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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$160K - $200K *

Empower the U.S. Space Force by providing expert support in system development, integration, and operational analysis, ensuring effective capabilities for space operations and enhancing mission succes...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $171K *

Elevate your career by bridging data science and product support engineering to enhance system readiness and drive efficiencies. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate insights into actionable re...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $163K *

Transform sensor development by leading advanced EO/IR systems engineering efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, integrate, and test innovative solutions that meet customer need...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts, integrating RF systems, and ensuring cybersecurity compliance. Collaborate with teams to develop technical documentation and maintain system in...

2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Champion the development and maintenance of flight training devices, ensuring quality and efficiency through collaboration with cross-functional teams. Drive product enhancements and support customer...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $147K *

Unlock potential by joining our team as a Principal Systems Engineer, where you'll develop advanced signal processing algorithms for UAV systems, ensuring mission success through innovative solutions...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $170K *

Join a team that's advancing propulsion systems through innovative mechanical design. Collaborate with engineers and suppliers to develop, test, and integrate flight hardware, ensuring efficient solut...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$159K - $263K *

Transform engineering leadership by managing diverse teams and driving program success in Cyber and Intelligence Solutions. Engage in strategic planning, talent development, and technical execution to...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $140K *

Champion the future of engineering projects by leading complex initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while collaborating with diverse teams to meet client objectives in nuclear op...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$129K - $193K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software systems acquisition, providing expertise in cutting-edge technologies to support critical missions across various federal agencies and commercial sect...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Shape the future of space exploration by managing experiment nominations, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring seamless integration of space experiments. Leverage your technical expertise and...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Manage and coordinate space experiment activities, ensuring effective communication and documentation across teams. Leverage technical expertise to support strategic decision-making and enhance operat...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $112K *

Oversee coordination with engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions, manage technical baselines, and ensure project milestones are met while navigating technical, schedule, and cost constraint...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$111K - $202K *

Unlock your potential by leading the design and development of ground systems for satellite missions. Collaborate with teams to ensure mission success from inception through launch and beyond, while m...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your systems engineering expertise to drive innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage risks, and contribute to project success while enhancin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering, integrating requirements and V&V while collaborating with teams to develop innovative solutions. Drive technical planning and risk management with minimal super...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Optimize systems engineering processes by leveraging extensive experience in STEM disciplines, ensuring compliance with security clearances, and driving technical excellence in a collaborative environ...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering by managing requirements, developing test cases, and ensuring verification and validation. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions that me...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Elevate your career as a Systems Engineer, leading technical solutions and managing requirements for complex systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful project delivery and customer...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Grow your career with a leadership role overseeing multi-disciplinary teams in the design and development of advanced Space Vehicles, ensuring mission success through effective communication and techn...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $215K *

Shape the future of advanced space systems by providing strategic guidance and technical expertise to DoD program managers, ensuring successful evaluation and transition of complex projects in a dynam...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $205K *

Unlock the potential of spacecraft design as you lead mechanical systems engineering for multiple missions, collaborating across teams to ensure successful integration and performance of innovative te...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Champion the advancement of Digital and Systems Engineering by leading complex MBSE and DE projects. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance space and defense systems, driving innovation and best pr...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Drive the development and management of complex MBSE and DE project portfolios, leveraging extensive systems engineering expertise to enhance space and defense systems throughout their lifecycle in a...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Accelerate your career by leading complex MBSE and DE projects, driving innovation in systems engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance space and defense systems through advanced...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 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.