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.
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's advancing digital engineering practices and integrating MBSE with multidisciplinary engineering efforts. Collaborate with government stakeholders to define architectures and enhance...
Reposted yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of human space exploration by leading systems integration efforts. Collaborate with NASA and international partners to ensure successful project milestones while mentoring team member...
2 days ago
Sentinel - Sr. Staff Thread Lead Systems Engineer - Ground Systems - 20148
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in technical stewardship and systems engineering for complex ICBM ground systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure requirements integrity, manage technical risks, and drive succ...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$133K - $146K *
Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...
1 week ago
Senior Communications Systems Engineer - Satellite & NTN
$150K - $200K *
Drive innovation in communications systems by leading complex RF analysis and integrations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance satellite performance and ensure top-quality deliverables...
4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Manufacturing
$103K - $155K *
Champion manufacturing excellence by optimizing welding and fabrication processes for marine propulsion systems, collaborating with engineers to enhance production efficiency and sustainability while...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer Manufacturing
$89K - $134K *
Transform manufacturing processes by designing and documenting procedures, enhancing productivity, and ensuring quality for a critical national security program. Collaborate with engineering teams to...
2 weeks ago
$153K - $253K *
Accelerate your career by leading systems engineering efforts that shape innovative solutions for government and public sector clients. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive projects from c...
Today
Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer, IPT Lead
$198K - $300K *
Elevate aircraft design by leading the development of innovative mechanical systems, ensuring modularity and producibility for high-rate production. Drive integration and testing of critical component...
2 weeks ago
$176K - $282K *
Lead the charge in enhancing operational effectiveness through comprehensive risk management strategies in foreign intelligence operations, ensuring the integration of technology and best practices to...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager (Civil Aviation)
$150K - $180K *
Lead mission-critical engineering efforts, overseeing multiple teams to ensure system reliability and performance. Drive long-term roadmaps, facilitate efficient collaboration, and empower teams to op...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer III (Senior)
$110K - $204K *
Design and optimize guidance, navigation, and control systems for spacecraft. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance meets requirements, utilizing MATLAB/Simulink and C++. Engag...
1 week ago
Mission Integration Engineer, Mission and Ground Systems (Starshield)
$100K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to tackle mission integration challenges, ensuring successful satellite program execution through collaboration, technical problem-solving, and innovative system design across mult...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer – Mission Engineering, Modeling & Simulation
$107K - $195K *
Drive mission engineering initiatives by applying advanced modeling and simulation techniques. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational effectiveness and support strategic decision-making...
2 weeks ago
LEAD ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - System Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of complex system architectures and technical requirements, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software while driving innovation and enhancing system performance throug...
1 week ago
$120K - $160K *
Shape the future of space systems by leading integration efforts for advanced satellite and ground systems, ensuring seamless development and operational success across the entire lifecycle...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Engage in comprehensive systems engineering for advanced space systems, supporting integration and lifecycle management of cutting-edge satellite and ground systems. Collaborate with contractors and g...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by designing and developing advanced propulsion systems for aerospace and defense. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance throughou...
4 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the development of in-space propulsion systems, overseeing fluid subsystems from design to integration. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure optimal performance and reliability across mission...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Engineer innovative propulsion systems through the full product lifecycle, from design to integration. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure optimal performance and reliability in space missions, d...
2 weeks ago
$142K - $213K *
Drive innovation in systems engineering for naval launcher systems, collaborating with teams to develop and execute test plans. Engage in multi-project management while ensuring compliance with custom...
Today
Sentinel Manager Systems Engineering 2 - 19877
$139K - $219K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering management, overseeing a team to drive technical and programmatic success in support equipment development for critical defense systems. Foster collaboration and...
Yesterday
Sentinel Manager Systems Engineering 2 - 19877
$139K - $219K *
Lead a dynamic team in systems engineering, driving technical and programmatic success while fostering collaboration and mentorship. Manage project scope, schedule, and performance for critical defens...
Yesterday
$103K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading quality assurance initiatives for manufacturing processes. Collaborate with engineering teams to uphold standards, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement in produ...
2 days ago
$89K - $134K *
Shape quality leadership for product lifecycle in a dynamic engineering environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with quality standards and drive continuous improvemen...
1 week 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.