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Contract Spacecraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Velos

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer ...

Velos

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer ...

Velos

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer ...

Velos

Spacecraft Designer/Analyst

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... ensure the design and method of implementation will result in satisfied users. Education ...

Velos

Spacecraft Designer/Analyst

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... ensure the design and method of implementation will result in satisfied users. Education ...

Velos

Spacecraft Engineer II and III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer ...

Velos

Spacecraft Engineer II and III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer ...

Velos

Spacecraft Engineer II and III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer ...

Velos

Spacecraft Designer/Analyst

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... ensure the design and method of implementation will result in satisfied users. Education ...

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All JobsContract Spacecraft Design Jobs

Contract Spacecraft Design information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do contract spacecraft design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract spacecraft design in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Spacecraft Design vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectContract Spacecraft DesignSatellite Systems Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degrees, specialized in aerospace or mechanical engineeringEngineering degrees, often with focus on systems engineering or aerospace
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often contract roles with multiple clientsFull-time or contract, within satellite manufacturing or space agencies
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, defense, and space sectorsIn satellite development, space agencies, and aerospace companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Contract Spacecraft Design professionals focus on designing spacecraft on a project basis, often working with multiple clients and specialized in spacecraft architecture. Satellite Systems Engineers work on integrating and managing satellite systems within organizations, often with a broader systems engineering role. While both roles require aerospace engineering credentials and work within the space industry, Contract Spacecraft Design emphasizes project-based design work, whereas Satellite Systems Engineers focus on system integration and operation.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of spacecraft design, senior aerospace engineers or lead systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior management or executive roles. Such high compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives in large aerospace or defense companies.

How much does a spacecraft designer make?

A spacecraft designer typically earns between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in CAD software, systems engineering, or project management can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace hubs or government agencies.

What is the highest paying job in the space industry?

In the space industry, senior roles such as spacecraft program managers, aerospace engineers with extensive experience, and executive positions like chief technology officers tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and years of experience, and they may oversee large projects or company operations.

Does NASA still hire engineers?

Yes, NASA continues to hire engineers, including those specializing in spacecraft design, to support its ongoing space missions and research. Candidates typically need relevant degrees, technical skills, and experience with aerospace systems and tools like CAD software. NASA's job openings are posted on USAJOBS and require security clearances for certain positions.
More about Contract Spacecraft Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Spacecraft Design jobs? Cities with the most Contract Spacecraft Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Spacecraft Design jobs? The most popular types of Spacecraft Design jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Spacecraft Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Spacecraft Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Spacecraft Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Spacecraft Design jobs are:
Contract Spacecraft Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Spacecraft Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Spacecraft System Engineer

Spacecraft System Engineer

Velos

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Velos is a full-service engineering and technical services company supporting agencies such as the DoD NASA, and NOAA. As an SBA-certified HUBZone small business, Velos combines agile and highly skilled engineering and technical support-delivering unmatched execution to our customers. Our government relations consulting business area allows us to represent and support leaders in the defense, aerospace, intelligence, and related industries with decades of experience in market analysis and strategic planning.

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) SSHINE contract.

Spacecraft System Engineer:

Qualified candidates are knowledgeable Spacecraft Systems Engineers, preferably with experience working on classified programs.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Leads system engineering activities of spacecraft and instrument systems, including mechanical, thermal, cryogenic, electrical, and other subsystems systems. Plans, designs, develops, evaluates, tests, and integrates spacecraft and instrument systems, including the implementation and design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer requirements. Defines system and product requirements; and generates mechanical, electrical, and software performance and reliability specifications and requirements. Creates and maintains programmatic and technical documentation to insure efficient planning and execution. Manages and documents system configurations and oversees all transitions into production. Performs troubleshooting and remediation, ensures successful project implementation, and performs post project end user support.

Education Requirements:

  • 10+ years of experience with BS degree or 5+ years of experience with MS degree or 0+ years of experience with PhD degree.

Clearance Requirements:

  • TS with ability to obtain SCI.
  • Please Note: U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

Velos offers a competitive benefits package including PTO, 401K, and health benefits.

Velos is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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