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Senior Space Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Viasat, Inc.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$176K - $264K/yr

What you'll do You will serve as the senior technical authority for a space communications program ... In this customerfacing role, you will lead endtoend systems engineering activities spanning space ...

Viasat, Inc.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Tempe, AZ

$176K - $264K/yr

What you'll do You will serve as the senior technical authority for a space communications program ... to-end systems engineering activities spanning space, ground, and network segments, while ...

Viasat, Inc.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$176K - $264K/yr

What you'll do You will serve as the senior technical authority for a space communications program ... to-end systems engineering activities spanning space, ground, and network segments, while ...

Viasat, Inc.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$176K - $264K/yr

What you'll do You will serve as the senior technical authority for a space communications program ... In this customerfacing role, you will lead endtoend systems engineering activities spanning space ...

KBR

Sr Space Systems Engineer - Ground

Herndon, VA

$107K - $147K/yr

Title: Sr Space Systems Engineer - Ground Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in ...

KBR, Inc.

Sr Space Systems Engineer - Ground

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Title: Sr Space Systems Engineer - Ground Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in ...

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Senior Space Systems Engineer information

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$56K

$124.7K

$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

BTAS

Colorado Springs, CO

$188K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

POSITION: 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:
Upon award, BTAS will be filling potential openings for the Space Systems Command (SSC). SSC plays a critical role in advancing the United States's space capabilities, delivering cutting-edge solutions to protect and enhance national security. SSC/SZBC specializes in highly classified Space Domain Awareness (SDA) systems, Defensive and Offensive Space Control (DSC/OSC) capabilities, and space test range assets to support the Department of Defense’s (DoD) current and future operational needs.
As a leader in space technology, SSC/SZ-BC is responsible for the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical systems spanning the entire acquisition life cycle. These efforts ensure the United States Space Force (USSF) and its mission partners maintain a strategic advantage in space operations. This position will support multiple SSC/SZ-BC programs, as well as other initiatives across the Space Force, Air Force, and allied organizations.
Join us in shaping the future of space operations and contributing to the defense of our nation’s space assets.
WHO WE ARE:
BTAS is a woman-owned small business founded in 1995, located near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Beavercreek, OH. We have earned national and regional awards in the Department of Defense for our proven IT, Engineering, and Program Management capabilities.
We are committed to working with exceptional quality and professionalism to deliver excellence to our customers, while providing our employees a stimulating and satisfying work environment as we collaborate with teammates to achieve common goals.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide space acquisitions, engineering, operations, and technical support for all project and program stages within the acquisition life cycle.
  • Support acquisition efforts for advanced technology, future concept development, and integration activities.
  • Advise and assist the government on cost, schedule, and performance matters.
  • Draft and revise Joint Capabilities Integrated Development System (JCIDS) and acquisition documentation for government program managers.
  • Support the presentation of acquisition-related products to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Develop documentation, including capability documents, acquisition strategies, system specifications, training materials, briefings, and reports following government standards (e.g., MIL-STD).
  • Provide subject matter expert-level technical and programmatic status reports on individual programs or portfolios upon request.
  • Identify and recommend acquisition process improvements and risk reduction strategies.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining a government risk program, including risk identification and mitigation planning.
  • Monitor program schedules, track acquisition implementation, report requirement shortfalls, and assess program risks.
  • Maintain and update acquisition reports by correlating program execution data with baselines.
  • Advise government program managers on technical engagements, including design reviews, working groups, and program conferences.
  • Maintain broad awareness of ongoing programs and technology development efforts within the portfolio.
  • Support integrated product teams and facilitate coordination between customers and contractors.
  • Provide technical and operational insight for mission protection, operations, and data assessments.
  • Recommend solutions for technical anomalies and conduct impact analyses, audits, and compliance inspections.
  • Provide engineering and technical expertise for new and ongoing Command and Control (C2) efforts.
  • Act as a liaison between Space C2, Enterprise Ground Services (EGS), and classified program offices.
  • Ensure seamless integration of classified portfolio efforts with Space C2 and EGS initiatives.
  • Advise and assist the government on testing and operations.
  • Support test document preparation, planning, execution, and system-level test integration for Developmental and Operational Testing.
  • Provide analytical and operational engineering support for current and future developmental and operational units.
  • Support operational mission planning, mission protection, and anomaly resolution.
  • Assist with data and signal collection, processing, storage, archiving, and analysis to support testing, operations, and future concept development.
  • Support post-mission analysis and report plan versus execution results.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Expert in classified space control space, ground, and C2 systems (concepts, development, build, and test)
  • Expert in space control-related technologies including, but not limited to, electromagnetic spectrum, signal processing, comms
  • Expert in developing and managing technical requirements and space system acquisition efforts
  • Highly knowledgeable in electronic attack technologies and system design implementation
  • Highly knowledgeable in modeling and sim, with a demonstrated ability to develop models and assess technical requirements
  • Highly knowledgeable in classified space control systems engineering processes and procedures, including but not limited to requirements development, configuration control, and government Deficiency Review (DR) board establishment, execution, and DR disposition and management
  • Candidate must be a SME Recognized Industry Leader.
  • MA/MS degree is required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position does not supervise the work of others.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to operate a computer and other standard office equipment. Must be able to remain in a stationary position, 80%.
TRAVEL:
Little if any travel is required.
OTHER DUTIES: 
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change at any time with or without notice.
COMPENSATION / SALARY RANGE:
BTAS adheres to federal, state, and local regulations. This is a Full-Time, Salary, Exempt position. The following salary range is what we reasonably expect to pay but is contingent and subject to a variety of factors, including but not limited to years of experience, education, certification(s), training, specialized skills, responsibilities, etc.
SALARY RANGE: $188,000 - $191,000 Annual Salary
BTAS BENEFITS:
A comprehensive benefits program, including paid time off, federal holidays, health coverage, 401K plan with generous company match is offered to all full-time employees.
AAP / EEO STATEMENT:
BTAS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
BTAS is an E-Verify program participant.

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