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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$110K - $130K *
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Senior Principal Systems Engineer
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Senior Spacecraft Flight Software Engineer
$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...
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Senior Optical Systems Engineer
$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...
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Systems Engineering Field Tech Support Sr - E3
$72K - $134K *
Lead aircraft maintenance operations by utilizing advanced management tools to ensure optimal readiness and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to coordinate schedules, track maintenance, and support...
Today
$135K - $251K *
Lead the charge in managing a high-performing engineering team, driving innovative solutions for complex defense systems while ensuring program execution and continuous improvement in a dynamic enviro...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer complex Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, leading projects from conception to completion. Collaborate across teams, manage risks, and ensure compliance with NASA standards while...
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Senior Systems Engineer - Security & Data Engineering
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Champion the design and security of cloud solutions, enhancing data workflows for critical missions. Lead security engineering and data analytics efforts, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure ro...
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NASA Moon Base Avionics and Flight Software Test Facility Software Integration Engineer
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Advance lunar mission success by developing and integrating software for flight systems, while collaborating with engineering teams to enhance safety and reliability standards across multiple programs...
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Assembly & Integration Engineer
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Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration through hands-on assembly and integration of advanced vehicle components, ensuring all systems function flawlessly for missions beyond Earth...
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$108K - $130K *
Elevate your career by applying your software engineering expertise to modernize critical Air Force systems, ensuring operational efficiency and security through innovative solutions and Agile methodo...
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$91K - $181K *
Join us to develop and deliver critical engineering products for advanced defense systems. Collaborate with a team of engineers to ensure the successful integration and performance of complex systems...
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Principal Production Systems Architect
$165K - $230K *
Lead the charge in designing a cutting-edge production system architecture that balances startup agility with aerospace precision. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration of PLM, ERP...
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Drive innovation in systems engineering by developing requirements, test plans, and algorithms for cutting-edge maritime systems. Collaborate in an Agile environment to enhance product deployment and...
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Senior Systems Integration Engineer, Battery Systems
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Transform energy solutions by integrating battery systems across diverse programs. Collaborate with teams to define requirements, optimize designs, and enhance product roadmaps, ensuring efficient and...
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$91K - $125K *
Contribute to the testing and validation of aerospace systems, ensuring compliance with requirements. Collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams to solve technical challenges and document Verificatio...
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Elevate aerospace innovation by contributing to testing and validation efforts. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure compliance and reliability of systems, while applying engineering pr...
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Empower safety excellence by integrating engineering expertise and hazard analysis to ensure complex systems are designed, operated, and maintained with the highest safety standards and regulatory com...
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Space Combat Power Mission Engineer
$117K - $226K *
Shape the future of national security space systems by leading complex engineering initiatives, driving integration across key programs, and collaborating with diverse teams to enhance space combat ca...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer: Electrical - Level 1 or 2 (AHT)
$65K - $118K *
Deliver innovative electrical engineering solutions while collaborating across teams to define architectures and ensure alignment with requirements, all contributing to critical aerospace projects. Gr...
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What is a Space Systems Engineer?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.