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 *
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
Systems Engineer for GNC Requirements and Interfaces
$75K - $156K *
Champion the development and management of GN&C system requirements & interfaces, focusing on strategic defense and autonomous systems within a robust model-based engineering framework to drive innova...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II
$132K - $198K *
Lead the charge in spacecraft propulsion systems engineering, overseeing system and component development, performance analysis, and project management while mentoring team members and ensuring excell...
Today
Senior Space Electronics Systems Engineer
$130K - $180K *
Lead the design and development of mission-critical electronic subsystems, collaborating across teams to ensure reliable, radiation-tolerant electronics meet stringent specifications and performance s...
5 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Transform ground systems engineering by guiding acquisitions and enhancing digital methods. Collaborate across teams to deliver responsive architectures, ensuring mission success while shaping advance...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive the evolution of ground system architectures for mission-critical projects, ensuring alignment with enterprise-level strategies. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative engineering soluti...
1 month ago
Lead Systems Engineer, Ground Systems
$160K - $285K *
Unlock potential by leading the systems engineering execution of satellite command and control ground systems. Drive mission requirements, oversee integration, and ensure operational readiness for nat...
2 weeks ago
Lead Systems Engineer, Ground Systems
$160K - $285K *
Elevate the future of satellite command and control systems by leading engineering efforts, ensuring mission success through rigorous requirements management, integration, and validation across critic...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Innovate in space power systems by leading multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced technologies for national security missions. Collaborate with government and industry experts to enhance spacecra...
1 week ago
Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space power systems through innovative engineering and collaboration with military and government partners, driving advancements in nuclear and solar technolog...
1 week ago
Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Advance national security missions by leading the development of space power systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to innovate and implement cutting-edge technologies, ensuring successful project ex...
1 week ago
Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced space power systems engineering initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive technology development and support national security missions through innovati...
1 week ago
Multi-Domain Sensing Engineer/Model Simulation Analyst
$180K - $230K *
Analyze and develop missile warning and tracking models, employing M&S tools and techniques. Collaborate with internal and external teams, recommending improvements to systems while ensuring effective...
1 month ago
$200K - $240K *
Transform the future of space technology by providing expert oversight on RF payload development, ensuring mission success through innovative solutions and collaboration with contractors and customers...
2 days ago
Manager Systems Engineering 2 - RFEW SEIT
$153K - $230K *
Lead the charge in guiding a Systems Engineering team, balancing functional management with hands-on program execution, driving technical excellence across multiple initiatives in the Electronic Warfa...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Space Staff System Safety Engineer
$161K - $241K *
Shape the future of spacecraft safety by defining and implementing system safety requirements, assessing hazards, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure mission reliability and comp...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by leading systems engineering for a major platform program, ensuring rigorous management of architecture, requirements, and verification from concep...
3 weeks ago
Lead Systems Engineer Western Range
$180K - $220K *
Transform the future of space launch systems by leading complex engineering initiatives, ensuring seamless integration and operational excellence across cross-functional teams while driving modernizat...
5 days ago
Lead Systems Engineer Western Range
$130K - $155K *
Drive system modernization and digital transformation for space launch ranges. Lead cross-functional teams in defining architecture, ensuring compliance, and delivering high-quality solutions to enhan...
6 days ago
Lead Systems Engineer Western Range
$130K - $155K *
Drive modernization efforts for space launch ranges, ensuring mission success through systems architecture, integration, and operational excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver...
6 days ago
$94K - $120K *
Transform the future of In-Flight Entertainment by designing, configuring, and testing cutting-edge applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance system performance and deliver innovative s...
Today
Ground Systems Engineer - Millennium Space Systems
$118K - $215K *
Shape the future of ground systems engineering by designing, developing, and integrating mission control systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful launches and sustain systems throughout th...
Reposted 4 days ago
$145K - $269K *
Lead the charge in providing strategic technical leadership and guidance across critical Systems Engineering domains, ensuring effective collaboration and execution of portfolio-level processes to dri...
1 week ago
Space Flight Operations - Engineer/Principal Engineer Systems (AHT)
$87K - $131K *
Drive satellite operations and engineering solutions for national defense, analyzing telemetry, developing scripts, and optimizing performance across the lifecycle of space systems. Join a team dedica...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Space Systems Program Manager SME
$180K - $260K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space capabilities through expert program management and acquisition support. Leverage your leadership and technical skills to drive innovative solutions in a...
5 days 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.