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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$71K - $105K *

Develop and lead the evolution of telemetry systems for NASA, ensuring secure, scalable solutions for mission operations. Collaborate across teams to modernize infrastructure and provide technical men...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $255K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space operations through expert integration, systems design, and tactical analysis, ensuring seamless capabilities for mission success and operational excellen...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $225K *

Transform the dynamics and loads analysis for a reusable aerospace vehicle, ensuring its structural integrity through rigorous testing and collaboration across engineering teams, from concept to produ...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $142K *

Drive systems engineering excellence by supporting the full lifecycle of complex hardware and software systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate user needs into technical specifica...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $119K *

Lead the charge in applying engineering principles to develop and enhance military weapons systems, ensuring mission success through effective systems integration and management in a dynamic environme...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$74K - $130K *

Engage with cutting-edge cloud technologies to ensure system health, security, and compliance. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage infrastructure, automate processes, and drive operational excell...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Lead the integration and verification of communication payload products, driving architecture definition and test execution. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality and traceability, while mentoring...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$170K - $195K *

Drive integration and testing of complex ground systems in mission-critical environments. Lead technical efforts, mentor engineers, and ensure successful software integration for advanced defense comm...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$87K - $135K *

Drive your career forward by leading systems engineering for a cloud-based enterprise system. Engage in architecture development, integration, and modernization efforts while ensuring security and ope...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining infrastructure management in a hybrid cloud environment. Leverage your expertise to lead Tier-2 support, ensuring operational readiness and security across multi-cloud pl...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $251K *

Shape the future of spacecraft systems by designing and optimizing GNC subsystems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance meets rigorous standards, while leading a talented grou...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on advanced radar systems. Engage in evaluations, troubleshooting, and algorithm optimization while collaborating with industry experts in a governme...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $193K *

Explore a pivotal role in missile defense systems, analyzing test data and supporting software validation. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance operational capabilities for U.S. defense leaders...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$124K - $186K *

Join a team that's redefining aerospace manufacturing by leading advanced fusion welding processes for the Terran-R launch vehicle, ensuring quality and compliance while mentoring engineers and drivin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead systems engineering efforts for space vehicle development, ensuring integration and verification align with national security objectives. Collaborate across teams to manage requirements and drive...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $251K *

Innovate and optimize the total system lifecycle through tech planning, design, and integration. Collaborate on software development and ensure alignment with cybersecurity standards while translating...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $210K *

Collaborate to drive the mechanical deployment testing of large deployable antenna structures. Engage in hands-on testing, data analysis, and troubleshooting to ensure reliable performance and complia...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$156K - $215K *

Transform your career by designing and developing innovative software solutions for advanced space systems. Collaborate with a skilled team to architect complex applications while providing technical...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Drive systems engineering excellence by gathering data and creating essential documentation for the HPDA PMO. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical integrity and quality throughout the sys...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $129K *

Champion innovative solutions as you engage in systems engineering, integrating requirements and conducting analysis with minimal supervision. Collaborate with teams to support project objectives and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$156K - $215K *

Elevate your career by designing and maintaining secure CI/CD pipelines and software systems. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes in both cloud and on-premises environments, ensuring high-qua...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $205K *

Advance your career by coordinating sensor integration across multiple agencies, ensuring compatibility and promoting messaging standards. Contribute to the system development lifecycle while engaging...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$98K - $182K *

Join a dynamic team to design, develop, and test innovative software solutions. Collaborate across technical and non-technical teams, applying Agile methodologies to enhance complex systems and ensure...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $182K *

Empower a dynamic team by leveraging your expertise in Windows and Linux systems. Drive innovation through troubleshooting, automation, and CI/CD practices while ensuring optimal performance and secur...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $204K *

Advance software development by designing, testing, and debugging solutions. Collaborate across teams to ensure standards are met while applying expertise in C++, Linux, and multi-threaded application...

Yesterday

  •   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.