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Senior Space Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Sr. Space Systems Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Sr Space Systems Engineer to join our team located in Englewood, CO. In this role, you'll be responsible for ensuring the successful design ...

KBR

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 ...

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

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$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, Inc.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

POSITION: 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 ...

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 ...

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Senior Space Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$56K

$124.7K

$176K

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

As of Aug 28, 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 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 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 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 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 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 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,732 per year, or $60 per hour.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Space Systems Integration

Albuquerque, NM

$101K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers.  Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers' technical challenges.

SSI is seeking a Senior Space Systems Engineer for a role in Albuquerque, NM. 
 
You will work in a small, highly empowered team where every team member is directly responsible for the success of the program. Engineering responsibilities span technology domains including space-rated/qualified cryptographic and communications hardware and software, and integration with other subsystems, sensors, and processors in an extremely fast-paced, responsive development environment. This SETA candidate will provide in-depth background on cryptographic and communication subsystems to improve program office insight into state-of-the art IC, DoD, commercial, and legacy space vehicle systems, requirements and capabilities. You must apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts for highly classified systems, while also effectively communicating complex results with management and executive leadership.
 
SETA Roles and Responsibilities include:
  • Supports design, interpretation, and analysis of technical solutions to complex projects.
  • Leads or supports technical programs, projects, or tasks whose technical complexity requires engineering oversight.
  • Ensures completion of tasks within estimated time frames and budget constraints.
    • Provides input to the government customer concerning risks to performance, schedule, and budget due to either proposed contractor plans or contractor's execution of accepted plans.
  • Ensure the quality of the program, project, or task deliverables meet or exceed standards or metrics and assesses such deliverables to ensure that the final deliverables will meet the warfighting purpose for which they are intended.
  • Plans and performs engineering research, design development, and other engineering assignments in conformance with the design, engineering, and customer specifications.
  • Responsible for the overall technical/engineering portions of major projects or programs.
  • Coordinates with multiple partners/agencies to ensure system engineering communities support delivery milestones.
  • Tracks and advises design trades and associated cost, schedule, and technical impacts to requirements.
  • Initiates, supervises, and/or develops requirements from a project's inception to conclusion for complex to extremely complex programs.
  • Provides strategic advice, technical guidance and expertise to program and project staff.
  • Provides detailed analysis, evaluation and recommendations for improvements, optimization development and/or maintenance efforts for client specific or mission critical challenges/issues.
  • Consults with client to define need or problem.
  • Supervises studies and leads surveys to collect and analyze data to provide advice and recommend solutions.
  • Communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy-oral and written.
  • Other duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum ten (10) years DoD/IC, or relevant industry work experience.
  • An applicable engineering degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or possess a Professional Engineering license.
  • Relevant MA/MS/ME degree.
  • Skilled in development and fielding cryptographic and satellite communication systems.
  • Understanding of space operational environment and corresponding mission user needs.
  • Knowledge of space mission payload engineering, development, and manufacturing.
  • Experience in DoD program management including program development and transition.
  • Experience with Integrated Master Schedules, and risk management.
  • Experience with Statements of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statements (PWS).
  • Active TS clearance with in-scope T5/SSBI is required, along with SCI eligibility and participation in Continuous Evaluation.
  • Must meet all requirements for SCI and SAP access and be willing to undergo a polygraph examination.
  • Full-time, on site in vicinity of Kirtland AFB, NM, and will require travel up to 30% of time within the
    continental United States
Desired Qualifications:
  • Five (5) years of relevant DoD and/or Industry work experience with SAP/RSV and/or SCI.
  • Experience as System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to  Government program office.
  • Experience with rapid prototyping.
  • Experience with integrated air, space, and cyberspace capabilities.
  • Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining ground mission planning architecture and software.
  • Experience with ACAT I/II level acquisition programs.
  • Experience in planning and executing test campaigns for space systems.
  • Fluency with IC organizations.
Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
#ssi #weknowhowtobuildit #spacejobs
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