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Lead Spacecraft System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saic

Spacecraft System and Reliability Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $123K/yr

... Engineer (SRE). This position offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to support NASA ... in spacecraft systems.You willbe responsible forensuringthatEEE partscomply withall applicable ...

SAIC

Spacecraft System and Reliability Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $123K/yr

... Engineer (SRE). This position offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to support NASA ... in spacecraft systems. You will be responsible for ensuring that EEE parts comply with all ...

Astro Digital

System requirements and verification processes * Simulations and analyses of vehicle functions ... Lead the technical development of spacecraft missions * Support program management activities

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... System Acquisition who requires a mid-career engineer with technical expertise in systems engineering who is anxious to grow their skills. The Spacecraft Systems Engineer may perform but not limited ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who ... Provide a key role in the verification of system level requirements and selloff by the developer ...

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Lead Spacecraft System Engineer information

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$91K

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$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 and Reliability Engineer

Houston, TX • On-site

Science Applications International Corporation
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Science Applications International Corporationexternal

$97K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


SAIC is looking for a Spacecraft Electrical, Electronic & Electromechanical (EEE) Parts Safety & Reliability Engineer (SRE). This position offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to support NASA's present and future human spaceflight programs. You will assist with the selection, testing, application, derating and failure analysis of EEE parts used in spacecraft systems. You will be responsible for ensuring that EEE parts comply with all applicable Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) requirements. Some travel to vendors, prime contractor sites, and/or vehicle processing centers may be required.
SPECIFIC TASKS INCLUDE:
  • Assist with the development and effective implementation of EEE part Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) requirements, processes and procedures
  • Evaluation of EEE part selection and application of EEE parts into spacecraft designs for compliance to NASA S&MA requirements and system certification limits/constraints
  • Evaluation of changes to EEE part requirements and processes, for potential impacts to flight safety, and mission success
  • Assessment of EEE part application and derating analysis reports
  • Working with the NASA Ionizing Radiation Team, assess EEE part/system performance and recommendation for application in the spacecraft ionizing radiation environment
  • Evaluation of prime contractor processes and products related to EEE parts including test reports
  • Participation in EEE part failure analysis and problem resolution
  • Reviewing S&MA products (HA, FMEA, etc.) for inclusion and adequacy of EEE parts control strategies and verification
  • Candidates must be US citizens and able to pass a public trust security clearance

Qualifications
EDUCATION:
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other science degree

REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • 0ver 3 years related experience
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills
  • High degree of technical excellence, integrity, and self-initiative
  • Ability to evaluate technical merits of EEE parts for application into spacecraft designs and identify alternative solutions to complex technical problems to mitigate mission risk
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple organizations / stakeholders and within a teaming environment to get results
  • Proficient in use of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Power Point, Excel)

DESIRED SKILLS:
  • Knowledge of the wide range of EEE part technologies across all part types
  • Knowledge of materials, material compatibility, and manufacturing processes for long life/high reliability spacecraft applications
  • Understanding of EEE part package designs and acceptable designs for spacecraft use
  • Knowledge and application NASA and Military EEE parts standards in spacecraft systems
  • Knowledge of/experience with AEC (Automotive Electronics Council) certified parts and industry leading manufacturers
  • Knowledge/assessing Statistical Process Controls (SPC) and manufacturing controls to prevent manufacturing defects used in commercial manufacturing
  • Assessing/determining acceptable use of non-NASA standard/military parts for use in spacecraft safety critical systems that require highly reliable EEE parts
  • Experience with assessing EEE part selection and application used in high reliability/safety critical spacecraft hardware
  • Derating in EEE part
  • Experience performing and analyzing EEE part failure root cause analyses, determining risk of failure of EEE parts and making recommendations for corrective/mitigation in spacecraft hardware
  • Experience performing root cause analysis and Fault Tree Analysis in support of anomaly / non-conformance investigations
  • Basic understanding of space ionizing radiation effects, types and levels on EEE parts and spacecraft systems, EEE part susceptibility/tolerance, space ionizing radiation assessment and part/system testing requirements

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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