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Entry Level Space Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: Kirtland AFB, NM (On-Site) JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: DoD Secret Clearance TRAVEL: 10% Astrion is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support ...

New

Overview Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: Kirtland AFB, NM (On-Site) JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: DoD Secret Clearance TRAVEL: 10% Astrion is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support ...

New

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Entry Level Space Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do entry level space systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level space systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Space Systems Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Space Systems EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineeringBachelor's in electrical, aerospace, or systems engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test space systems in labs or on-site at aerospace companiesDesign and maintain satellite systems, often in aerospace or defense sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in space agencies, aerospace firms, and defense contractorsIn satellite manufacturing, telecommunications, and defense industries

Entry Level Space Systems Engineers and Satellite Systems Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on designing and testing space or satellite systems. The main difference lies in their specific focus areas: space systems engineers work on broader space missions and spacecraft, while satellite systems engineers specialize in satellite technology and operations.

How to become an entry level space systems engineer?

To become an entry-level space systems engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in systems engineering, and familiarizing oneself with tools like MATLAB or CAD software can improve job prospects; certifications such as INCOSE's Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) may also be beneficial.

Does NASA hire entry level space systems engineers?

NASA hires entry-level space systems engineers, often requiring a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related fields. These roles may involve working with spacecraft, satellite systems, and mission planning, and sometimes require security clearances or internships for recent graduates.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Space Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Space Systems Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Space Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Space Systems Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Space Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Space Systems Engineer

Astrion

Farmington, NM

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Overview

Space Systems Engineer

LOCATION: Kirtland AFB, NM (On-Site)

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: DoD Secret Clearance

TRAVEL: 10%

Astrion is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support spacecraft engineering, satellite operations, and ground system development for the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base.

This role is ideal for junior- to mid-level engineers with experience in Orbital Mechanics, spacecraft systems engineering, satellite operations, and the spacecraft development lifecycle. The engineer will support mission planning, spacecraft development activities, and on-orbit mission operations for small satellite programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Education:

Bachelor of Science in one of the following or a related technical field:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Experience:

  • Experience with scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
  • Experience with spacecraft orbital simulation software (e.g., Systems Tool Kit (STK), FreeFlyer)
  • Experience with spacecraft development or satellite operations
  • Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and interfaces including power, communications, command and data handling, and attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)

Core Competencies:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and execute technical tasking
  • Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Ability to lead technical discussions and coordinate engineering activities
  • Strong technical documentation and organizational skills
  • Ability to develop well-documented analysis scripts and technical tools

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Professional experience in a space systems engineering or spacecraft operations role
  • Experience supporting spacecraft mission planning or on-orbit operations
  • Master’s degree in a relevant technical field

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Execute technical tasking from government engineers and program managers
  • Support spacecraft systems engineering activities including requirements management, risk tracking, architecture trades, and orbit analysis
  • Support on-orbit spacecraft operations and mission experiments
  • Serve as mission manager or technical lead for small satellite missions when assigned
  • Support the design, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft subsystems and ground systems
  • Produce engineering documentation, reports, and analysis supporting mission development and operations
  • Identify technical risks and support development of mitigation strategies
  • Support spacecraft mission planning and experiment execution

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