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Contract Spacecraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer V

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for a potential upcoming contract positioned onsite ... Conduct spacecraft subsystem design, mission analysis, concept of operations development, and ...

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Spacecraft Design Engineer * Systems Integration Engineer * etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

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 ...

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 ...

Space Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Spacecraft Design information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do contract spacecraft design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Contract Spacecraft Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Columbus Technologies

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$110.21 - $150.16/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Regular Full-Time Professional Pasadena, CA, US

10 days ago Requisition ID: 1022

Salary Range: $80.00 To $109.00 Hourly

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Citizen
Duration - 6 month contract position with potential to be extended or converted
W2 with full benefits
Customer and contract specific training will be required and provided.
Location - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (onsite)
Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen
Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an opportunity to be a Mechanical Design Engineer in the Engineering Design group at JPL, which engages in the engineering and design of advanced spacecraft, instruments and robotic mechanisms for exploration of the solar system.

  • Performing as a Design Engineer for JPL on a spacecraft, instrument or robotic project.
  • Creating complex CAD models, assemblies and engineering drawings.
  • Working with world class engineers and participating on teams in a highly collaborative environment.
  • Developing and running configuration trades on the mechanical system of a spacecraft project.
  • Interfacing with space science experts, analysts, manufacturing engineers, and project staff.
  • Performing conceptual spacecraft design for feasibility and cost estimates of future missions.
REQUIRED SKILLS

Experience and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Mechanical design of spacecraft primary and secondary structures, mechanisms and instruments.
  • Engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools such as Siemens NX (preferred), CATIA or Creo.
  • Creating engineering drawings using the ASME Y14.100-2017 standard.
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) using ASME Y14.5-2018.
  • Application of advanced principles, theories, concepts and techniques in solving mechanical engineering problems.
  • Adept at performing trade studies and developing conceptual configurations.
  • Aerospace fabrication processes.
  • PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) tools such as Teamcenter (preferred), Enovia or Windchill.
DESIRED SKILLS
  • TS/SCI

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

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