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.
Electro Mechanical Engineer - E2
$70K - $130K *
Innovate within a dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge electromechanical systems for defense applications, ensuring precision and reliability in mission-critical hardware. Collaborate acros...
6 days ago
Electro Mechanical Engineer - E2
$70K - $130K *
Drive innovative electromechanical design solutions for defense systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and support critical hardware components that enhance mission success for...
6 days ago
$118K - $175K *
Elevate technical integration and governance across enterprise IT programs, ensuring alignment of systems and processes. Collaborate with stakeholders to address complex challenges and drive consisten...
Reposted 1 week ago
$86K - $108K *
Transform aerospace manufacturing by leading the production of innovative solid rocket motors. Oversee processes, ensure quality, and collaborate with teams to enhance efficiency and reliability in a...
1 week ago
$82K - $172K *
Drive the direction and clarity of complex software systems, ensuring seamless operational integration while collaborating with diverse teams to meet critical requirements and enhance mission success...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$82K - $172K *
Shape the future of software systems as you provide technical leadership, manage requirements, and drive operational support for a complex software application, ensuring robust collaboration across te...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$82K - $172K *
Partner with us to deliver innovative software solutions by providing technical direction and managing requirements for a mission-critical system in a collaborative, fast-paced environment...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Operations (RPO)
$146K - $194K *
Support us in owning satellite operations and mission control processes, ensuring the health and safety of on-orbit systems while collaborating across teams to deliver cutting-edge capabilities in the...
Reposted 1 month ago
$64K - $107K *
Join a dynamic team to conduct critical testing for launch vehicle components. Engage in structural, dynamic, and electrical testing while gaining project management and leadership experience in a fas...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
System Engineer 2 (TS/SCI with Poly)
$95K - $115K *
Engage with a dynamic team to enhance enterprise web applications, focusing on Cybersecurity Services. Document and support the full software lifecycle while collaborating with customers to resolve is...
1 week ago
$74K - $107K *
Unlock your potential as you engage in satellite operations, ensuring seamless communication and spacecraft health. Collaborate with engineers to maintain operational excellence in a dynamic, rotating...
1 week ago
$100K - $125K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software solutions for stratospheric flight. Collaborate with experts to design, develop, and maintain innovative systems that connect manned and unmanned plat...
3 weeks ago
$118K - $142K *
Join our innovative team to develop cutting-edge power electronics for spacecraft. Contribute to the entire lifecycle, from architecture definition to circuit design and testing, ensuring reliable pow...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Champion the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions, collaborating with engineers to enhance national security systems. Engage in independent research while contributing to a dynamic team f...
3 weeks ago
Lead Phased Array Antenna Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Transform satellite communications by leading the design and implementation of phased array antenna systems, ensuring resilient connectivity in space. Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team, driving...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Phased Array Antenna Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in designing and validating cutting-edge RF phased array antennas for resilient satellite connectivity. Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to ensure successful spaceflight and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering for mission worthiness support, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to influence processes and provide analysis, ensuring the integrity of requirements for s...
Reposted today
$95K - $115K *
Join us to tackle complex challenges in our Data Center, ensuring system reliability and performance. You'll debug hardware and software issues, manage ticketing systems, and collaborate with partners...
Today
$125K - $175K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space missions by leading technical strategies and developing innovative solutions. Collaborate across disciplines to drive mission success and enhance custome...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $175K *
Drive technical innovation by leading solution development for strategic aerospace projects spanning commercial and defense sectors, translating customer needs into actionable mission strategies and a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to design and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring the reliability of advanced optical transmission systems through innovative verification practices and automation technique...
1 week ago
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$100K - $120K *
Transform testing processes by designing comprehensive plans, validating optical systems, and implementing automation scripts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality communicat...
1 week ago
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and execute comprehensive test plans for advanced optical transmission systems, ensuring high performance and reliability t...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Develop your career with a dynamic role in marine systems engineering, focusing on the integration and lifecycle support of unmanned surface vehicles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhan...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on marine systems engineering, integrating complex subsystems for unmanned surface vehicles. Collaborate on testing, troubleshooting, and lifecycle s...
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.