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.
Sentinel - Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (GN&C) - 20066
$98K - $184K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by providing critical Systems Engineering support for Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure su...
2 days ago
Mechanical Design Engineer I/II - Space
$90K - $150K *
Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to design and develop innovative hardware for space nuclear systems, ensuring integration and performance across missions to the Moon and Mars. Drive requirem...
1 week ago
Aerospace Engineer, Ground Systems
$110K - $132K *
Elevate your career by providing critical aerospace engineering support for advanced space systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance missile warning and defense capabilities through innovativ...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer II - Secret Clearance
$151K - $252K *
Shape the future of spacecraft by developing and testing avionics hardware. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams throughout the entire electrical hardware development process, from design to prod...
Today
Senior Communications Systems Engineer - Lunar Permanence
$144K - $201K *
Transform the future of lunar exploration by leading the design and integration of communication systems for spacecraft. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure advanced communication subs...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Communications Systems Engineer - Lunar Permanence
$156K - $219K *
Develop communication system designs for advanced spacecraft architectures, leading trade studies and integration efforts for lunar missions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive subsystem...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Communications Systems Engineer - Lunar Permanence
$144K - $219K *
Lead the development of innovative communication systems for space missions, integrating technologies and guiding multi-functional teams to enhance spacecraft communications. Drive technical excellenc...
Reposted yesterday
Principal Systems Modeling Simulation Engineer
$114K - $171K *
Develop high-fidelity system performance models and simulations, leading technical teams to enhance system capabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze data and communicate results effective...
4 days ago
Principal Cyber Systems Engineer/Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer
$125K - $234K *
Elevate cybersecurity standards by designing and implementing robust security controls. Collaborate with a dynamic team to assess vulnerabilities and enhance system performance, ensuring compliance wi...
3 weeks ago
Systems Integration/Test Engineering Associate Manager
$104K - $194K *
Elevate your career by managing integration and testing of aerospace systems, leading teams, and ensuring seamless operations. Drive process improvements and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to...
2 weeks ago
$91K - $181K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing Anti-Tamper solutions, ensuring the security of sensitive systems. You'll lead technical planning, manage risks, and engage with customers to address concern...
Today
Engineering Supervisor, System Maintenance
$120K *
Lead and mentor a team of system maintenance engineers, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with safety and quality standards while supporting NASA and partner projects at Kennedy Space Cen...
3 days ago
Systems Engineer 6 (AI-focused)
$130K - $155K *
Drive innovation in systems engineering by applying expertise across the full system life cycle, focusing on AI, cloud engineering, and security. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical inte...
2 weeks ago
Orbital Warfare Test Range Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Join a dynamic team to lead projects in orbital warfare systems, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver innovative training capabilities for U.S. Space Force. Utilize your expertise in engineering...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and delivery of missile support equipment and simulators. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration and testing, while mentorin...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $105K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a systems engineer, collaborating with cross-functional teams to modernize strategic submarine fleet initiatives, ensuring national security through advanced design and...
Yesterday
Grounding and Bonding Engineer Principal
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining space engineering by owning the grounding and bonding architecture for a cutting-edge space station, ensuring safety and reliability across complex electrical systems and...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer, Infrastructure
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in electrical design for innovative rocket infrastructure. Collaborate with a lean team to shape power distribution, ensuring safe and efficient operations from concept to launch...
2 weeks ago
Space Staff Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer
$177K - $265K *
Unlock potential by leading EMI/EMC design and compliance efforts across the product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance and E3 standards while mentoring ju...
4 days ago
Senior Model-Based Systems Engineer
$105K - $175K *
Drive innovation by leading complex engineering tasks and guiding cross-functional teams in model-based systems engineering, ensuring successful integration and performance across aircraft and weapons...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing complex PCB layouts, collaborating with clients to meet specifications, conducting signal integrity analysis, and ensuring optimal performance through rigorous validation...
6 days ago
$83K - $115K *
Shape the future by analyzing and enhancing business systems to improve service quality and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions, support software environments, a...
3 weeks ago
Spaceflight Battery Hardware Project Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of innovative spaceflight battery projects, collaborating with diverse teams to design, test, and validate hardware systems that support deep space exploration and enhance life on Earth...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Advance your career by managing and securing Linux-based enterprise systems. This role involves system administration, automation, and operational support for mission-critical environments, ensuring o...
Yesterday
Systems Integration/Test Engineer Stf - E4
$104K - $194K *
Unlock potential by leading the integration and testing of complex systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop test plans, analyze results, and ensure system performance meets contractual requi...
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.