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Space System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze requirements, design system ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze requirements, design system ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze requirements, design system ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze requirements, design system ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze requirements, design system ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze requirements, design system ... Engineer, Space Mission Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Space Systems Architect, Spacecraft ...

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Space System Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do space system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for space system engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Space System Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, systems engineering tools (like DOORS), and knowledge of industry standards such as ECSS or NASA requirements is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating on complex, multidisciplinary projects. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development of space systems that meet rigorous technical and regulatory standards.

How do Space System Engineers typically collaborate with other teams during a satellite development project?

Space System Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, software, and mission operations engineers, throughout the satellite development lifecycle. They coordinate system-level requirements, manage interfaces between subsystems, and facilitate integration and testing activities to ensure all components work together seamlessly. Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork are essential, as Space System Engineers often serve as the bridge between technical teams and project management, ensuring project milestones are met and technical issues are promptly addressed.

What is a Space System Engineer?

A Space System Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and manages complex systems for use in space, such as satellites, spacecraft, and space stations. They integrate various engineering disciplines—such as electrical, mechanical, and software engineering—to ensure all components work together effectively. Their responsibilities often include project management, systems analysis, and coordinating with teams to meet mission objectives. Space System Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and success of space missions, from initial concept to final deployment and operation.

What is the difference between Space System Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectSpace System EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; certifications like PMP or INCOSEBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and testing space systems for missions beyond Earth's atmosphereDesigning, developing, and maintaining satellite systems for communication, navigation, or Earth observation
Employer & Industry UsageNASA, SpaceX, Boeing, aerospace contractorsSatellite service providers, aerospace companies, defense contractors

While both roles involve systems engineering principles and require similar credentials, Space System Engineers focus on space exploration and spacecraft, whereas Satellite Systems Engineers specialize in satellite technology and operations. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in application and environment.

More about Space System Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Space System Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Space System Engineer job openings:
Space Vehicle BUS Systems Engineer

Space Vehicle BUS Systems Engineer

Stellar Solutions Inc

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Overview
Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized "Great Place To Work", has exciting opportunities providing Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.
At Stellar Solutions, we offer talented, energetic, and immediately productive resources to satisfy our customers' critical needs in systems engineering and integration, mission operations, program management and strategic planning. We are a leading service and expertise provider for high-tech commercial ventures, spanning communications, earth observation and remote sensing systems and data products, to the infrastructures that support earth orbiting and beyond earth orbit businesses.
Stellar Solutions is seeking a Space Vehicle BUS Systems Engineer to support advanced space vehicle development across planning, integration, and test activities. This role contributes to the engineering rigor behind next-generation mission capability by helping ensure subsystem performance, technical baseline integrity, and readiness across the lifecycle. It is a strong fit for a systems engineer who thrives in a high-accountability environment and enjoys working at the intersection of technical depth, mission impact, and cross-functional collaboration.
Role/Responsibilities/Qualifications
This position supports space vehicle systems engineering across multiple subsystem areas and key technical reviews. You will help assess designs, schedules, and program execution data while collaborating closely with government stakeholders and technical teammates to support disciplined development and integration.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Support space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing activities
  • Perform systems engineering, planning, development, integration, and testing across at least two space vehicle subsystems and their components
  • Contribute technical insight across subsystem areas including structures, mechanisms, electrical power, attitude control, thermal, propulsion, communications, or command
  • Support space system and DoD program reviews, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, FCA, and PCA
  • Use collaboration tools such as Confluence or JIRA to support team coordination and program execution
  • Analyze subsystem and program-level Integrated Master Schedules
  • Analyze contractor Earned Value Management data to support program visibility and decision-making
  • Communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with government clients and contractor teammates
  • Contribute across systems engineering activities with a strong work ethic and mission focus
  • Support technical baseline maturity and engineering execution throughout the program lifecycle

Required Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience with space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing
  • 7+ years of experience with systems engineering, planning, development, integration, and testing of at least two of the following space vehicle subsystems and its components: structures, mechanisms, electrical power, attitude control, thermal, propulsion, communications, or command
  • 3+ years of experience with space system and DoD program reviews, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, FCA, or PCA
  • Experience with collaboration tools, including Confluence or JIRA
  • Experience analyzing subsystem and program-level Integrated Master Schedules
  • Experience analyzing contractor Earned Value Management data
  • Ability to be highly motivated, display a dynamic work ethic, and contribute to the DoD mission
  • Ability to communicate effectively and establish collaborative relationships with government clients and contractor teammates
  • Top Secret/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science

Desired Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience with space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing
  • Experience with space vehicle-level tests including system performance tests, TVAC, acoustics, or EMI/EMC testing
  • Experience performing multiple systems engineering and program management functions
  • Experience with requirements verification
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle and milestones and DoD systems engineering, test, and production policies, standards, and practices
  • Knowledge of satellite space, ground, or user segments
  • Possession of excellent interpersonal skills
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science
  • PMP, ESEP, CSEP, or OCSMP certification

Clearance & Additional Requirements
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required

Location
El Segundo, California - This position is full-time and supports a Government customer environment; Work style expectation is considered hybrid-local (2-4 days per week on site at LAAFB).
Compensation:
The typical salary range for this position is USD $145,000 - $185,000 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, retirement plan and other benefits (all in addition to salary).
Deliverable(s)
Deliverables will be in the format of reports, briefings, spreadsheets, or other documents as directed by the Government, using government approved and/or mandated systems/software and processes governed by guidance/instructions/policy or direction.