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.
$108K - $130K *
Lead the design and maintenance of complex network systems, ensuring optimal performance and seamless operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions and provide technical s...
2 days ago
$58K - $108K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Electrical Engineering team to support mission-critical communications and IT systems at launch sites. Engage in troubleshooting, project management, and maintena...
6 days ago
Systems Engineer Integration Lead - Level 5
$169K - $253K *
Shape the future of aerospace systems by leading software integration strategies, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure seamless execution and alignment with mission objectives while driving inno...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by developing and analyzing space system architectures using Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Collaborate with engineers to enhance system performance and support mission-level...
1 week ago
Aerospace Engineer II (Certification)
$90K - $123K *
Empower the future of aerospace by leading certification efforts for advanced ISR platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and airworthiness, transitioning innovative p...
6 days ago
Principal/Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Fault Management & System Autonomy (AHT)
$114K - $213K *
Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts for advanced fault management and system autonomy in space systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team while ensuring mission-critical ap...
4 weeks ago
Principal/Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Fault Management & System Autonomy (AHT)
$114K - $171K *
Join a dynamic engineering team to architect fault management and system autonomy solutions for space systems. Drive innovation through systems analysis, requirements synthesis, and collaborative desi...
4 weeks ago
SE&V Lead System Engineer - Regional C2BMC
$129K - $239K *
Elevate your career by leading a multidisciplinary engineering team, driving system architecture development, and applying Model-Based Systems Engineering principles to create innovative solutions for...
1 month ago
SE&V Lead System Engineer - Regional C2BMC
$129K - $239K *
Lead and mentor a diverse systems engineering team, guiding the development of models, requirements, and architectures while ensuring effective stakeholder communication and integration of advanced to...
1 month ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to empower systems engineering excellence in defense projects. Engage in comprehensive evaluations, technical documentation, and risk management to enhance system performance and s...
2 weeks ago
Director 2 - Systems Engineering Discipline Lead
$266K - $399K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Systems Engineering organization. Drive strategic initiatives and optimize processes in a complex environment, ensuring alignment with sector goals and excelle...
Reposted today
$108K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and maintaining complex network systems. This role involves supervising hardware changes, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with teams to ensure optimal perfor...
2 days ago
Senior Undersea Systems Engineer
$121K - $181K *
Drive undersea systems engineering efforts by leading multidisciplinary teams, managing technical execution, and delivering actionable recommendations for naval capabilities. Collaborate with sponsors...
2 weeks ago
Staff Systems Engineer - Architecture & Interfaces
$165K - $220K *
Join a team that's redefining avionics systems engineering by translating customer needs into innovative architectures and requirements. Collaborate across domains to deliver high-quality solutions in...
Today
Staff Systems Engineer - Architecture & Interfaces
$165K - $220K *
Join a team that's redefining avionics systems engineering by translating customer needs into robust architectures and requirements. Collaborate across domains to deliver high-quality, safety-critical...
Today
Systems Engineer - Avionics Display Applications
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative avionics display applications, integrating complex systems and ensuring robust verification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions on the Next G...
Yesterday
Principal Engineer Electronics
$114K - $171K *
Drive technical leadership in the lifecycle of complex electronic assemblies, ensuring quality and reliability through collaboration and innovative problem-solving in a dynamic engineering environment...
2 weeks ago
Avionics Data Engineer - Payloads
$86K - $147K *
Innovate and support the design, integration, and testing of experimental payloads on hypersonic vehicles, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure successful data collection and custome...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate your career with a leading role in systems engineering, overseeing complex projects and guiding teams through the entire engineering lifecycle, from requirements to verification, in a dynamic...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team of Systems Engineers to lead innovative projects in end-to-end systems engineering, focusing on architecture, verification, and integration for advanced space systems across multip...
Today
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer V - RPO
$161K - $271K *
Drive the development of advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous spacecraft operations, ensuring safe and efficient rendezvous and proximity maneuvers while leading a dyna...
1 month ago
Sr. Principal Systems Engineering & Integration Team (SEIT) Lead
$116K - $184K *
Lead the charge in shaping a high-impact Systems Engineering effort, managing diverse disciplines to achieve performance, cost, and schedule objectives. Mentor a skilled team while driving process imp...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Systems Engineering & Integration Team (SEIT) Lead
$116K - $184K *
Lead and manage complex systems engineering processes and teams ensuring successful project execution on high-visibility contracts while driving continuous improvement initiatives and meeting program...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$200K - $240K *
Drive the future of space systems engineering by leading mission architecting and systems integration efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance Space Control capabilities through innovative Di...
3 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Empower innovation in Systems of Systems Architectures by providing expert systems engineering and mission architecting support for advanced Space Control capabilities, ensuring strategic alignment an...
3 days 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.