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.
$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
$110K - $204K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on developing cutting-edge software solutions for mission-critical systems. Collaborate across disciplines to design, integrate, and troubleshoot...
1 week ago
$110K - $204K *
Elevate software development by designing, documenting, and debugging innovative solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure standards are met while addressing complex business challenges through effe...
1 week ago
$110K - $204K *
Contribute to the development and support of cutting-edge ground software for advanced satellite systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and enhance software capabilities, ens...
1 week ago
$98K - $182K *
Elevate your career by developing high-fidelity simulation capabilities for joint-force training. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and validate advanced radar models and...
2 weeks ago
Sr Principal Engineer Mechanical - Space AHT
$98K - $148K *
Elevate engineering excellence by leading design efforts in a dynamic Agile environment, performing finite element analysis, and mentoring junior engineers to ensure high-quality hardware solutions fo...
Yesterday
Manager, Mechanical Engineering
$158K - $189K *
Lead and inspire a high-performing mechanical engineering team, driving innovation and technical excellence across aerospace programs. Shape strategic initiatives and ensure successful project executi...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive the modernization of military GPS/PNT systems by providing expert systems engineering support, collaborating with stakeholders to evaluate solutions, and addressing integration challenges for ad...
Yesterday
Application Software Engineer, Manufacturing Systems
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of aerospace by developing mission-critical software solutions that enhance production and operational efficiency. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges and...
3 weeks ago
$91K - $181K *
Join a team that's redefining radar technology by designing, integrating, and testing high-performance systems. Leverage your analytical skills in a dynamic environment to deliver innovative solutions...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape your career by leading digital engineering transformation and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) initiatives. Drive innovation and collaboration across complex systems to enhance mission eff...
1 week ago
$169K - $253K *
Lead the development and verification of calibration modes for RF sensors, ensuring operational readiness and performance verification. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to refine algorithms a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in structural analysis for aerospace programs, ensuring designs meet performance and safety standards. Drive technical excellence, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to del...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive the design and development of cutting-edge hypersonic flight vehicles and launch systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to optimize aerodynamic performance through advanced modeling...
6 days ago
Senior Manufacturing Engineer- Payloads
$140K - $179K *
Engineer your career by leading the manufacturing of mission-critical payload systems. Collaborate with design teams and customers to ensure high-quality assembly processes for groundbreaking space mi...
3 weeks ago
MBSE Engineer (III to Senior), Space & Missile Defense Systems
$105K - $195K *
Lead the charge in developing and governing MBSE models for complex space and missile defense programs, ensuring compliance with DoD standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhanc...
3 weeks ago
Senior Program Manager, Space & Mission Systems
$180K - $285K *
Oversee multiple initiatives to deliver advanced satellite communication solutions, ensuring effective program execution through disciplined management of cost, schedule, and risk while fostering stro...
Yesterday
$109K - $126K *
Unlock potential by leading Edifecs application support, ensuring operational stability and strategic alignment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive modernization and optimize EDI process...
Today
$109K - $126K *
Join a team that's redefining systems engineering by leading Edifecs application support, ensuring operational excellence, and driving strategic initiatives in a dynamic cloud environment. Collaborate...
Today
$109K - $126K *
Lead the charge in optimizing EDI operations by managing the Edifecs platform, ensuring compliance and scalability while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and dri...
Today
$109K - $126K *
Transform the Edifecs application support landscape by leading operational stability, scalability, and compliance efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive architecture decisions and o...
Today
$109K - $126K *
Lead the Edifecs application support team, ensuring operational stability and strategic alignment while managing technical oversight, staffing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive m...
Today
MK2 GN&C Systems Responsible Engineer - Lunar Permanence
$197K - $276K *
Elevate human spaceflight by leading GN&C systems engineering for lunar landers. Collaborate across teams to define requirements, perform analyses, and ensure subsystem performance, contributing to su...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineering Team Lead
$160K - $210K *
Take ownership of a dynamic team of engineers, driving innovation in spacecraft compute, networking, and power systems. Collaborate across disciplines to push the boundaries of technology and ensure s...
3 weeks ago
$115K - $155K *
Drive the integration of external data services for a complex system, ensuring traceability and compliance across multiple classification levels. Collaborate with architects and engineers to deliver r...
Yesterday
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.