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/Principal Systems Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance the EA-18G Growler's electronic warfare systems through software integration testing and systems engineering, driving innovation in airborne electronic attac...
1 week ago
$74K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space systems by developing and integrating advanced avionics for spacecraft and launch vehicles. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful system de...
Today
Satellite Subsystem Systems Engineer
$108K - $130K *
Unlock the potential of cutting-edge satellite technology in a collaborative role focused on subsystem design, integration, and testing to enhance mission performance and ensure operational success th...
4 weeks ago
Sr Systems Engineer - Satellite Ground Systems (Clearance Required)
$143K - $197K *
Address complex challenges in ground system engineering, integrating cutting-edge solutions while collaborating with teams to ensure swift, effective missile defense operations through robust systems...
4 weeks ago
Sr Systems Engineer - Satellite Ground Systems (Clearance Required)
$143K - $197K *
Transform complex ground system solutions while leading cross-functional teams to ensure rapid system integration and verification for critical missile defense missions, championing best Systems Engin...
4 weeks ago
$82K - $113K *
Analyze and develop technical budgets, requirements, and test plans for spacecraft missions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the engineering process and ensure successful satellite an...
Today
Sr. Structures Design Engineer
$104K - $173K *
Optimize spacecraft structures by leading design efforts, generating detailed drawings, and collaborating with a skilled team to enhance engineering processes and support innovative projects in aerosp...
3 weeks ago
Systems Integration Engineer, Senior
$110K - $130K *
Join us in enhancing systems integration for military aircraft, ensuring operational safety and effectiveness. Leverage your engineering expertise to support lifecycle management and compliance with a...
1 week ago
Propulsion Systems Engineer II
$118K - $143K *
Join our dynamic team to design and analyze cutting-edge chemical propulsion systems, ensuring successful integration and testing for advanced aerospace missions. Your expertise will drive innovation...
Today
$116K - $142K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of signal processing and geolocation systems. Lead requirements development, system architecture, and risk mitigation in a dynamic R&D environment, collaborating...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer Space Systems Development
$126K - $152K *
Drive the future of remote sensing by supporting mission design and system integration for a proliferated spacecraft constellation. Collaborate across teams to enhance monitoring and reporting capabil...
2 weeks ago
$113K - $156K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to lead advanced systems engineering tasks, including requirements engineering, integration, and risk management. Mentor junior engineers while driving project...
5 days ago
$79K - $118K *
Champion innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, driving technical excellence and collaboration in mission-critical projects. Lead teams in systems engineering practices, ensuring quality and comp...
1 week ago
Principal Systems Engineer (Secret Clearance)
$114K - $171K *
Help us transform mission planning solutions as a Principal Systems Engineer, driving Agile development and engineering analysis to create innovative capabilities and ensure compliance with standards...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Systems-14019-1
$98K - $147K *
Advance your career by assessing hardware security threats and ensuring robust protection strategies. Collaborate with teams to enhance program security and contribute to critical defense initiatives...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of spacecraft design by leading thermal and structural analysis, guiding critical decisions from requirements to flight hardware qualification, and ensuring optimal performance throug...
Today
MBSE Engineer for Space System Application
$75K - $156K *
Lead a multidisciplinary team to develop system concepts and architectures for innovative space applications, employing Model Based Systems Engineering to enhance system performance and compliance thr...
6 days ago
Integration & Test Lead Systems Engineer
$104K - $194K *
Join our team to lead the development of advanced processing systems, ensuring technical integrity and quality. Drive innovation through model-based engineering and Agile practices while managing stak...
Today
$150K - $200K *
Transform your career by leading spacecraft vehicle-level verification and testing. Engage early in development to ensure readiness for integration, collaborating with experts to define and execute co...
2 days ago
Engineering Project Lead – Spaceflight Systems & Operations
$120K - $145K *
Drive your career forward by leading multidisciplinary engineering projects for spaceflight systems. Oversee hardware development and integration, ensuring successful project execution and collaborati...
6 days ago
Principal Systems Engineer - Velocity Satellite Integration (Clearance Required)
$173K - $238K *
Pioneer advanced system solutions as a Principal Systems Engineer, leading integration and verification efforts for critical national security missions. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure coh...
3 days ago
Principal Systems Engineer - Velocity Satellite Integration (Clearance Required)
$173K - $238K *
Transform the future of space technology by leading systems engineering initiatives. Collaborate with a dedicated team to integrate and verify advanced satellite systems, ensuring mission success and...
3 days ago
Systems Engineering Specialist
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by leading the technical direction of advanced systems. Design, implement, and validate algorithms while collaborating across teams to enhance performance and reliability in a dyna...
5 days ago
Senior Training Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of Air Force training systems by providing expert systems engineering support across the entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness while collaborating with d...
2 weeks ago
Systems / Principal Systems Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Join a dynamic team to design, integrate, and enhance cutting-edge systems solutions. Collaborate with engineers and clients to ensure successful hardware and software integration while conducting tes...
Reposted 2 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.