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Materials Engineer Spacecraft Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SES

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload The job responsibilities outlined in this document ... Develop training material and deliver technical training to internal teams. * Support as an on-call ...

AVTC Group

Senior NDE and Materials Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

Benefits are available (Health/ Dental/Vision/401k etc..) Overview Serve as a senior NDE and materials engineer supporting spacecraft / NASA programs with expertise in methods such as Xray ...

Blue Origin LLC

NY · On-site

$133K - $186K/yr

Responsibilities Provide guidance and expertise in the support of spacecraft integration, ground ... S degree in Physics, Material Sciences and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMaterials Engineer Spacecraft Jobs

Materials Engineer Spacecraft information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do materials engineer spacecraft jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer spacecraft in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Materials Engineer Spacecraft vs Materials Engineer Satellite?

AspectMaterials Engineer SpacecraftMaterials Engineer Satellite
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering, certifications in aerospace materialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering, certifications in aerospace materials
Work EnvironmentDesign and develop materials for spacecraft structures, thermal protection, and propulsion systems in aerospace facilitiesFocus on materials for satellite components, including power systems and communication modules, often in satellite manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace and space agencies, defense contractors, satellite manufacturersSatellite manufacturers, aerospace companies, defense contractors

Materials Engineer Spacecraft and Materials Engineer Satellite share similar educational backgrounds and certifications, focusing on aerospace materials. However, their work environments differ slightly: spacecraft engineers work on entire spacecraft systems, while satellite engineers focus on satellite-specific components. Both roles are vital in the aerospace industry and often overlap in skills and employer types.

Are materials engineers in high demand?

Materials engineers, including those working in spacecraft, are in high demand due to the need for advanced materials that can withstand extreme conditions in aerospace applications. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for professionals with expertise in composites, ceramics, and materials testing, often requiring specialized knowledge and certifications.

How much do materials engineers spacecraft get paid?

Materials engineers working in the spacecraft industry typically earn a median annual salary of around $90,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in composites, ceramics, or nanomaterials can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

How much does a materials engineer spacecraft make?

A materials engineer working in the spacecraft industry typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in composites or high-temperature materials can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace hubs or with government agencies.

What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer Spacecraft jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Materials Engineer Spacecraft job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA • On-site

SES
See more jobs at SESexternal

$105K - $145K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload
The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.
ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
As a Payload Engineer, you will be responsible for monitoring satellite health and providing on-call support to resolve spacecraft anomalies, ensuring safe and continuous operations. Your focus will be on maximizing the availability and longevity of our GEO and MEO satellite fleet while ensuring customer satisfaction in alignment with SLA terms. In addition to supporting spacecraft operations, you will maintain earth station testing equipment through both hardware and software enhancement, integration, and development used for in-orbit testing (IOT).
This role offers the opportunity to tackle complex technical challenges and contribute to the success of satellite missions while enhancing your expertise in the field.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS
  • Maximize satellite fleet availability and longevity, ensuring customer satisfaction aligned with SLA terms.
  • Advance payload automation applications through definition of operations requirements, use cases, test and validation plans and reports for software development teams
  • Support payload mission service reconfigurations for the global fleet:
  • Assess link budget for payload/satellite RF interference scenarios, identify operational mitigation solutions for payload subsystem mission configuration to meet E2E SLA performance.
  • Track and resolve payload non-compliances in E2E service configuration
  • Develop, enhance or debug integrated payload and RF monitoring applications and tools required for hardware and performance monitoring, operation automation, resource optimisation and constellation performance
  • Offer payload expertise on satellite performance, and as a component interface in end-to-end communication link design.
  • Work with Adaptive Resource Optimizer and Allocator ground-based software systems to integrate spacecraft payload data models and In-orbit calibration system functionality
  • Develop end-to-end payload RF and command configuration operational procedures, use case, test procedure algorithms, and test & validation plans/reports
  • Prepare for and manage spacecraft contingency operations, including innovative solutions for satellite and fleet-level resilience.
  • Collaborate in payload missions, operations and integration of new satellites into constellation, including IOT as well as transition and phasing for start-of-service
  • Support the design, procurement, testing, and integration of new satellites, including in-orbit testing and phasing into the constellation.
  • Analyse satellite malfunctions and provide guidance during anomalies and emergencies.
  • Contribute to RF data processing, payload performance analysis, and phased array calibration and corrections for on-demand adjustments.
  • Develop training material and deliver technical training to internal teams.
  • Support as an on-call engineering function for payload anomaly response for in-service operations
  • Utilize test instruments to integrate and measure earth station components and subsystem performance as per design and specifications documents is a plus
  • Interface with vendors to procure the necessary hardware to upgrade and update earth stations outfitted with our testing equipment is a plus
  • Be able to collaborate with multiple departments across the company to coordinate testing, installation, shipping, and requirements for testing equipment is a plus
  • Build tools for and perform data processing and analysis in support of payload IOT and day-to-day operations.

COMPETENCIES
  • Technical Proficiency: Strong skills in analyzing satellite payload systems, diagnosing issues, and interpreting data, including evaluating performance metrics and troubleshooting.
  • Problem-Solving: Excellent at resolving issues, especially under pressure, with the ability to quickly assess critical situations and propose effective solutions.
  • Initiative and Ownership: Proactive in taking on challenges, valuing teamwork in multi-disciplinary environment and actively seeks input to ensure mission success.
  • Adaptability Flexible in responding to new challenges, technology changes, and unexpected requirements.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Strong ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Reporting and Documentation: Skilled in preparing and presenting technical reports and documentation for both internal teams and clients.
  • Continuous Improvement: Committed to excellence and driven to learn about advancements in technology and payload innovations.
  • Growth Mindset: Embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and personal/professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
  • University degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Aerospace Engineering or similar field(s). Masters is preferred.
  • Min 8 years of professional experience in telecommunications
  • Knowledge of satellite payload systems, including on-board equipment
  • Experience or exposure to digital payload and phased array technology is a plus
  • Knowledgeable in end-to-end satellite communication systems, link budget analysis, RF measurement equipment, signal acquisition, processing and analysis
  • Hands-on intermediate experience in analytical programming languages such as python, visual basis, xml, C/C++, or MATLAB is a preferred
  • Exposure of data retrieval, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence is a plus
  • Understanding of satellite operations in LEO or MEO or GEO
  • Be able to interact with vendor, customers, satellite manufacturers and other satellite operators

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS
  • Availability for on-call duties
  • Willingness to travel internationally
  • Flexibility to support in-orbit testing missions, including evening and night hours.

The salary range for this full-time position is $103,500 - $151,800.Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and geographic location. Individual compensation within the range is determined based on work location and a variety of factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and relevant education or training. Additional compensation and benefits may apply depending on the location and terms of employment.
SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
For more information on SES, click here.

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