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 *

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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $227K *

Lead a dynamic Avionics Test team to design and implement automated test systems, ensuring seamless integration of electronics for Terran R. Collaborate across functions to drive innovation and mainta...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $230K *

Transform complex DSP challenges into innovative solutions, providing strategic technical leadership and mentoring across multiple engineering programs while ensuring alignment with organizational obj...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for solar cell production, enhancing yield, efficiency, and compliance. Lead cross-functional teams in continuous improvement while ensuring safety and qua...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$122K - $184K *

Create comprehensive solutions in electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) for aerospace programs, guiding technical planning, integration, and testing while ensuring requirements are met throughout...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $182K *

Transform the future of space exploration by developing avionics for lunar vehicles. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure the success of hardware components, impacting sustainable transport from...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $235K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on developing cutting-edge embedded systems for national security. Collaborate with experts to design, integrate, and test innovative software and ha...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$111K - $167K *

Lead a dynamic team in the design and development of innovative flight systems, overseeing mechanical design and integration processes. Collaborate across diverse teams to ensure successful project ex...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $150K *

Engage in cutting-edge spacecraft control systems analysis, collaborating with stakeholders across various programs. Drive innovation through design, simulation, and evaluation, ensuring robust techni...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering for FMS Global Hawk. Lead diverse teams to design, integrate, and deliver technical solutions, addressing complex requirements and ensuring...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$154K - $278K *

Transform IT infrastructure services by ensuring operational excellence, risk management, and compliance with SLAs. Leverage your expertise to enhance system performance and continuity, driving innova...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$154K - $278K *

Optimize IT infrastructure services by managing operations, evaluating metrics, and ensuring compliance with SLAs. Lead risk assessments and maintain system performance while supporting disaster recov...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$134K - $241K *

Innovate solutions as a Systems Engineer, tackling complex challenges in server hardware and software integration. Collaborate with teams to ensure system integrity and security while supporting criti...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$104K - $140K *

Take ownership of engineering projects, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery while leading cross-functional teams and liaising with various departments to meet customer specifications...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Optimize production processes by collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement improvements, analyze data, and drive continuous enhancement initiatives in a dynamic manufacturing environment...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, collaborating within an Agile Scrum team to analyze data, develop algorithms, and enhance missile threat prediction capabilities. Your expertise will...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$70K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing manufacturing processes through data-driven insights and innovative solutions. Collaborate with leadership to enhance production efficiency and implement con...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Unlock potential by optimizing manufacturing processes through data analysis, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Drive efficiency and implement impactful solutions in a fast-paced environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career as a Software Engineer, supporting critical testing and integration tasks for advanced microprocessor systems. Collaborate on software testing, scripting, and hardware/software int...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $125K *

Contribute to innovative software solutions by collaborating in Agile teams, leading development activities, and tackling complex challenges throughout the software lifecycle. Bring your technical exp...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Innovate in aerospace and defense by developing mechanical systems through all product lifecycle stages. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project success and deliver advanced technol...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading multidisciplinary teams in U.S. Navy ship design, ensuring technical integration and compliance with program objectives, while fostering collaboration and innov...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Drive your career with a dynamic role in systems engineering, focusing on complex aerospace systems. Collaborate on architecture, safety analysis, and compliance while leading projects and optimizing...

2 weeks 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.