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Lead Spacecraft System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Velos

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Spacecraft System Engineer:Qualified candidates are knowledgeable Spacecraft Systems Engineers, preferably with experience working on classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities:Leads system ...

Velos

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

Spacecraft System Engineer: Qualified candidates are knowledgeable Spacecraft Systems Engineers, preferably with experience working on classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities : Leads system ...

Velos

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Spacecraft System Engineer: Qualified candidates are knowledgeable Spacecraft Systems Engineers, preferably with experience working on classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities : Leads system ...

Oligo Space

Chief Spacecraft Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

Whether your passion lies in spacecraft systems, avionics, ML/AI, or advanced manufacturing, you'll ... You will lead a multidisciplinary team of talented engineers in a fast‑paced environment focused ...

Impulsespace

Lead, Spacecraft Mechanisms

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Vehicle Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Reporting To: Drew Boggio ... systems * Determine product roadmap of spacecraft mechanisms by working closely with partner teams ...

Impulse Space

Lead, Spacecraft Mechanisms

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Vehicle Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Reporting To: Drew Boggio ... systems * Determine product roadmap of spacecraft mechanisms by working closely with partner teams ...

Impulse Space

Lead, Spacecraft Mechanisms

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Lead a team of all-star responsible engineers working on mechanisms and components including but ... systems * Determine product roadmap of spacecraft mechanisms by working closely with partner teams ...

GoTo Meeting

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Spacecraft Systems Engineer Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Systems Engineer to ... Prepare and lead system design reviews. * Develop and execute test plans and procedures for ...

SAIC

Spacecraft System and Reliability Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $123K/yr

... in spacecraft systems. You will be responsible for ensuring that EEE parts comply with all ... Engineering, Physics, or other science degree REQUIRED SKILLS: * 0ver 3 years related experience

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Lead Spacecraft System Engineer information

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$91K

$199.3K

$253K

How much do lead spacecraft system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead spacecraft system engineer in the United States is $199,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead spacecraft system engineer do?

A Lead Spacecraft System Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and overall functionality of a spacecraft's systems. They coordinate between various engineering teams to ensure all subsystems—such as propulsion, power, communications, and thermal control—work together seamlessly. Their role includes setting technical requirements, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the spacecraft meets mission objectives and safety standards. They often act as the primary technical point of contact, guiding the project from concept through launch and operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead spacecraft system engineer?

To excel as a Lead Spacecraft System Engineer, you need a deep understanding of spacecraft systems engineering, strong analytical skills, and typically a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (such as MATLAB and Simulink), requirements management software, and industry standards like ECSS or NASA guidelines is common. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are vital to ensure mission success, technical integrity, and seamless integration of diverse spacecraft subsystems.

How does a lead spacecraft system engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a mission's development cycle?

As a Lead Spacecraft System Engineer, you will frequently coordinate with specialists from various fields, such as propulsion, avionics, software, thermal, and structural engineering. You play a pivotal role in ensuring that subsystem requirements align with overall mission objectives and integrate seamlessly. Regular cross-team meetings, design reviews, and interface management are common, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. This collaborative environment helps identify potential issues early and ensures the spacecraft operates reliably as a cohesive system.

What is the difference between Lead Spacecraft System Engineer vs Spacecraft Systems Engineer?

AspectLead Spacecraft System EngineerSpacecraft Systems Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees system design, integration, and team coordinationSupports system development, testing, and technical tasks
Experience & CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience, often a master's or higher in engineeringRequires relevant engineering degree, less leadership focus
Work EnvironmentLeads multidisciplinary teams in aerospace projectsWorks within engineering teams on spacecraft subsystems
Industry UsageCommon in aerospace companies, NASA, defense contractorsUsed across similar organizations, often as a supporting role

The main difference is that the Lead Spacecraft System Engineer manages and coordinates the entire system development, while the Spacecraft Systems Engineer focuses on technical support and subsystem tasks. The lead role involves leadership and project oversight, whereas the systems engineer concentrates on technical execution within the team.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Spacecraft System Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Lead Spacecraft System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $199,327 per year, or $95.8 per hour.

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Velos
See more jobs at Velosexternal

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Velos is a full-service engineering and technical services company supporting agencies such as the DoD NASA, and NOAA. As an SBA-certified HUBZone small business, Velos combines agile and highly skilled engineering and technical support-delivering unmatched execution to our customers. Our government relations consulting business area allows us to represent and support leaders in the defense, aerospace, intelligence, and related industries with decades of experience in market analysis and strategic planning. We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) SSHINE contract. Spacecraft System Engineer:Qualified candidates are knowledgeable Spacecraft Systems Engineers, preferably with experience working on classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities:Leads system engineering activities of spacecraft and instrument systems, including mechanical, thermal, cryogenic, electrical, and other subsystems systems. Plans, designs, develops, evaluates, tests, and integrates spacecraft and instrument systems, including the implementation and design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer requirements. Defines system and product requirements; and generates mechanical, electrical, and software performance and reliability specifications and requirements. Creates and maintains programmatic and technical documentation to insure efficient planning and execution. Manages and documents system configurations and oversees all transitions into production. Performs troubleshooting and remediation, ensures successful project implementation, and performs post project end user support. Education Requirements:10+ years of experience with BS degree or 5+ years of experience with MS degree or 0+ years of experience with PhD degree. Clearance Requirements:TS with ability to obtain SCI.Please Note: U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.Velos offers a competitive benefits package including PTO, 401K, and health benefits. Velos is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.