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Senior Space Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Jul 12, 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:
Infographic showing various Senior Space Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,732 per year, or $60 per hour.
Senior Space Systems Engineer

Senior Space Systems Engineer

BTAS

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$146K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

POSITION: 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 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 assistance across all stages of the acquisition lifecycle.
  • Support program acquisition efforts for advanced technology, future concept development, and integration activities.
  • Advise the government on cost, schedule, and performance matters.
  • Revise or draft Joint Capabilities Integrated Development System (JCIDS) and acquisition documentation for government review and presentation.
  • Ensure documentation aligns with the latest government guidance (e.g., MIL-STD).
  • Provide technical and programmatic status reports on individual programs or portfolios as requested.
  • Identify and recommend acquisition process improvements, risk reduction strategies, and technical, organizational, or programmatic changes.
  • Assist in building and maintaining a government risk program, including risk identification, process definition, and risk mitigation planning.
  • Monitor program schedules, report requirement shortfalls, and provide program risk assessments.
  • Maintain and update acquisition reports by correlating program execution data with program baselines.
  • Advise on technical engagements, including interchange meetings, design reviews, conferences, video teleconferences, and working groups.
  • Maintain awareness of programs and technology development efforts across the portfolio.
  • Assist integrated product teams and working groups while establishing customer and contractor interfaces.
  • Provide technical and operational insight for mission protection, operations, and mission data assessments.
  • Recommend solutions for technical anomalies and evaluate impact analysis, audits, compliance inspections, and readiness reviews.
  • Support Command and Control (C2) efforts and integrate them with classified programs.
  • Liaise between Space C2, Enterprise Ground Services (EGS), and classified program offices to ensure seamless integration.
  • Advise and assist with test and operations, including test planning, events, requirements, and data for Developmental and Operational Testing.
  • Coordinate system-level test integration and activities.
  • Provide analytical and operational engineering support for current and future developmental and operational units.
  • Support operational mission planning, mission protection, and anomaly engineering.
  • Assist with data and signal collection, processing, storage, archiving, analysis, and lessons learned for testing and operations.
  • Support post-mission analysis and report results comparing planned versus executed actions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Highly knowledgeable in classified space control space, ground, and C2 systems (concepts, development, build, and test)
  • Highly knowledgeable in space control-related technologies, including but not limited to, electromagnetic spectrum, signal processing, comms
  • Highly knowledgeable in developing and managing technical requirements and space system acquisition efforts
  • Highly knowledgeable in electronic attack technologies and system design implementation
  • Capable of design and architecture analysis and management of modeling and simulation activities
  • 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
  • Ten or more years’ experience in this type of position or program is required
  • 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: $146,000 - $225,000 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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About BTAS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Real estate

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Dayton, OH, US

Year founded

1995