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Senior Space Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tecolote Research

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

The Senior Space Systems Engineer also supports the organization in the role of the technical advisor to the Space Service Acquisition Executive (SAE) for pre-acquisition investment decisions, and ...

QinetiQ US

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Space Systems Engineer to provide expert technical oversight and engineering advisory support across the full lifecycle of space acquisition programs under the SAF/SQ program.

QinetiQ US

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Space Systems Engineer to provide expert technical oversight and engineering advisory support across the full lifecycle of space acquisition programs under the SAF/SQ program.

BryceTech

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

BryceTech is looking for an experienced Senior Space Systems Engineer to support our US Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC) customer. Customer Background Information: Space Domain Awareness ...

QinetiQ US

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Space Systems Engineer to provide expert technical oversight and engineering advisory support across the full lifecycle of space acquisition programs under the SAF/SQ program.

QinetiQ US

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Space Systems Engineer to provide expert technical oversight and engineering advisory support across the full lifecycle of space acquisition programs under the SAF/SQ program.

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

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

$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

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

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 ...

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Senior Space Systems Engineer information

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$176K

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

As of Jun 9, 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, and why are they important?

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
Senior Space Systems Engineer

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Tecolote Research

Arlington, VA • On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Overview
Headquarters United States Air Force, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.
Responsibilities
The Senior Space Systems Engineer supports by applying systems engineering skills to ensure successful Science and Technology (S&T) capabilities are developed, tested, and ultimately transitioned to advance critical operational space system capabilities. The Senior Space Systems Engineer also supports the organization in the role of the technical advisor to the Space Service Acquisition Executive (SAE) for pre-acquisition investment decisions, and acquisition program technical and engineering integration program risk, for space systems and programs. This position also supports systems engineering oversight and support for program development, documentation, and reviews prior to and throughout the acquisition life cycle of space systems to include supporting technology transition to programs of record, and between mission partners throughout the space S&T enterprise. The Senior Space Systems Engineer maintains effective working relationships with the organization's internal and external stakeholders, thrives in a work environment with high expectations, and executes diverse work assignments while maintaining strict attention to detail.
Responsibilities
  • Support technical transition of key Science and Technology initiatives to include preparation and staffing of required agreements between mission partner organizations
  • Provide objective information and analysis supporting decision making on space-relevant S&T investments.
  • Participate in tailored system engineering reviews contributing to acquisition program milestone decision processes.
  • Prepare and deliver executive level briefings, reports, and summary papers; explain complex concepts in relatively simple language; summarize key decisions; and provide recommendations supported by analysis.
  • Support the Planning, Programming, and Budgeting of S&T programs, to include preparation of Congressional Budget Justification documents, briefings and management initiatives with Secretary of the Air Force Financial Management Team, review and analysis of program plans, investment strategies, staffing of contract Justification and Approvals, Obligations and Expenditures, coordination and execution of program reviews with US Space Force S8 staff and other program related reviews.
  • Assist in answering Congressional Reporting Requirements and assist with responding to Congressional Staffer action items regarding oversight of space S&T efforts.
  • Provide coordinating support to other Directorates and Divisions, particularly assistance in supporting Original Classification Authority actions on new technology.
  • Any other tasks closely associated with the performance of duties list above and as coordinated with the contracting officer's representative.

Skills Required
Skills Required
  • Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
  • Minimum 20 years of relevant national security space experience.
  • Detailed knowledge and familiarity with current Air Force and Department of Defense (DoD) space programs and missions.
  • Significant experience in space acquisition, system integration and engineering, mission area analysis, or intelligence.
  • Demonstrated understanding of Space enterprise to include DoD requirements, acquisition, and budgeting processes and applicable National Security Space (NSS) guidance and policy.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Demonstrated initiative and ability to plan, work and deliver, both independently and as part of a diverse team focused on delivering critical space capabilities.

Desired Skills
  • Familiarity with Defense Space and National Security Space in the areas of policy, strategy, requirements, capabilities, architectures, programs, acquisition, and operations.
  • Familiarity with civil, commercial and international space capabilities.
  • Experience with AFSPC, SMC, NRO, NASA, NOAA.

Education
  • Master's Degree and 20-25 years of relevant work experience in a scientific, engineering, or technical field.

Education
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences.

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