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Satellite Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Satellite Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$121K - $166K/yr

The Senior Satellite Systems Engineer leads and supports engineering and technical development projects with satellite development projects and supporting operations after launch. Supervisory ...

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Satellite Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do satellite systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite systems engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a satellite systems engineer do?

A Satellite Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining satellite systems and subsystems. They work on various aspects, including communications, control systems, power distribution, and thermal management. Their role involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure satellites function efficiently in space. They also analyze system performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and support mission operations from initial concept to deployment and beyond.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite systems engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or aerospace engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with satellite communications and subsystems. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation tools (such as STK, MATLAB, or LabVIEW), satellite telemetry and command systems, and relevant certifications like ITAR/EAR compliance or security clearance is highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication skills help you coordinate across multidisciplinary teams and address technical challenges. These skills are essential to ensure reliable satellite operations, successful mission outcomes, and effective collaboration within complex engineering environments.

What are some common challenges faced by satellite systems engineers and how are they typically addressed?

Satellite Systems Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as managing complex integration processes, troubleshooting technical anomalies, and ensuring the reliability of systems in the harsh conditions of space. These issues are typically addressed by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including software, hardware, and operations specialists—to analyze data, simulate scenarios, and implement robust testing procedures. Staying up to date with the latest industry standards and regulatory requirements also helps engineers preempt and mitigate potential problems. Proactive communication, thorough documentation, and a strong attention to detail are key strategies for navigating these unique challenges effectively.

Are satellite systems engineers in demand?

Satellite systems engineers are in high demand due to the growing reliance on satellite technology for communications, navigation, and remote sensing. The field requires expertise in systems integration, RF engineering, and satellite payload design, with job opportunities increasing in government agencies, defense contractors, and private aerospace companies.

How much does a satellite systems engineer make?

A satellite systems engineer's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, and the role often requires knowledge of satellite communication systems and engineering tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in California?

For Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Satellite Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Satellite Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Satellite Systems Engineer, Lead

El Segundo, CA • On-site


Booz Allen Hamilton
IT Services • 10K+ employees

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated business consultants

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$99K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Satellite Systems Engineer, Lead

The Opportunity:

Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical expertise with bigpicture thinking to influence the next generation of national security space systems? You understand your customer's mission environment and how to translate emerging needs into welldefined technical requirements and acquisition strategies. Your ability to lead requirements development, analyze trade options, and evaluate technical proposals makes you a critical contributor to delivering a missionfocused engineering solution. If this sounds like you, come join Booz Allen's strategic team supporting a toppriority space program.

On our team, you will work with Booz Allen colleagues, government personnel, and other contractor partners to support the GPS program office in developing and fielding advanced satellite capabilities. You will lead the endtoend requirements lifecycle, support government trade studies, ensure capabilities are properly captured in acquisition documentation, and guide the technical evaluation of contractor proposals. Once a solution is selected, you will help oversee contractor execution to verify that system designs and implementation align with mission needs, technical baselines, and program goals. Your expertise and strategic insight will be essential to delivering resilient, modernized satellite capabilities that meet evolving threats.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • 10+ years of experience performing systems engineering on DoD or national security space systems

  • 5+ years of experience with satellite architecture, payload systems, bus subsystems, or space vehicle integration or operations

  • 5+ years experience with major program reviews such as SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, FCA, or PCA

  • Experience leading requirements development activities, including CONOPS refinement, requirements derivation, allocation, verification planning, and baseline management

  • Experience executing or supporting trade studies for complex space system capabilities, including analysis of alternatives, technical feasibility assessments, and risk evaluation

  • Experience integrating capability needs into acquisition documentation such as specifications, system requirements documents, or RFP technical volumes

  • Experience supporting technical evaluations of contractor proposals, including evaluation criteria development, compliance assessment, and strengths and weaknesses analysis

  • Ability to work proactively and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicate technical findings to senior stakeholders

  • Secret clearance

  • Bachelor's degree

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience with GPS, PNT, NAVWAR, or satellite navigation systems

  • Experience with ModelBased Systems Engineering or digital engineering toolchains

  • Experience developing acquisition program documentation for Major Defense Acquisition Programs

  • Experience supporting systemlevel verification, validation, and certification activities

  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle and milestones and DoD systems engineering, test, and production policies and practices

  • Knowledge of space vehicle manufacturing, integration, test, or launch readiness processes

  • TS/SCI clearance

  • Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, Space Operations, or a related field

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914


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