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.
$90K - $100K *
Elevate progress at the forefront of systems engineering by supporting the development and integration of mission-critical Strategic Weapons Control systems, ensuring high reliability and security in...
6 days ago
$90K - $100K *
Contribute to the development and integration of mission-critical systems, applying systems engineering principles to ensure high reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to support the enti...
1 week ago
Electro Mechanical Engineer level 2
$79K - $147K *
Elevate product design and compliance by meticulously reviewing ECAD/MCAD drawings, ensuring accuracy and adherence to industry standards while collaborating with engineers and quality teams to enhanc...
1 week ago
$85K - $158K *
Join a team that's focused on advancing aircraft design by applying thermal sciences and engineering principles. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects, ensuring systems are optimized for performance, r...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $178K *
Drive innovative systems engineering solutions by developing requirements and models, collaborating with stakeholders, and supporting verification activities to enhance strategic defense capabilities...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $178K *
Join us to lead critical safety engineering efforts in support of advanced Nuclear Weapons Programs, leveraging your expertise to develop solutions that meet stringent DoD requirements and ensure miss...
4 weeks ago
Expert Solution Architect Engineer (Space Programs)
$138K - $165K *
Transform the future of sensing systems by architecting scalable, open solutions for spaceborne applications. Lead cross-functional teams, engage with customers, and drive innovation in radiation-hard...
5 days ago
Expert Solution Architect Engineer (Space Programs)
$145K - $175K *
Lead the design of scalable, open architectures for advanced sensing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define data acquisition and processing strategies, ensuring innovation and grow...
5 days ago
Expert Solution Architect Engineer (Space Programs)
$130K - $155K *
Shape innovative sensing solutions by architecting scalable, open systems for spaceborne applications. Lead cross-functional teams, engage with customers, and drive strategic initiatives to enhance pr...
5 days ago
Mission Operations Engineer II
$105K - $140K *
Shape the future of space exploration by leading real-time spacecraft operations, ensuring mission success through commanding, telemetry analysis, and anomaly resolution. Collaborate with cross-functi...
Today
Flight System Safety Responsible Engineer
$109K - $148K *
Elevate public safety by designing and integrating Flight Termination Systems. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure compliance and reliability in high-stakes environments, while drivin...
5 days ago
Senior System Integration & Test (I&T) Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of advanced RF systems integration and testing. Collaborate with experts to ensure seamless hardware and software functionality, leveraging cutting-edge tools and methodologies in a d...
5 days ago
Infrastructure Systems Eng. Launch Equipment Manager 2 - 17128
$161K - $241K *
Lead a team of systems engineers to enhance Command & Launch Infrastructure. Collaborate across disciplines, manage critical design reviews, and drive project priorities while ensuring effective commu...
2 weeks ago
$59K - $111K *
Transform technical challenges into solutions by analyzing product implementations, troubleshooting issues, and conducting training. Collaborate with customers and teams to ensure optimal product perf...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a lead technical expert, driving architecture design and risk management for advanced space systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to shape resilient solutions for the...
2 weeks ago
NASA Moon Base Flight Software and Cybersecurity Systems Engineer
$76K - $155K *
Pioneer innovative solutions for flight software supporting NASA Moon Base operations, ensuring robust cybersecurity and enhancing human presence on the lunar surface while contributing to design, dev...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal/Sr Principal Engineer Systems - Radiometric
$114K - $171K *
Join a dynamic team focused on developing advanced EO/IR solutions by leveraging your expertise in radiometric analysis. Engage collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive innovations in sens...
Reposted yesterday
Sr. Operations Engineer - Space Control
$140K - $160K *
The Sr. Operations Engineer - Space Control will provide technical advice and assistance throughout the acquisition life cycle for space systems. This role involves supporting program acquisition effo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer II - Lunar Permanence
$134K - $188K *
Collaborate with engineers to develop innovative software solutions that enhance aerospace engineering, focusing on data storage, analysis, and automation for safe human spaceflight. Your expertise wi...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $149K *
Champion innovative solutions as a Senior Systems Engineer, managing complex IT systems and infrastructure. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance system performance, security, and user experience...
2 weeks ago
$65K - $98K *
Unlock your potential as you contribute to groundbreaking space missions. Join a dynamic team focused on solid rocket motor design and integration, ensuring the success of the Artemis Program while ad...
Yesterday
Principal Systems Engineer - XTR-2
$118K - $224K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of radar technology. This role involves leading systems engineering efforts for advanced radar systems, focusing on architecture design, integration, and testing...
5 days ago
Deep Space Mission Design Engineer III
$130K - $182K *
Transform the future of space exploration by leading mission design for deep-space trajectories. Own the lifecycle from analysis to operations, optimizing high-thrust and low-thrust maneuvers for luna...
2 weeks ago
Deep Space Mission Design Engineer III
$119K - $167K *
Unlock potential by leading mission design for deep-space trajectories, optimizing high-thrust and low-thrust maneuvers, and collaborating across teams to ensure successful spacecraft operations for n...
2 weeks ago
Avionics Hardware Development Engineer
$105K - $172K *
Empower innovation by designing and testing avionics hardware for space applications. Take ownership of the entire product lifecycle, ensuring reliability and performance through rigorous testing and...
3 weeks ago
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.