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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$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 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $215K *

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...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$76K - $155K *

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...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

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...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $157K *

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...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$156K - $219K *

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...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $125K *

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...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

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...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 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.