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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$107K - $195K *

Drive innovation in a dynamic team, enhancing secure IT systems for entitlement programs. Collaborate with engineers to modernize infrastructure, ensuring reliability and compliance with industry stan...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $195K *

Lead complex systems engineering efforts in cryptologic and cybersecurity. Drive requirements development, conduct analysis, and integrate emerging technologies while providing technical leadership to...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Drive innovation in systems engineering by collaborating across teams to develop radar systems. Lead technical efforts, manage requirements, and create engineering artifacts in a dynamic, matrixed env...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $158K *

Drive innovative solutions in Electronic Warfare by developing advanced algorithms and systems. Collaborate with a skilled team to tackle complex challenges in RF technology, ensuring operational exce...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Engage in leading the integration and testing of advanced aircraft avionics systems, ensuring technical excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Drive initiatives that enhance perfo...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $157K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of radar systems engineering. Collaborate across disciplines to develop critical artifacts and support multiple programs, ensuring robust verification and require...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$87K - $157K *

Transform the Naval Enterprise Network through Model-Based Systems Engineering, utilizing SysML and CSM tools to develop and manage system models, requirements, and designs while collaborating with st...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $195K *

Empower mission success by providing expert systems engineering support for the DCGS-N program. Collaborate with teams to maintain and enhance system performance, ensuring operational readiness and se...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $195K *

Shape the future of C5ISR operations by integrating advanced systems, optimizing performance, and collaborating with senior engineers to enhance national security across the Pacific theater. Your expe...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $195K *

Drive mission success by optimizing C5ISR systems, collaborating with engineers, and ensuring reliable operations across the Pacific. Your expertise will enhance national security and support real-tim...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $195K *

Empower mission success by designing and optimizing C5ISR systems, ensuring seamless integration and performance across critical operations. Collaborate with engineers to enhance national security and...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $195K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role supporting Navy ISR systems. Contribute to software integration, automation, and infrastructure management while collaborating in an Agile environment to enhance o...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$69K - $125K *

Drive the development of hypersonic missile systems by creating requirements and system architecture using MBSE tools. Collaborate across disciplines in a dynamic environment, supporting multiple prog...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$69K - $125K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on systems engineering solutions for cryptologic and cybersecurity missions. Engage in requirements analysis, solution design, and integration to enhance n...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$69K - $125K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of missile systems through innovative model-based engineering. Collaborate with diverse experts to develop requirements and system architecture, enhancing defense...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$108K - $130K *

Drive innovation in cloud infrastructure by designing scalable solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and integrate cutting-edge technologies across diverse platforms while leading and mento...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$108K - $130K *

Drive modern cloud infrastructure solutions and lead the engineering team. Own projects from inception to delivery while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable, and cost...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of electrical engineering, leading the development and testing of advanced systems for naval applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams and manag...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $190K *

Join a team that's leading the safety lifecycle for pressurized spacecraft. You'll drive hazard analyses, represent safety interests to NASA, and ensure compliance with rigorous safety standards for c...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $190K *

Help us shape the future of space safety by leading system safety for pressurized spacecraft. Drive hazard analyses, author safety data packages, and represent safety interests before NASA and station...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $190K *

Join a team that's redefining safety in aerospace by leading system safety for pressurized spacecraft. You'll drive hazard analyses, represent safety interests to NASA, and ensure robust safety measur...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$158K - $294K *

Drive the integration of advanced missile defense systems by leading a multidisciplinary engineering team. Ensure effective systems engineering practices while managing requirements, risks, and custom...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$128K - $168K *

Engage in the design and development of innovative satellite ground systems, optimizing efficiency and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$128K - $168K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative satellite ground systems solutions, optimizing efficiency and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance w...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $140K *

Engineer innovative hardware solutions from concept to launch, ensuring quality and efficiency. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes, validate designs, and manage production, contributing to...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.