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Junior Space Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: Albuquerque, New Mexico US (On-Site) JOB STATUS ... This role is ideal for junior- to mid-level engineers with experience in Orbital Mechanics ...

$117K - $226K/yr

Join us and take your place in space. The Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled ... Mentoring junior members of the department What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for ...

Space Systems Engineer LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a highly skilled and ...

Space Systems Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative

Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Space Systems Engineer to join our team and contribute to the design, development, and integration of cutting-edge space ...

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Junior Space Systems Engineer information

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$24K

$85.4K

$147.5K

How much do junior space systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior space systems engineer in the United States is $85,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior space systems engineer do?

A Junior Space Systems Engineer assists in the design, development, testing, and integration of spacecraft and satellite systems. They work under the guidance of senior engineers to analyze system requirements, support technical documentation, and troubleshoot issues during the development process. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and learning about various subsystems such as propulsion, communications, and control. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those early in their engineering careers who are passionate about space technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior space systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Space Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, MATLAB, and systems engineering tools, as well as knowledge of industry standards such as NASA or ESA requirements, is important. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure the ability to design, analyze, and integrate complex systems critical to successful space missions.

What are some common challenges a junior space systems engineer might face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

As a Junior Space Systems Engineer, you may often collaborate with specialists in areas like propulsion, avionics, and software, which can present challenges in understanding and integrating diverse technical requirements. Balancing competing priorities and ensuring clear communication between disciplines is critical. Early in your career, you might also find it demanding to keep up with the fast-paced environment and the need to rapidly learn new concepts. However, these experiences build valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and systems thinking that are essential for advancement.

What is the difference between Junior Space Systems Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectJunior Space Systems EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or master's degree in engineering; certifications like PMP or satellite-specific training
Work EnvironmentSpace agencies, aerospace companies, research labsSatellite manufacturing firms, aerospace companies, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in space mission development and researchFocused on satellite design, deployment, and maintenance

The Junior Space Systems Engineer and Satellite Systems Engineer roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within aerospace and space agencies. The main difference lies in focus: the Junior Space Systems Engineer typically supports broader space systems projects, while the Satellite Systems Engineer specializes in satellite-specific systems. Both roles require technical skills and certifications relevant to space technology, but their day-to-day tasks and project focus differ based on their specialization.

What cities are hiring for Junior Space Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Junior 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:

What states have the most Junior Space Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Junior Space Systems Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Space Systems Engineer jobs?

For Junior Space Systems Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Junior Space Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,409 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Space Systems Engineer

Kirtland Air Force Base, NM • On-site

Astrion
5 - 10K employees

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Overview

Space Systems Engineer 

LOCATION: Albuquerque, New Mexico US (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