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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$131K - $237K *

Lead the charge in shaping systems engineering excellence for a high-impact program. Drive technical strategy, mentor teams, and ensure optimal system performance while tackling enterprise-scale chall...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of systems engineering by providing technical leadership and mentoring for high-performing teams. Drive innovation and excellence in cloud-based applications whil...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Pioneer engineering excellence by leading systems architecture and strategy for a high-impact application. Drive innovation, mentor teams, and enhance system performance while ensuring reliability and...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Engage as a Systems Engineering SME, providing technical leadership and strategic direction for enterprise-scale applications. Mentor teams, troubleshoot complex issues, and drive continuous improveme...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Lead the charge in shaping technical strategy as a Systems Engineering SME, driving excellence in cloud-based applications while mentoring high-performing teams and ensuring system reliability and per...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Lead the charge in shaping the future of systems engineering for a high-impact program. Utilize your expertise to influence technical strategy, mentor teams, and ensure engineering excellence while ta...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Champion engineering excellence and lead systems architecture for critical applications while mentoring high-performing teams and driving technical strategy in a dynamic environment...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Redefine systems engineering excellence by leading technical strategy, mentoring teams, and driving innovation in complex applications. Manage system performance while collaborating with cross-functio...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Reimagine the future of systems engineering by leading a high-impact team. Utilize your expertise to influence technical strategy, mentor engineers, and ensure system excellence. Collaborate across fu...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Transform enterprise-scale challenges by leading systems engineering efforts, shaping technical strategy, and mentoring teams for mission-critical applications. Ensure systems excellence and drive inn...

Garden City, NYIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Reimagine systems engineering by guiding cross-functional teams to innovate and optimize mission-critical applications, ensuring excellence in architecture, reliability, and performance while mentorin...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$131K - $237K *

Drive the future of systems engineering by leading technical strategy, mentoring teams, and enhancing enterprise-scale mission-critical applications to ensure operational excellence and innovation thr...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$94K - $129K *

Unlock potential by ensuring the health and performance of satellite fleets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on complex missions, leveraging expertise in spacecraft operations to achieve missi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $158K *

Elevate spacecraft operations by ensuring optimal performance and safety of satellites. Collaborate across teams to enhance mission execution, leveraging automation and software solutions for diverse...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $118K *

Champion innovative modeling and simulation solutions for ICBM accuracy, collaborating with a diverse engineering team to enhance the Sentinel program's performance and reliability through advanced an...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $106K *

Help us shape the future of space technology by supporting mission design and analysis projects. Collaborate with senior engineers to define mission parameters, conduct simulations, and communicate fi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $106K *

Support mission design and analysis projects by collaborating with senior engineers. Analyze mission parameters, create models, and communicate findings to enhance spacecraft development and performan...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $157K *

Drive innovation in testing methodologies as a key member of our team, leading the verification and validation of advanced systems. Collaborate on Air Traffic Control modernization initiatives, utiliz...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$87K - $157K *

Lead the charge in testing advanced systems for Air Traffic Control modernization. Design and implement test frameworks, ensuring safety and performance standards while leveraging AI and ML techniques...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$137K - $188K *

Drive the design and development of complex electrical systems, leading projects and collaborating with diverse teams while mentoring engineers and ensuring compliance with industry standards for inno...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$137K - $188K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and development of complex electrical systems. Collaborate on advanced projects, mentor engineers, and ensure technical excellence in cutting-edge electrical e...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$169K - $253K *

Develop innovative mechanical solutions for complex naval systems; engage in design, integration, and testing while collaborating with a diverse team to meet project goals and deliver exceptional resu...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$139K - $208K *

Lead a dynamic team in overseeing Nuclear Hardness & Survivability design support, ensuring compliance with hostile environments while managing resources and fostering collaboration across segments to...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to design and integrate electrical systems for spacecraft propulsion. Collaborate across subsystems, lead hardware design, and ensure reliability in challenging environments from c...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Empower the future of aviation by designing and implementing engineering processes and PLM capabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance design workflows and ensure compliance, driving innova...

3 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.