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Space System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to lead a complex systems ... Responsible for Government system level requirements and enterprise interfaces. * Oversee payload ...

Provide systems engineering/cybersecurity to weapons and space cybersecurity assessments. * Evaluate different vulnerability findings and determine conceptual mitigations/next steps * Support Risk ...

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

The selected candidate will advise Government program leadership on complex space system engineering activities, including requirements development, architecture and design trades, technical analysis ...

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

The selected candidate will advise Government program leadership on complex space system engineering activities, including requirements development, architecture and design trades, technical analysis ...

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

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Responsible for Government system level requirements and enterprise interfaces. * Oversee payload ... Experience leading systems engineering teams focused on integration of complex space and/or ground ...

Showing results 21-40

Space System Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do space system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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 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.

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 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.

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.

Does NASA hire space system engineers?

Yes, NASA hires space system engineers to design, develop, and manage complex space systems and missions. These engineers typically need a background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related fields, along with experience in modeling, simulation, and project management. NASA offers opportunities for both entry-level and experienced professionals in this role.
More about Space System Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Space System Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Space System Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Space System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Systems Engineer, Space Infrastructure

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Viasat, Inc.
Telecommunications • 5 - 10K employees

$224K - $336K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Viasat rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.


What you'll do

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership and endtoend ownership of space system definition and analysis. This role is responsible for defining system architectures, owning technical budgets, and leading requirements development across the full system lifecycle.

The Systems Engineer serves as a central technical authority, integrating subsystem teams, guiding system trade studies, and ensuring disciplined execution of requirements, analyses, and verification planning.


The day-to-day
  • Own endtoend space system technical budgets, including mass, power, data, performance, margins, and system constraints
  • Lead space system architecture definition and technical trade studies to guide design decisions
  • Develop, author, and maintain systemlevel technical artifacts including SRDs, TRDs, and related specifications
  • Drive requirements decomposition, allocation, and requirements burndown across all subsystems
  • Ensure traceability between mission objectives, system requirements, subsystem designs, and verification plans
  • Provide technical leadership across crossfunctional engineering teams to resolve systemlevel issues and interfaces
  • Lead system participation in major lifecycle reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, readiness reviews)
  • Define systemlevel verification and validation strategies in partnership with integration and test teams
  • Identify, assess, and manage systemlevel risks, assumptions, and margin posture
  • Produce clear, concise technical documentation and briefings to support engineering and leadership decisionmaking
  • Mentor other systems engineers and contribute to improving systems engineering practices and standards

What you'll need
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
  • 10+ years experience in systems engineering supporting complex space or aerospace systems
  • Proven experience owning and managing space system technical budgets and analyses
  • Demonstrated expertise in writing and controlling system level requirements and specifications
  • Strong command of systems engineering processes across the full development lifecycle
  • Ability to independently define complex problems, drive solutions, and influence technical outcomes without direct authority
  • Excellent technical communication skills, including senior level design and risk discussions

What will help you on the job
  • Deep experience with space system architectures and subsystem integration
  • Familiarity with modelbased systems engineering and requirements management tools
  • Background in highreliability, missioncritical system development
  • Ability to balance technical rigor with programmatic constraints
  • A systemslevel mindset with strong attention to margins, interfaces, and verification closure

Salary range
$180,500.00 - $285,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $224,500.00- $336,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
  • 10+ years experience in systems engineering supporting complex space or aerospace systems
  • Proven experience owning and managing space system technical budgets and analyses
  • Demonstrated expertise in writing and controlling system level requirements and specifications
  • Strong command of systems engineering processes across the full development lifecycle
  • Ability to independently define complex problems, drive solutions, and influence technical outcomes without direct authority
  • Excellent technical communication skills, including senior level design and risk discussions
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986