechanical solutions for cutting-edge satellite technology and fostering growth i...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$133K - $161K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace systems through innovative mechanical design. Drive projects from concept to in-orbit support, ensuring excellence in electronics packaging and envir...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$91K - $138K *

Transform manufacturing operations by bridging engineering, supply chain, and IT. Gather and analyze requirements for PLM, ERP, MRP, and MES systems to enhance processes, support implementations, and...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Drive the design and integration of advanced electromechanical actuation systems for aerospace applications, ensuring safety and performance while mentoring engineering teams and fostering cross-funct...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$121K - $169K *

Drive spacecraft integration by collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure timely design release and execution of the Transfer Stage product line, supporting sustainable lunar transport for...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $100K *

Drive excellence in satellite operations by developing and maintaining on-board subsystem products, ensuring optimal performance and availability. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance automat...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.