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Satellite Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... satellites on orbit. • Provide operations planning and execution support. • Develop and ...

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The Satellite Ground System Engineer plays a critical role within the satellite systems and ground ... Integrate and test satellite ground systems and software components * Perform signal analysis and ...

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The Satellite Ground System Engineer plays a critical role within the satellite systems and ground ... Integrate and test satellite ground systems and software components * Perform signal analysis and ...

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Develop and coordinate operations transition plans for constellation of multiple satellites.

$111K - $152K/yr

As part of the System Engineering Department, the Senior Mission and Operations Satellite System Engineer will participate, and coordinate the work needed for the analysis, planning and definition of ...

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ...

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Satellite Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do satellite systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite 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 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.

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 in the Satellite Systems Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Satellite Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Satellite Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Satellite Systems Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Satellite Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Satellite Systems Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Satellite Systems Engineer jobs? The top employers for Satellite Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Satellite Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Satellite Systems Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Satellite Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 213 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2612640

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-21

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer. This position is located in Chantilly, VA and requires an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph. 

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major 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 to the following duties:

•    Provide direct support for major program acquisitions. 
•    Provide a key role in the verification of system level requirements and selloff by the developer within a government program office.
•    Be part of a team working with both developers and operators after launch for the initialization of multiple satellites on orbit.
•    Provide operations planning and execution support.
•    Develop and coordinate operations transition plans for constellation of multiple satellites.
•    Provides support to anomaly resolution during initialization.
•    Author, review, and coordinate documents, briefings and data to aid the Government in communications and decision-making.
•    Maintain configuration control using tools such as Jira and Confluence to track changes, manage requirements, and monitor project progress.
•    Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, integration and test, and developers to ensure that configuration changes are effectively communicated and implemented.

Qualifications

•    Active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph.
•    Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 9+ years professional relevant experience, Master of Science degree and 7+ years of professional relevant experience. Note: Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
•    Knowledge of systems engineering practices, including requirements management, verification, and validation.
•    Experience in Agile software development, preferably software for satellite systems.
•    Experience in satellite operations, preferably with government intelligence satellite systems.
•    Experience with verification sell off of requirements.
•    Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly master different tools.  Experience with configuration management tools, such as Jira and Confluence. 
•    Solid understanding of engineering principles and project lifecycle phases, especially in space systems development.
•    Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. 
•    Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. 
•    Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic project environment.
•    Available to travel occasionally domestically.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Experience in space system development or satellite integration.
•    Solid understanding of DoD/IC satellite systems and architectures.
•    Experience in defense and intelligence community acquisition and program management processes.
•    Fluency in a coding language (JavaScript, HTML, Python, Microsoft VBA) 
•    Solid understanding of the DOD and/or IC Acquisition process and related milestones. 
•    Familiarity with space systems ground support and hardware acquisitions.
•    An understanding of full life cycle system support, from procurement to launch, including requirement analysis, requirements tracking, system design and development through system test, installation and sell-off, delivery, and hardware development, testing, analysis, and requirements verification.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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