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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$130K - $155K *

Drive the execution of innovative space electronics programs, overseeing full lifecycle design and integration of high-reliability systems. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure technical excellence a...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $200K *

Transform satellite communication systems by leading constellation architecture design and enhancing network performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex problems and ensure...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Lead the integration and modeling strategy for complex systems, driving agile delivery and collaboration across teams. Utilize MBSE expertise to enhance system-of-systems architecture and ensure align...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $136K *

Partner with us to design and develop innovative software solutions for aerospace applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high performance and quality standards in a dynamic, a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Join a dynamic team to support the FBM program, driving systems engineering for mechanical ground support equipment development and process improvements while collaborating across functions...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $169K *

Contribute to the development of advanced Laser Communication systems for space platforms, addressing critical needs in commercial and government sectors. Engage in design, testing, and integration to...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$266K - $298K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software solutions by designing and guiding innovative projects that meet customer needs, ensuring high engineering standards and strategic alignment across th...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by solving mechanical engineering challenges, collaborating on projects, and ensuring design compliance. Engage with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to meet goals in developin...

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $196K *

Join a dynamic team as a leader in Avionics management, driving engineering excellence and talent development. Collaborate with senior leaders to enhance technical practices while fostering a culture...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$141K - $224K *

Drive innovation as you design and deploy advanced Free-Space Optical Communications solutions, leading projects for government and military clients while mentoring engineers and engaging with diverse...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$141K - $224K *

Join a dynamic team to design, implement, and troubleshoot advanced Free-Space Optical Communications systems for government and military clients, driving innovation and technical excellence across di...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$139K - $208K *

Lead a team of cyber systems engineers, driving talent development and ensuring alignment with program needs while overseeing technical execution and adherence to engineering processes in a dynamic en...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $190K *

Drive the design and development of innovative mechanical systems for next-gen satellite platforms, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful product execution throughout the f...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$129K - $239K *

Manage a team of test engineers to oversee integration and testing of systems. Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures while ensuring alignment with customer requirements and operational needs...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $190K *

Drive innovative mechanical design solutions for next-gen satellite systems. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure successful product lifecycle execution, from concept through qualifica...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic engineering team to design and support multi-security-level systems, focusing on secure network architectures and virtualization technologies. Collaborate on system integration, testing...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and managing Kubernetes clusters on bare metal. Own the platform lifecycle, collaborate with teams, and ensure security compliance while delivering mission-critical so...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $213K *

Create comprehensive systems engineering solutions by applying the full lifecycle processes. Collaborate closely with teams and customers to define requirements, manage interfaces, and deliver technic...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative aircraft utility systems design and support. Guide a talented engineering team, manage project schedules and budgets, and drive solutions for advanced aerospa...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $142K *

Lead the development of advanced combat system cabling solutions, ensuring seamless integration and performance across naval and land-based systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to deliver accur...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Innovate within energetic manufacturing by leading systems engineering efforts. Drive design, development, and testing of solid propellant systems while collaborating across disciplines to ensure proj...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Drive the production of complex aerospace composite parts, managing projects and collaborating with design engineers to enhance processes and reliability. Support high-volume manufacturing while ensur...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in developing and validating the Telesat LEO constellation communication system. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute testing activities, ensuring compliance with technic...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$169K - $216K *

Lead the charge in developing reliable flight software for spacecraft, ensuring optimal operation in orbit. Oversee all phases from requirements capture to testing, collaborating in a dynamic team to...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $149K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of optical systems for military reconnaissance. Lead product development, manage requirements, and ensure compliance through rigorous testing and analysis in a co...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.