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Space Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

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

KBR

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

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

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As a Space Systems Engineer , you will coordinate across other engineering divisions in support of the acquisition of systems that advance the NRO's space resiliency posture. You will support a ...

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$200K - $240K/yr

As a Space Systems Engineer , you will coordinate across other engineering divisions in support of the acquisition of systems that advance the NRO's space resiliency posture. You will support a ...

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

As a Space Systems Engineer , you will coordinate across other engineering divisions in support of the acquisition of systems that advance the NRO's space resiliency posture. You will support a ...

SAIC

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering and technical advisory ...

VTG

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$130K - $197K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering and technical advisory services to a rapidly ...

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

As a Space Systems Engineer , you will coordinate across other engineering divisions in support of the acquisition of systems that advance the NRO's space resiliency posture. You will support a ...

VTG

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$130K - $197K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Groupproviding systems engineering and technical advisory services to a rapidly ...

SAIC

Space Protection Mission Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

The Space Protection Mission Engineer will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) and System Program Office (SPO) representative coordinating with the development contractor and stakeholders ...

AdventHealth

Chief Engineer, Space Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

As the Chief Engineer, Space Systems, you will serve as the technical authority responsible for the architecture, integration, and successful delivery of spacecraft and hosted payload solutions ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsSpace Engineer JobsSpace Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Space Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$19.5K

$87.3K

$163.9K

How much do space engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for space engineer in Virginia is $87,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,975.00 and $114,758.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a space engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Space Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink, and knowledge of industry standards such as NASA or ESA protocols are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and innovation required in designing and operating spacecraft and related systems.

What is the difference between Space Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectSpace EngineerAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace, mechanical, or related fields; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in aerospace or aeronautical engineering; certifications optional
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft, satellites, space stations, laboratoriesAircraft, spacecraft, testing facilities, laboratories
Employer & IndustryNASA, SpaceX, aerospace firms, government agenciesAirlines, aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, aerospace firms

Space Engineers focus on designing and developing spacecraft and systems for space exploration, while Aerospace Engineers work on aircraft and related systems for both atmospheric and space applications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

Does NASA still hire space engineers?

Yes, NASA continues to hire space engineers for roles involving spacecraft design, mission planning, and systems analysis. Candidates typically need a degree in engineering or a related field, along with experience in aerospace technologies and familiarity with tools like CAD and simulation software.

What is a space engineer?

Space engineers are professionals who design, build, test, and maintain spacecraft, satellites, space stations, and related systems used for space exploration and operations. They apply principles from aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to solve complex challenges in the harsh environment of space. Space engineers work for government agencies like NASA or ESA, private aerospace companies, and research organizations. Their roles can involve spacecraft design, mission planning, propulsion, robotics, and ensuring the safety and reliability of space missions.

What are some common challenges faced by space engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Space Engineers often collaborate with professionals from various disciplines such as software development, electronics, and systems engineering. One common challenge is aligning technical requirements and timelines across different teams, as each specialty may have unique constraints and priorities. Effective communication and a strong understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of space projects are crucial for ensuring integration and mission success. Adapting to shifting project scopes and rapid technological advancements is also a frequent part of the role.

How much do space engineers make?

Space engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in spacecraft design, systems engineering, and certifications can lead to higher compensation, especially in government or private aerospace companies.
What are popular job titles related to Space Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Space Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Space Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Space Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Space Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Space Engineer job openings:
Space Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,303 per year, or $42 per hour.

Space Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Space Systems Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:
KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Space Systems Engineer with a strong background in Verification and Validation (V&V) to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia. The position will support a major U.S. Government organization responsible for the acquisition, integration, and operation of proliferated satellite constellations. The position provides expert advice and manages systems engineering processes and implementation for System Program Office (SPO)-developed collection system, including space vehicle, payloads, and associated ground command and control elements. This role is critical for ensuring that proliferated satellite constellations meet mission requirements through disciplined systems engineering practices. You will work across space, ground, and user segments to define verification strategies, trace requirements, and assess contractor compliance throughout the lifecycle.
Responsibilities
  • Manage and develop requirements from higher level Enterprise governing documents to the Segment level and lower levels.
  • Develop and manage system-level verification and validation (V&V) strategies.
  • Define verification methods, success criteria, and traceability from requirements to test.
  • Evaluate contractor V&V plans, procedures, and results.
  • Support test planning across components, subsystems, systems, and mission levels.
  • Identify gaps, risks, and disconnects in verification approaches and recommend corrective actions.
  • Lead coordination and completion of segment specification sell-off, along with other verification and validation activities.
  • Support technical reviews and provide V&V status to Government decision makers.
  • Coordinate across the SPO for any proposed specification changes and facilitate integration of changes into the baseline.
  • Identify risks to mission closure in the collection segment and evaluate proposed burn-down plans.
  • Support customer in CONOPS development.
  • Interface with spacecraft, payload, network, and user segment teams to define and manage end-to-end system interfaces.
  • Support integration and test (I&T) planning and execution across ground and space segments.
  • Evaluate contractor designs, test results, and operational concepts for compliance with mission requirements.
  • Contribute to system documentation, reviews, and decision briefings for Government leadership.
  • Document, develop and deliver analyses, recommendations, plans, reports, and briefings to the Government.

Work Environment
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal (less than 25%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.
  • Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:
  • Citizenship: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
  • Relevant Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting space system development, integration, and test.
  • Basic knowledge of Government customer's space and ground domain mission and technical capabilities.
  • Systems engineering background; understanding of systems development life cycle from concept, requirements, engineering design, integration and test, deployment, maintenance, through decommissioning.
  • Experience in requirements definition, system architectures, systems analysis and design, interface and data architectures, validation, and verification.
  • Ability to take initiative, proactively address customer requirements with no supervision, and expertly define solutions for broad, abstract topics.
  • Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones and review processes, and success in operating within this environment.
  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to all levels of Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's or Ph.D. degree in a related STEM technical discipline.
  • Relevant Ground Experience: Demonstrated 10+ years of experience supporting space system development, integration, and test is preferred.
  • Breadth of Experience: Experience working across multiple satellite programs or production lines is preferred.
  • Experience in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling DoD or Intelligence Community projects or programs.
  • Deep knowledge of satellite Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) architectures.
  • Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence.
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering and digital engineering concepts and tools, Agile / DevSecOps development methodology, and cloud technologies.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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