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.
Systems Integration/Test Engineer Stf - E4
$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
Systems Integration/Test Engineer Stf - E4
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Principal Fluid Systems Engineer
$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
$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
Principal Engineer, Space Payloads
$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
Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations
$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
System Security Engineer, Space
$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
Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II
$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
Senior Software Engineer/System Engineer
$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
$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
$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
Propulsion Systems Design Engineer 3
$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
Propulsion Systems Design Engineer 3
$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
Sr Advanced Systems Integration Engineer
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Software Engineer III - DevOps/DevSecOps
$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
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.