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Contract Spacecraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Coordinate with internal engineering teams, including systems engineering, spacecraft design, and ... We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Experience with spacecraft systems integration * Strong understanding of space mission design and ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Experience with spacecraft systems integration * Strong understanding of space mission design and ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Experience with spacecraft systems integration * Strong understanding of space mission design and ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Experience with spacecraft systems integration * Strong understanding of space mission design and ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Experience with spacecraft systems integration * Strong understanding of space mission design and ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Experience with spacecraft systems integration * Strong understanding of space mission design and ...

TAD PGS, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

We have an outstanding Contract to Hire position for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join a leading ... Lead the design of spacecraft mechanisms and deployment systems, including hinges, hold-down and ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ... Experience with spacecraft systems integration * Strong understanding of space mission design and ...

Aegis Aerospace

Mission Design Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

Under the Deep Space Logistics Engineering Support contract, employees provide engineering support ... Provide trajectory products supporting spacecraft mission design and analysis for Deep Space ...

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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.
Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer Intern (Fall 2026)

Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer Intern (Fall 2026)

Astranis

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$29/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe- large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world's best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer Intern (Fall 2026)
Internships at Astranis typically last for twelve weeks, and are hourly roles designed for students who are currently enrolled at a four-year university.
As an Intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems - we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on challenging projects, no matter their seniority. Many past interns have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first satellite, and many of them are now full-time employees at Astranis.
If you have already graduated from a four-year university, please apply to be an Associate Engineer.
Role
  • Work with the Guidance, Navigation, and Control team to design, build, and test satellite software and hardware
Requirements
  • Currently pursuing a B.S. in a technical discipline (e.g. engineering, CS, physics) with a focus on control systems, orbital mechanics, or spacecraft design
  • Familiarity with control theory and/or estimation methods
  • Experience with python and/or C/C++
  • Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test software and/or hardware from scratch
Bonus
  • Familiarity with spacecraft design
  • Experience with low thrust trajectories

The base pay for this position is $29.00 per hour.
Base Hourly Pay
$29-$29 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

Apply