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Mission Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Design Engineer As a Mission Design Engineer, you will lead mission-level analysis and system design using advanced modeling and simulation tools such as AFSIM and EADSIM . You will evaluate ...

WI ยท On-site

An advanced opportunity awaits an Advanced Mission Design Engineer to join the JETS Advanced Mission Design Team, providing mission analysis and design across the Orion and commercial crew programs.

Staff Mission Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

As the Staff Mission Design Engineer, you will own the mission-level view of that trade space for our next-generation vehicles. You will develop the design reference missions and flight envelopes ...

Staff Mission Design Engineer

Vista, CA ยท On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

As the Staff Mission Design Engineer, you will own the mission-level view of that trade space for our next-generation vehicles. You will develop the design reference missions and flight envelopes ...

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Mission Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do mission design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mission design engineer do?

A Mission Design Engineer is responsible for planning and designing space missions, including determining spacecraft trajectories, launch windows, and mission timelines. They analyze technical requirements, perform simulations, and optimize mission parameters to ensure the mission's objectives can be achieved efficiently and safely. Mission Design Engineers work closely with other engineering teams to integrate spacecraft systems and address any potential challenges in the mission profile. Their work is crucial in ensuring the success of space exploration, satellite deployment, and other aerospace projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mission design engineer?

To thrive as a Mission Design Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, expertise in orbital mechanics, and a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Proficiency with mission analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, and MATLAB, as well as familiarity with simulation and modeling software, is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set outstanding engineers apart. These competencies ensure the creation of successful, efficient, and safe space missions that meet rigorous technical and operational objectives.

What are some typical challenges a mission design engineer faces when coordinating with interdisciplinary teams?

Mission Design Engineers often work closely with specialists in propulsion, avionics, systems engineering, and operations. One common challenge is ensuring that the mission trajectory and requirements are clearly communicated and harmonized across different technical domains. Balancing competing constraintsโ€”such as payload capacity, fuel efficiency, and launch windowsโ€”requires strong collaboration and negotiation skills. Addressing these challenges successfully can lead to innovative solutions and is key to mission success.

What is the difference between Mission Design Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectMission Design EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields; certifications like PMP or specific aerospace credentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related fields; certifications like INCOSE CSEP
Work EnvironmentDesigning and planning space missions, often in aerospace or defense sectorsIntegrating and managing complex systems across industries like aerospace, defense, or technology
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, space agencies, defense contractorsWidely in aerospace, defense, IT, and manufacturing sectors

While both roles require engineering backgrounds and involve complex technical work, Mission Design Engineers focus specifically on planning and designing space or mission-specific operations. Systems Engineers have a broader scope, managing entire systems' integration and functionality across various industries.

How much do mission design engineers make?

Mission design engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills in spacecraft systems or orbital mechanics can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace or defense industries.

What cities are hiring for Mission Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Mission Design Engineer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Mission Design Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Mission Design Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Mission Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mission Design Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Mission Design Engineer jobs?

For Mission Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mission Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Mission Design Engineer

Torrance, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Mission Design Engineer

As a Mission Design Engineer, you will lead mission-level analysis and system design using advanced modeling and simulation tools such as AFSIM and EADSIM. You will evaluate system effectiveness in operational scenarios, translate mission needs into engineering requirements, and inform design decisions through simulation, test, and rapid iteration.

In addition to modeling and analysis, you will play an active role in prototype hardware design, integration, and test, working closely with crossโ€‘functional teams to ensure missionโ€‘driven insights are realized in realโ€‘world systems. This role connects operational analysis directly to hardware, ensuring that simulation results drive tangible performance improvements in deployed systems.

Responsibilities: Mission Design & Operational Analysis
  • Develop and execute mission-level simulations using AFSIM and EADSIM to evaluate system performance in contested, multi-domain environments.
  • Translate operational scenarios and customer needs into system requirements, constraints, and performance metrics.
  • Conduct trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and campaign-level assessments to inform system architecture and design decisions.
  • Analyze interactions between sensors, weapons, communications, and threat systems to assess mission effectiveness.
Modeling, Simulation & Data-Driven Design
  • Build, maintain, and extend simulation frameworks representing real-world operational conditions.
  • Use simulation outputs to guide design trades across propulsion, GNC, avionics, and software.
  • Correlate simulation results with ground and flight test data to improve model accuracy and predictive capability.
  • Develop tools and workflows to rapidly evaluate new concepts and configurations.
Prototype Development, Integration & Test
  • Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate mission requirements into prototype systems.
  • Support system-level integration and ensure alignment between modeled performance and actual system behavior.
  • Participate in flight tests and live-fire events, including pre-test analysis, real-time support, and post-test evaluation.
  • Use test results to refine both system design and simulation models.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work across engineering disciplines (GNC, propulsion, avionics, software, manufacturing).
  • Communicate mission-level insights to inform design tradeoffs and prioritization.
  • Support design reviews, technical briefings, and customer engagements.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in mission analysis, operational analysis, systems engineering, or aerospace/defense modeling & simulation.
  • Experience with AFSIM, EADSIM, or similar tools (e.g., STK, MATLAB/Simulink, custom simulation frameworks).
  • Experience translating mission needs into engineering requirements and design trades.
  • Familiarity with aerospace or defense systems (missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles).
  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Additional Requirements:
  • Ability to put in extended hours, including evenings and weekends, when required to meet aggressive timelines.
  • This role is based in Torrance, CA and requires full-time onsite presence.
Benefits And Perks

All full-time employees are granted meaningful longโ€‘term equity, sharing in the companyโ€™s significant growth trajectory. We offer four (4) weeks of paid time off, ten (10) companyโ€‘paid holidays, and comprehensive health benefitsโ€”including 100% employeeโ€‘covered medical and strong dependent coverage, along with dental and vision plans. We also provide paid parental leave to support growing families, a $100 monthly fitness stipend to promote health and performance, and onsite EV charging for convenience. In addition, employees enjoy perks like catered meals, companyโ€‘covered food during highโ€‘demand periods, and a fully stocked kitchen to stay fueled throughout the day.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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