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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$108K - $162K *

Shape the future of optical engineering by designing and analyzing advanced imaging systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-performance optical solutions for critical aerospac...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in advancing composite materials engineering by evaluating, testing, and innovating solutions for carbon fiber composites. Collaborate with teams to enhance product quality and drive i...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$212K - $335K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in system design for critical connectivity solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate high-level requirements into detailed designs, ensuring...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $178K *

Unlock your potential by providing systems administration and security support for diverse IT environments. Collaborate on automation development and ensure compliance while enhancing operational effi...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by designing mechanical systems for automated production lines. Collaborate with engineers to create innovative solutions, ensuring manufacturability and performance from concept to p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $138K *

Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for precision optical and electromechanical systems in space applications, ensuring quality and efficiency while collaborating across e...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $224K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity for missile systems, guiding teams in security architecture and anti-tamper design. Mentor talent and ensure compliance with regulations while integrating se...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $160K *

Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in Systems Engineering, leading a talented group to enhance processes and deliver innovative solutions across projects. Inspire and mentor engineers while en...

Ottawa, ONHybrid

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop mission-critical flight software for spacecraft. Contribute to all phases of the software lifecycle, ensuring successful satellite operations through innovati...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Support advanced payload systems, providing real-time engineering solutions during flight operations. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues and ensure effective communications across multiple...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $220K *

Manage and enhance complex operational data flows, ensuring data integrity and compliance. Collaborate with mission customers to analyze and transform raw data, while improving processing and distribu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$130K - $220K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing operational data flows through innovative solutions. Collaborate with mission customers to analyze and transform data, ensuring security and compliance while...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $95K *

Transform the future of avionics by developing and integrating complex systems. Collaborate with a skilled team to ensure compliance and deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs in a dyna...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $195K *

Drive innovative RF front-end designs for satellite communication systems, translating complex requirements into robust hardware. Collaborate across teams to ensure efficient, reliable user-terminal p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Drive innovation in Systems Engineering by enhancing fault management and system autonomy. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment while ensuring successful mission outcomes through comprehensive an...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $144K *

Join a team that's redefining radar technology by integrating advanced systems engineering practices to enhance performance and reliability in cutting-edge radar systems. Collaborate with experts to s...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $205K *

Lead structural analysis efforts to ensure spacecraft meet performance standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to define analytical approaches and develop tools for efficient decision-making in...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$215K - $245K *

Contribute to the design and development of mission-focused software solutions, collaborating across diverse applications and services. Engage in the full software lifecycle, enhancing training capabi...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$86K - $136K *

Transform stakeholder needs into clear system requirements and designs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project success through effective interface definition and risk management. D...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$128K - $173K *

Manage and optimize complex systems and infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security. Collaborate with teams to implement innovative solutions, enhance performance, and maintain documentati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $172K *

Elevate your career as a Systems Engineer, designing and implementing critical systems. Leverage your expertise to enhance infrastructure, ensure system performance, and drive innovation while collabo...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $225K *

Lead the charge in delivering specialized mechanical systems oversight for complex federal construction projects. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance, performance, and operational readi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$68K - $131K *

Elevate your career by designing and implementing advanced automation solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance manufacturing processes using IIoT technologies, ensuring seamless integration and co...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $225K *

Advance the design and development of cutting-edge spaceborne payloads, leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure successful integration, testing, and flight qualification of advanced phased array sy...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$140K - $160K *

Transform systems engineering excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team, enhancing best practices, and ensuring effective resource management throughout project lifecycles in a dynamic environmen...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.