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Contract Spacecraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Launch Support SME

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

... contract award KBR is looking for a Launch Support SME to join our Hemisphere team. Candidates will possess technical expertise in end-to-end spacecraft design and the entire launch process from ...

Launch Support SME

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

... contract award KBR is looking for a Launch Support SME to join our Hemisphere team. Candidates will possess technical expertise in end-to-end spacecraft design and the entire launch process from ...

We have an outstanding Contract to Hire position for a Harness Design Engineer to join a leading ... Designs will interconnect the electronics and power subsystem within the spacecraft. Interconnected ...

We have an outstanding Contract to Hire position for a Harness Design Engineer to join a leading ... Designs will interconnect the electronics and power subsystem within the spacecraft. Interconnected ...

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... You'll support the entire program lifecycle - from early proposal phases through spacecraft design ...

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... You'll support the entire program lifecycle - from early proposal phases through spacecraft design ...

... both flight spacecraft and developmental use. This includes working with mechanical and electrical design engineering teams to execute a rigorous design process, and working with contract ...

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Contract Spacecraft Design information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do contract spacecraft design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Launch Support SME with Security Clearance

Launch Support SME with Security Clearance

KBR

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Launch Support SME Launch Support SME Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security. Why Join Us? * Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
* Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
* Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense. This is a contingent position based upon contract award KBR is looking for a Launch Support SME to join our Hemisphere team. Candidates will possess technical expertise in end-to-end spacecraft design and the entire launch process from planning to execution to include, but not limited to, preparations for launch, launch processing, and launch operations. Candidate will be an integral participant in spacecraft to launch vehicle requirements, interface development, system integration, and validation and verification through extensive testing. Additional key areas of focus include spacecraft integration to new launch vehicle interfaces, reviewing and assessing launch planning; reviewing operations and safety documentation; verifying interface requirements; monitoring of factory and launch site operations; assisting in preparation and training of customer's launch team; and participating in operations, training, and pre-launch activities. Successful candidates will have a deep understanding of external factors such as contamination control, spacecraft preparations for transport to launch facility, and launch base processing and operations to include flight operations of space vehicles and the launch exercises necessary for launch team preparations. Responsibilities Include: * Reviews and coordinates changes to specifications, ICDs, and system level requirements documentation for spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces and integration
* Tracks development issues and serves as an active participant SME in unit, subsystem, and system level design reviews
* Supports launch and spacecraft on-orbit test as required
* Identifies and assesses emerging risks and develops and evaluates proposed burn-down plans
* Reviews developer's readiness to proceed into spacecraft test at various levels of assembly
* Collaborates with Government leadership team on integration roadblocks and risk mitigation plans for successful mission execution with launch schedules Required Qualifications: * Active TS clearance w/ SCI eligibility
* Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major
* Over 15 years of space launch experience (launch vehicle design, build, and test)
* Experience with classified spacecraft assembly, spacecraft transportation, and launch base processing integration and test Desired Qualifications: * Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major with over 12 years of experience in space launch (launch vehicle, design, build, and test)
* Strong attention to detail with extensive understanding of end-to-end launch preparations, execution, test, and all required integration of interfaces
* Experience and familiarity in DoD and IC acquisition and program management processes
* Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplined engineering teams at all levels of the customer organization to deliver results
* Strong networking, interpersonal, customer service skills, team building and problem-solving skills with an ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment Basic Compensation: $160,000 - $220,000 annually (This range is for the CA area only) The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity. Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together. KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998