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Mission Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scout Space

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$108K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Mission Systems Engineer , you will play a crucial role in the CONOPs definition, design, development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, and operations of our advanced electro ...

Viasat, Inc.

Space Mission Systems Engineer

Tempe, AZ

$149K - $224K/yr

The role of a Space Mission Systems Engineer within our S3 group is to bridge all the areas of a space mission - space, ground, launch, and support segments. Space Systems engineers in the group will ...

Viasat, Inc.

Space Mission Systems Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$149K - $224K/yr

The role of a Space Mission Systems Engineer within our S3 group is to bridge all the areas of a space mission - space, ground, launch, and support segments. Space Systems engineers in the group will ...

Viasat, Inc.

Space Mission Systems Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$149K - $224K/yr

The role of a Space Mission Systems Engineer within our S3 group is to bridge all the areas of a space mission - space, ground, launch, and support segments. Space Systems engineers in the group will ...

Nightwing

Senior Mission / Systems Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most ...

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Mission Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do mission systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Mission Systems Engineer?

A Mission Systems Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, integrating, and managing complex systems that support the objectives of a mission, often in aerospace, defense, or space exploration projects. They ensure that all technical components work together seamlessly to meet mission requirements, from initial concept through deployment and operation. Their work involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, analyzing system performance, and troubleshooting issues to ensure mission success. Mission Systems Engineers play a critical role in balancing technical capabilities, safety, cost, and schedule constraints.

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

AspectMission Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, often with security clearancesBachelor's or higher in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDefense, aerospace, military projectsVarious industries including tech, manufacturing, aerospace
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and aerospace companiesBroad industry application across sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for specialized military and aerospace rolesMore general engineering roles

The main difference is that Mission Systems Engineers focus on developing and integrating complex systems for defense and aerospace projects, often requiring security clearances. Systems Engineers have a broader scope, working across various industries to design and manage engineering systems. Both roles require similar technical credentials but differ in industry focus and project types.

How do Mission Systems Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Mission Systems Engineers work closely with professionals from various disciplines, such as software developers, hardware engineers, project managers, and operations staff. Throughout the project lifecycle, they facilitate communication between teams to ensure that system requirements are clearly understood and integrated across all components. Their role often involves coordinating technical reviews, troubleshooting integration issues, and ensuring that all subsystems work together to achieve mission objectives. Effective collaboration and strong interpersonal skills are essential, as Mission Systems Engineers often act as the bridge between technical specialists and stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mission Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mission Systems Engineer, you need a solid grounding in systems engineering, aerospace principles, and mission planning, typically backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools (such as MATLAB or Simulink), requirements management systems, and often security clearances or certifications like INCOSE are important. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and manage complex project requirements. These skills ensure mission success, technical reliability, and seamless integration of systems within demanding aerospace or defense environments.
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Mission Systems Engineer jobs near you

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Scout Space

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

$108K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.
As a Senior Mission Systems Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the CONOPs definition, design, development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, and operations of our advanced electro-optical payloads for space missions. Your expertise will be essential in ensuring the successful integration and performance of system-level components within our space payloads.
Responsibilities:
  • Work with customers and bus manufacturers to define CONOPs and mission requirements for spaceborne optical payloads
  • Support optical payload design concepts from whiteboard to launch, including development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, and operations
  • Lead and design environmental test campaigns
  • Develop and manage program schedules, budgets, and documentation
  • Manage subcontractors and suppliers for optical payload systems
  • Perform hands-on lab assembly, integration, and testing as needed
  • Regularly contribute to proposal efforts

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in mission systems engineering, satellite development, space domain awareness (SDA), or related aerospace fields.
  • Proven experience leading end-to-end mission development, including system design, integration, and test.
  • Deep understanding of space environment constraints, satellite operations, and mission planning.
  • Familiarity with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) space components, spaceflight hardware development, and payload integration.
  • Strong knowledge of requirements development, interface control documentation (ICDs), and configuration management practices.
  • Demonstrated leadership in technical program execution, including the ability to balance technical excellence with programmatic constraints.
  • Experience as a mission systems engineer or similar for a satellite launch, including pre-launch system verification, launch vehicle integration, and post-launch operational readiness.
  • Experience working with customers and partners for mission definition
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and technical information clearly and concisely.
  • Must be eligible to hold a clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's or Doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Familiarity with U.S. Government space programs, Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, and/or NASA mission development lifecycle.
  • Experience with satellite ground systems, command and control (C2), and mission operations center (MOC) development.
  • Proficiency in mission analysis tools (e.g., STK, MATLAB, Python) and engineering design tools (e.g., Cameo, or similar).
  • Experience in the development of space-based optical payloads, SDA payloads, or ISAM technologies
  • Knowledge of agile development methodologies and experience with digital engineering/digital twin environments.
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills, including experience developing technical documentation, white papers, and customer deliverables.

Benefits:
  • Open Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401k Matching
  • Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
  • Wellness Stipend
  • Work From Home Stipend
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability plans
  • Commuter Benefit
  • Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.
Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.
We're Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.
Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $120,000 - $200,000

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