1

Junior Space Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and ...

Space Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Space Systems Engineer Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced engineering support across all phases of the system lifecycle to ensure the delivery of timely and accurate ...

What You'll Be Launching As a Space Systems Engineer, you will play a crucial role in defining and designing technical capabilities to address the unique challenges and requirements of applications ...

Space Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

What You'll Be Launching As a Space Systems Engineer, you will play a crucial role in defining and designing technical capabilities to address the unique challenges and requirements of applications ...

Space Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Space Systems Engineer Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced engineering support across all phases of the system lifecycle to ensure the delivery of timely and accurate ...

Space Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Space Systems Engineer Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced engineering support across all phases of the system lifecycle to ensure the delivery of timely and accurate ...

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100K - $195K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking an Space Systems Engineer , located in Chantilly, Va . What will you do? Seeking a Communications Systems Engineer with strong optical and quantum communications engineering ...

SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and ...

SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and ...

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$115K - $250K/yr

Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 THE OPPORTUNITY: Upon award, BTAS will be ...

Showing results 41-60

Junior Space Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$24K

$85.4K

$147.5K

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

As of Aug 21, 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:

Infographic showing various Junior 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 $85,409 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Space Systems Engineer

SAIC

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

79th of 224 rated it services


Job description

Job Description
Description
Join a winning team! SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and contract and technical advisory services to a Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. The customer is developing the next generation of space and ground architectures comprised of custom development, commercial off the shelf (COTS), and cloud-based services. SAIC is a strong company providing opportunities for energetic individuals with a strong desire to expand their knowledge while increasing their responsibilities.
SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with NRO experience to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer for a complex space and ground efforts as part of an exciting and innovative set of programs.
This position supports a System Program Office (SPO) in a technical capacity for planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of satellite system development and acquisitions that advance the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) space resiliency posture. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience within NRO acquisition and is ready to lead the system engineering branch SETA team through the remaining Verification and Validations gates to sell off the system to the end user. This position is 'downward facing' in its responsibility for system level space and ground requirements as flowed down and 'upward facing' with functional enterprise requirements.
The Chief Systems Engineer will join a team of on-site SETAs working a major system acquisition (MSA) with responsibilities that may include but not limited to the following:
  • Lead team of system engineering SETA and provide oversight of acquisitions, with specific focus on the system engineering processes to ensure end-to-end system closure and satisfaction of mission need.
  • Maintain system baselines.
  • Manage system Configuration Management process including Engineering Change Proposal, Engineering Review Board/Configuration Control Boards (ECP, ERB/CCB).
  • Ensuring requirements that evolve through the change management process remain true to the overall government need.
  • Conduct full lifecycle engineering reviews including System Requirements (SSRs) and Lead and/or Support Lifecycle Readiness reviews to demonstrate the design meets all specifications and customer requirements.
  • Lead team to ensure proper requirement Verification and Validation methodology is codified and executed by the developer, including determining test strategy and coverage based on a technical risk assessment for each use case or functionality.
  • Support risk management processes and methods for identifying, assessing, and adjudicating program risk; Conduct analysis to identify program risk areas and recommend/implement mitigation approaches.
  • Represent the government client to development contractors and ensure proper messaging between the same.
  • Support Contract Officer/Contract Officer Technical Representatives (CO/COTRs) and Developers by coordinating with other technical domain Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and program stakeholders to achieve a detailed understanding of the systems, designs, and interfaces necessary to satisfy mission requirements.
  • Reviewing Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, technical accuracy, and sufficiency of design details to meet program requirements and objectives.
  • Develop briefings and assessments to a variety of audiences and must be able to convey information in a clear and articulate manner to Government leadership.
  • Participating in technical interchange meetings between developers and COTR.
  • Design and implement technical solutions for new business needs and challenges.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
  • Bachelor's and eighteen (18) years or more experience; Master's and sixteen (16) years or more experience; PhD and fifteen years or more experience.
  • Experience in systems integration and systems engineering.
  • Experience with systems integration throughout the lifecycle.
  • Experience with space-ground systems architectures and lifecycle support.
  • Proven knowledge in Requirements Management, Quality Control, and Configuration Management.
  • Knowledge of how space systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.
  • Experience in large systems acquisition.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Strong written and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment.

Desired:
  • INCOSE ESEP or CSEP, PMI PMP certification.
  • Experience using systems engineering processes, methods, tools, and program roles to develop, implement, and deploy solutions for Satellite Systems.
  • Thorough understanding of space systems design, integration and test requirements and test execution, including test equipment support.
  • Experience in Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) construct and Earned Value processes.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
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.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom