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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$104K - $194K *

Lead the development and execution of comprehensive systems test plans, ensuring integration and performance validation of aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address technic...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Empower our engineering team by designing and developing test hardware and programs. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative solutions for complex electronic systems, ensuring optimal per...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Engage in driving demand planning and forecasting excellence within aerospace and defense. Collaborate cross-functionally to manage risks, enhance processes, and ensure SIOP governance while deliverin...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $118K *

Optimize your career by contributing to secure IT systems and networks. Engage in incident response, vulnerability assessments, and the implementation of security protocols to protect vital infrastruc...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of maritime systems by providing expert engineering guidance, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring the successful development and integration of advanced technologi...

1 week ago

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

$61K - $132K *

Tackle complex challenges in radar systems maintenance and troubleshooting. Utilize your technical expertise to support testing and repairs, ensuring optimal performance of advanced military equipment...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$61K - $132K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role focused on troubleshooting and maintaining advanced Combat and Weapon Systems. Collaborate with engineers, utilize cutting-edge test equipment, and support critica...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Champion technical leadership in RF/digital hardware, driving sustainment strategies and design improvements while optimizing test processes across complex hardware portfolios in a dynamic engineering...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of flight fluid systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance reliability and efficiency while mentoring engineers. Embrace challenges in a dynami...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $196K *

Drive mission success by leading integration activities for launch systems, coordinating with stakeholders, and managing technical requirements to ensure alignment with customer needs and operational...

Yesterday

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

$130K - $160K *

Shape the future of space technology by leading the design and integration of advanced electro-optical sensor systems. Drive innovation and ensure mission success while mentoring a multi-disciplinary...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $200K *

Champion a transformative role in manufacturing operations, leading production teams to establish efficient processes and ensure safety while scaling operations from early builds to sustained producti...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$183K - $243K *

Champion the security architecture for advanced space systems, ensuring robust protection across all segments. Collaborate with engineers and government partners to translate threat intelligence into...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$141K - $236K *

Advance innovative spacecraft designs by leading mechanical engineering efforts, developing high-performance satellite systems, and managing project deliverables to support cutting-edge missions for d...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$220K - $230K *

Lead the development of advanced software solutions, leveraging your expertise in C, C++, and Java. Collaborate with a mission-driven team to enhance cryptographic systems and key management services...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$81K - $150K *

Drive the design and development of advanced RF systems and circuitry, focusing on high-frequency applications. Collaborate on hardware layout, testing, and performance analysis to ensure optimal func...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $150K *

Transform RF systems by architecting, developing, and verifying innovative solutions. Collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure compliance with requirements while managing integration and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Join a team that's redefining propulsion systems design and integration. Leverage your engineering expertise to optimize fluid systems for performance and manufacturability while collaborating across...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Develop propulsion systems designs and integration strategies, ensuring compliance and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes and resolve technical is...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining aerospace engineering by leading complex systems initiatives, driving integration and certification efforts, and mentoring engineers to achieve successful product outcome...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$105K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance cybersecurity solutions through system engineering. Collaborate on enterprise applications, document processes, and resolve user issues while ensuring high-quality stand...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $191K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative solutions in systems engineering for critical space domain missions. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure user requirements are met and capabilities are succ...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Engineer innovative FPGA designs while mentoring others and driving continuous improvement in complex defense technologies. Collaborate in a hybrid environment to support all development phases and en...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $140K *

Innovate in the design and development of U.S. Navy Navigation Systems, ensuring reliability and compliance. Lead hybrid system integration from concept to deployment while collaborating with cross-fu...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$129K - $178K *

Unlock your potential as a key player in advancing space technology. Design, implement, and maintain secure software systems and CI/CD pipelines, ensuring high-quality delivery in both cloud and on-pr...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.