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Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vitesse Systems

Payload Systems Engineer III

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

We design, engineer, and manufacture our own antennas to support the payload integration needs of ... Design advanced communication payloads for satellite systems across all orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO)

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... satellites on orbit. • Provide operations planning and execution support. • Develop and ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Develop and coordinate operations transition plans for constellation of multiple satellites.

Hikinex

$111K - $152K/yr

As part of the System Engineering Department, the Senior Mission and Operations Satellite System Engineer will participate, and coordinate the work needed for the analysis, planning and definition of ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... satellites on orbit. • Provide operations planning and execution support. • Develop and ... Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 9+ years ...

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Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do freelance satellite systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance satellite systems engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance satellite systems engineer?

A Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer is a professional who works independently, rather than as a full-time employee, to design, develop, and maintain satellite systems and related technology. They may be hired by aerospace companies, government agencies, or research organizations on a contract basis to work on specific satellite projects or solve technical challenges. Their responsibilities often include systems integration, testing, troubleshooting, and ensuring that satellite components work seamlessly together. Freelancers in this field typically bring specialized expertise and flexibility to a wide range of projects, from communications satellites to earth observation systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance satellite systems engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, satellite communications, and systems integration, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, STK (Systems Tool Kit), RF simulation software, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or specialized satellite operator credentials are often required. Excellent problem-solving, independent project management, and effective client communication skills set top freelancers apart. These abilities are crucial for delivering reliable satellite solutions, meeting project specifications, and maintaining client trust in a dynamic and technically demanding field.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance satellite systems engineers when working with multiple clients?

Freelance satellite systems engineers often encounter challenges such as managing overlapping project timelines, adapting to different clients' technical standards, and ensuring secure communication across various platforms. Working remotely or with dispersed teams can also require strong self-discipline and proactive communication to stay aligned with project goals. Additionally, freelancers must stay up-to-date with evolving satellite technologies and regulatory requirements, which can vary between projects and clients.

What is the difference between Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer vs Satellite Communications Technician?

AspectFreelance Satellite Systems EngineerSatellite Communications Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in satellite systemsTechnical diploma, certifications in satellite equipment
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, consulting, remote and on-siteInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting on-site
Employer & IndustryFreelance/consulting firms, satellite service providersTelecom companies, satellite service providers

Freelance Satellite Systems Engineers focus on designing and consulting on satellite systems, often working remotely or on project basis. Satellite Communications Technicians handle installation and maintenance of satellite equipment on-site. Both roles require technical knowledge but differ in scope, responsibilities, and work environment.

More about Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Satellite Systems Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Satellite Systems Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer jobs are:

Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Satellite Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Satellite Requirements Systems Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 225 rated it services

Job description


SAIC is seeking a Satellite Systems Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support the NRO Electro-Optical System Program Office (ESPO). Qualified candidates must possess demonstrated systems engineering expertise in requirements management, traceability, and verification. The successful candidate must also have strong working knowledge across a wide variety of Electro-Optical satellite designs, functional, and performance capabilities. The candidate must be able to work both independently and in a team-based environment.
Key duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Directly support ESPO as the office responsible for the design, development, manufacturing, integration & test, and launch & initialization of Electro-Optical satellites for the NRO.
  • Represent ESPO equities by providing verification evidence for Enterprise requirements allocated to the program office.
  • Lead in managing requirements development, traceability, and verification planning & execution. Responsible for ensuring compliance to interfaces and standards or ensure appropriate deviations/waivers are in place.
  • Evaluate system and subsystem designs to ensure compliance to program requirements.
  • Participate in various engineering analysis, including assessing power, weight, thermal control, and other space vehicle design constraints as the design matures. Identify technical design risks and support development of corrective action plans.
  • Support Prime contractor and Enterprise stakeholders in developing and implementing various model-based systems engineering products (CONOPS, ICDs, Test Plans, Functional Decompositions, etc.).
  • Assist with acquisition planning, documentation, and Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) evaluations. Assist, as needed, in Government source selections and the technical evaluation of satellite provider proposals.
  • Work in an interactive team environment with Government customer leads, commercial satellite developers, and other subject matter experts.

Qualifications
  • BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering, or similar technical discipline and 9 years or more experience; Masters and 7 or PhD and 4.
  • 7+years of experience working on satellite programs and experience managing requirement development, analysis, decomposition, and allocation.
  • Have strong familiarity with electro-optical system & subsystem functionality, performance, and product data.
  • Proficiency with DOORS, MS Office products, and Confluence.
  • Working knowledge of MBSE tools and data structures, including CAMEO and SysML.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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