ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Space Force Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Space Force ISR Instructor/SME

Dayton, OH · On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

... developer supporting a Military Intelligence Program within the United States Space Force ISR ... enterprise . You will join a missiondriven team delivering advanced intelligence training ...

Silvus Technologies

OR · On-site

S. Air Force & Space Force who will report to the Vice President of Strategic Growth on the Sales ... Prime Sales, Engineering, and Product teams. * Synchronize advocacy strategies with Motorola ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpace Force Engineering Jobs

Space Force Engineering information

See salary details

$32.5K

$63K

$95.5K

How much do space force engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for space force engineering in the United States is $62,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Space Force Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Space Force Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and, in some cases, security clearance. Familiarity with advanced simulation software, satellite systems, and defense-specific platforms like MATLAB or CAD tools is typically required. Outstanding problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure mission success, technological innovation, and the reliability of critical space-based defense systems.

Does the Space Force hire engineers?

Yes, the U.S. Space Force hires engineers for roles related to satellite systems, space operations, and technology development. Candidates typically need a background in engineering disciplines such as aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering, along with security clearances and relevant technical skills. These positions often require a bachelor's degree or higher and may involve working in specialized environments with advanced tools and equipment.

What is Space Force Engineering?

Space Force Engineering refers to the specialized field of engineering dedicated to supporting the United States Space Force and its mission to protect U.S. interests in space. Engineers in this field work on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining advanced technologies like satellites, launch systems, and space-based communications. They also collaborate on cybersecurity, space surveillance, and missile warning systems to ensure national security in the increasingly contested space domain. Space Force engineers often have backgrounds in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering.

What are some unique challenges faced by engineers working in Space Force Engineering roles?

Engineers in Space Force roles often tackle challenges related to designing and maintaining highly specialized systems that must operate reliably in the harsh environment of space. These can include dealing with stringent security protocols, rapid technological advancements, and the need for close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including military personnel and civilian contractors. Additionally, projects may involve tight timelines and require innovative problem-solving to address issues such as satellite communication, propulsion, or space surveillance. Adaptability and a willingness to continuously learn new technologies are essential for success in this dynamic field.

What engineers make $500,000?

In the Space Force Engineering field, senior engineers such as aerospace engineers, systems engineers, and cybersecurity engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with bonuses and allowances. High-level roles often require security clearances, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in satellite systems, missile technology, or space operations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the Space Force Engineering field, senior engineers such as aerospace, systems, and cybersecurity engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially with bonuses and allowances. High-level leadership roles and those with top security clearances may also reach this compensation level.

How much do Space Force engineers get paid?

Space Force engineers' salaries are based on the U.S. military pay scale, typically ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $100,000 annually depending on rank, experience, and education. Civilian engineers working for the Space Force may earn salaries comparable to federal government pay grades, often between $60,000 and $150,000 per year, with additional benefits and security clearances required for certain roles.

What is the difference between Space Force Engineering vs Space Systems Engineer?

AspectSpace Force EngineeringSpace Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, security clearance often requiredBachelor's or higher in engineering or related field, often with security clearance
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, government facilities, defense contractorsGovernment agencies, aerospace companies, defense contractors
Industry UsagePrimarily within the Department of Defense and Space ForceCommercial and government space projects, aerospace industry
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Space Force Engineering focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining space-related systems for the military, often within government or defense contractor settings. Space Systems Engineers work on the broader design and integration of space systems, including commercial and civilian projects. While both roles require engineering credentials and security clearances, Space Force Engineering is more specialized for military applications, whereas Space Systems Engineering covers a wider industry scope.

More about Space Force Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Space Force Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Space Force Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Space Force Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Space Force Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Space Force Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Space Force Engineering jobs are:
Space Force Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Force Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,977 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Space Force ISR Instructor/SME

Space Force ISR Instructor/SME

Leidos

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 441 rated business services

Job description

Space Force ISR Instructor/SME - TS/SCI

Location: Peterson Space Force Base, CO

Clearance: Active TS/SCI required

The Leidos Defense Group is seeking an experienced ISR Instructor /SME to serve as a lead instructor and curriculum developer supporting a Military Intelligence Program within the United States Space Force ISR enterprise. You will join a missiondriven team delivering advanced intelligence training, enterprise IT, largescale ISR systems, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, and operational support across all domains-land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.

Our teams support some of the nation's most critical "can'tfail" missions, from detecting illicit activity at global borders to forecasting geopolitical instability years in advance. Your expertise will directly strengthen the Space Force's ability to understand, exploit, and act on foreign instrumentation signals intelligence.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead course development, updates, and primary instruction for Space Force FISINT and targeting training.
  • Serve as the schoolhouse FISINT subject matter expert, ensuring curriculum accuracy, relevancy, and alignment with evolving USSF ISR requirements.
  • Train students in the fundamentals of collecting, analyzing, and applying FISINT techniques and tradecraft using realworld operational scenarios.
  • Maintain close coordination with mission partners to ensure training reflects current operational needs.

Basic Qualifications

  • BA/BS (or equivalent experience) and 10+ years of experience supporting the USSF ISR mission.
  • 4+ years of professional instruction experience within the SIGINT enterprise, with a focus on FISINT.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a diverse customer set.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% to support mission requirements.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Recent Space Force ISR experience.
  • Recent

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 12, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $82,550.00 - $149,225.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Leidos Jobs

Apply