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Exploration System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prototyping System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $277K/yr

In this 0-to-1 role, you will be at the forefront of early-stage product exploration, operating at ... Description As a Home Prototyping System Engineer, you will be responsible for the electrical ...

$125 - $150/hr

... explore the opportunity to continue this important mission with us. We also welcome interest from ... The systems engineer is part of technical team and will assist with integrating new missions into ...

Come explore one of our many opportunities and grow with us! How you'll make an Impact As a Systems Engineer, you will be the accountable owner for IT operations governance as well as onsite day-to ...

Mission System Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $172K/yr

Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI Employee Type: Regular ... You'll bring automation ideas forward and explore new ways to automate systems and processes. Join ...

Come explore one of our many opportunities and grow with us! How you'll make an Impact As a Systems Engineer, you will be the accountable owner for IT operations governance as well as onsite day-to ...

Mission System Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $172K/yr

Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI Employee Type: Regular ... You'll bring automation ideas forward and explore new ways to automate systems and processes. Join ...

Mission System Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$82K - $172K/yr

Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI Employee Type: Regular ... You'll bring automation ideas forward and explore new ways to automate systems and processes. Join ...

Showing results 41-60

Exploration System Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do exploration system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for exploration system 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 an exploration system engineer?

Exploration System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and manage complex systems used for exploration missions, such as those in space, underwater, or in remote terrestrial environments. They integrate various subsystems, ensure reliability, and solve technical challenges related to mission requirements. Their work involves collaboration with scientists, engineers, and mission planners to ensure that exploration vehicles and equipment operate safely and effectively in challenging conditions.

How does an exploration system engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during mission development?

Exploration System Engineers regularly work alongside scientists, software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers to design and integrate subsystems for space missions. Effective collaboration is essential, especially during mission planning and system integration phases, where clear communication ensures that engineering solutions meet scientific objectives and technical constraints. Team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional workshops are common, allowing engineers to align on requirements, troubleshoot integration issues, and innovate together. This collaborative environment helps ensure mission success and provides opportunities for professional growth through exposure to diverse expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exploration system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exploration System Engineer, you need a robust background in systems engineering, spacecraft operations, and physical sciences, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with engineering modeling tools (such as MATLAB or Simulink), mission planning software, and industry certifications like INCOSE are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to rapidly changing mission requirements. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing, integrating, and operating complex systems that ensure mission success in challenging exploration environments.

What are popular job titles related to Exploration System Engineer jobs?

For Exploration System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Prototyping System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$150K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Define end-to-end electrical architectures for novel systems.

  • Design and build rapid proof-of-concept electronics, including schematic capture, component selection, and guiding PCB layout.

  • Bring up new prototype boards, debug complex mixed-signal systems, and integrate sensors, compute modules, and power electronics.


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

The Home Hardware team is looking for a highly motivated and creative Electrical Engineer to help define, prototype, and build the future of Apple home product concepts. In this 0-to-1 role, you will be at the forefront of early-stage product exploration, operating at the intersection of hardware, software, and user experience. You will work with a diverse, cross-functional team of mechanical engineers, software developers, and industrial designers to architect complex systems, spin up rapid proof-of-concept hardware, and evaluate the technologies that will enable entirely new, accessible, and intuitive experiences in our customers' personal spaces.
Description
As a Home Prototyping System Engineer, you will be responsible for the electrical definition and rapid realization of early-stage concepts. Your day-to-day work will span high-level system architecture to hands-on bench-level prototyping.
You will research and select novel sensors, compute modules, power electronics, and electromechanical technologies, driving the electrical architecture from a blank whiteboard to a fully functioning prototype. You will need to constantly balance performance, power, thermals, acoustic noise, and safety-ensuring our products bring surprise and delight to customers.","responsibilities":"Defining end-to-end electrical architectures for novel systems
Designing and building rapid proof-of-concept electronics, including schematic capture, component selection, and guiding PCB layout.
Collaborating closely with Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Software and AIML teams to negotiate complex system trade-offs and integrate electronics seamlessly into physical models.
Bringing up new prototype boards, debugging complex mixed-signal systems, and integrating edge compute, motor drivers, and high-bandwidth sensors (vision, audio, LiDAR, IMU).
Evaluating and benchmarking new silicon, sensors, and power technologies from internal teams and external vendors.
Writing basic bring-up code or scripts (C/C++ or Python) to validate hardware functionality before handing it off to core software teams.
Fostering an inclusive and deeply collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are leveraged to solve deeply technical, unprecedented problems.
Preferred Qualifications
MS or PhD in electrical engineering or similar field
Experience leading teams through product development cycle from concept development to production bring up
Large scale data analysis and knowledge of statistical techniques.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
5+ years of industry experience in hardware design, specifically in rapid prototyping, architecture, or R&D environments.
Strong electrical engineering fundamentals across digital, analog, mixed-signal, and power delivery (DC-DC) design.
Proven experience in system-level architecture and component selection for embedded systems, consumer electronics, or electromechanical systems.
Hands-on experience with sensor integration, microcontrollers/SoCs, and standard digital interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, MIPI, USB, PCIe).
Proficiency with schematic capture tools (e.g., Cadence Concept/Allegro, Altium) and a solid understanding of PCB layout principles for signal integrity and power delivery.
Extensive experience in a lab environment: board bring-up, debugging, and using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976