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Senior Space Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$101K - $138K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer KBR is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) support to the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) in ...

KBR, Inc.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer KBR is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) support to the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) in ...

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO

$188K - $191K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: Colorado Springs, CO REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours THE OPPORTUNITY:

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$95K - $131K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility; willing to take CI polygraph POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 ...

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$146K - $225K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours THE OPPORTUNITY: Upon ...

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$184K - $275K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours THE OPPORTUNITY: Upon ...

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Dayton, OH

$187K - $191K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: Dayton, Ohio REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours THE OPPORTUNITY: Upon award ...

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$95K - $131K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility; willing to take CI polygraph POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 ...

AdventHealth

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Reston, VA

$110K - $151K/yr

As a Senior RF Communications Engineer, you will lead the design, analysis, and optimization of RF ... You'll also collaborate across space, systems, and network engineering teams, support operational ...

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Senior Space Systems Engineer information

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$124.7K

$176K

How much do senior space systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior space systems engineer in the United States is $124,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Space Systems Engineer vs Space Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Space Systems EngineerSpace Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with experience or certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee space systems projects, often in aerospace companies or government agenciesAssist in designing and testing space systems, supporting senior engineers in project tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aerospace firms, government space agencies, and defense contractorsCommonly used in similar organizations, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Space Systems Engineer and a Space Systems Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior engineers typically lead projects, make critical design decisions, and mentor junior staff, while space systems engineers support these activities with more focused technical tasks. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and industry experience, but senior roles demand a higher level of expertise and leadership.

What does a senior space systems engineer do?

A Senior Space Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing complex space systems, such as satellites, spacecraft, and related ground systems. They lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee integration and testing, and ensure that all system components work together to meet mission objectives. Their role often involves coordinating with other engineers, managing project timelines, and solving technical challenges throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, they may contribute to proposals, risk assessments, and technical documentation.

What are some common challenges faced by senior space systems engineers when managing multidisciplinary project teams?

Senior Space Systems Engineers often work with teams comprising experts from various fields such as propulsion, avionics, thermal management, and software. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication and integration across these specialties, as each discipline has its own technical language and priorities. Balancing competing requirements and timelines while maintaining overall system coherence requires strong leadership, technical knowledge, and organizational skills. Successfully navigating these challenges leads to robust, reliable space systems and offers valuable experience for career advancement.

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

To thrive as a Senior Space Systems Engineer, you need a robust background in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and space mission design, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with industry-standard modeling tools (such as MATLAB, STK, or SysML), spacecraft simulation software, and often security clearances or certifications are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring mission success, mitigating risks, and advancing innovative space technologies.
What cities are hiring for Senior Space Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Space Systems Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Space Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Space Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Space Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Space Systems Engineer jobs include:
Senior Space Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Space Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,732 per year, or $60 per hour.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Katalyst Space Technologies

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Katalyst Description:
We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture:
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
Overview
As a Senior Space Systems Engineer, you'll play a key role in developing cohesive system architectures and ensuring the effective integration of spacecraft subsystems to meet mission objectives. This position is a Senior Space Systems Engineering role, focused on the engineering of space systems, rather than a systems engineer for space. We're looking for someone with a deep understanding of how complex subsystems interact and impact overall system performance.
What You'll Do
  • Oversee and perform system-wide architecture design, ensuring subsystems function cohesively and meet overarching system goals
  • Lead detailed technical efforts and spearhead trade studies of space system architectures
  • Identify and address gaps between requirements and top-level objectives, constraining broad problems and decomposing them into actionable tasks to implement solutions
  • Support the sourcing and selection of key suppliers, components, and technologies
  • Integrate spacecraft components, ensuring cohesive system functionality and compatibility across all subsystems
  • Define Key Performance Parameters, select quantifiable metrics, and determine modeling approaches to directly address and answer key design questions in physics-based modeling and simulation efforts
  • Lead small multi-discipline teams on spacecraft design, space mission design, and R&D projects
  • Assist proposal capture efforts, including private/public, DoD, OGA, and other commercial partnerships
  • Conduct comprehensive system analyses, including risk assessments, reliability analyses, and trade studies to optimize system performance
  • Participate in design reviews, ensuring that designs meet mission requirements, are feasible, and incorporate best practices
  • Support hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate integrated system performance in simulated operational environments
  • Provide technical guidance to junior engineers

Your Ideal Background
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience working on satellite systems with direct involvement in flight programs and the entire Validation and Verification chain
  • Ability to define and lay out solutions to ambiguous problems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
  • Expertise in the space environment, commercial space operations, and/or robotics

Preferred
  • Direct involvement in flight operations or launch campaign
  • Hardware Validation and Verification experience
  • Proficiency with Python, Matlab, STK, Ansys, and/or JAMA
  • Experience in orbital mechanics / astrodynamics
  • Experience in Space Domain Awareness, RPOD, or Robotics

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 annually.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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