1

Space System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

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 technical advice and engineering support to the customer's System Program Director and Chief Engineer. * Contribute to the design and development of next-generation resilient space systems ...

Provide technical advice and engineering support to the customer's System Program Director and Chief Engineer. * Contribute to the design and development of next-generation resilient space systems ...

Showing results 41-60

Space System Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do space system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Space Systems Engineers (Multiple Positions)

KBR

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$110K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Space Systems Engineers (Multiple Positions)

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.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award

KBR is seeking Space Systems Engineers to join our Space Systems Command (SSC) team on the Hemisphere program. Individuals will serve as trusted advisors and experts on space systems and supporting engineering services required to enable and support Space Systems Command. The successful candidates will collaborate and communicate with Government leadership team to ensure processes and products are delivered within program schedule and demonstrate depth of knowledge as applied and used in system of systems integration.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Leads technical concept development, requirements development, systems engineering, and oversees development contractor to develop, design, produce, integrate, and test space systems (space, ground, and C2)

  • Highly knowledgeable in payload integration, sensor employment, and application of orbital mechanics as they impact space operations, CONOPS development, and mission planning

  • Performs system integration of multiple efforts to integrate complex space systems and their deployment into on-orbit operations

  • Ability to communicate clearly and in a collaborative manner with mission partners on interface control documents

  • Oversees requirements verification and validation processes and their execution

  • Makes space program risk assessments and provides actionable recommendations to the Chief Engineer and Program Manager

  • Expertly collaborates with Government program office representatives, FFRDC, SETA, and other contractor personnel

Required Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret clearance, SCI eligible

  • Bachelor of Science degree in related science field (electrical engineering, physics, math, data science, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, orbital mechanics, or space physics, etc.)

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience for mid-level positions.

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience for senior positions.

  • Expertise in technical requirements development, systems engineering lifecycle, and application to DoD space system acquisition processes

  • Proficient in requirements verification and validation for specific space system components and/or subcomponents to include orbitology, navigation, sensor employment, communications, optimization, and command and control

  • Knowledgeable in systems engineering processes and procedures, including but not limited to requirements development, technical design reviews, configuration control, and government Deficiency Review (DR) board establishment, execution, and DR disposition and management

  • Able to assess technologies, such as signal processing and communications

Desired Requirements:

  • Master's degree preferred in related engineering discipline (electrical engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, math, or physics, etc.) and 10 years of experience in DoD space system acquisitions

  • Experience with generative AI tools

  • SAP eligible

  • Expertise in navigating dynamic and fast paced engineering acquisition program offices within the DoD with special focus on spacecraft bus and payloads

  • Previous experience with DoD and/or IC programs with a focus on space system architectures to include the ground segment layer

  • Recognized demonstrated leadership skills in the Aerospace or DoDworking across space and ground segment organizations

  • Highly adept with writing and delivering documents and briefings with effective communication skills

Locations: Los Angeles (El Segundo), CA preferred. Colorado Springs. Dulles, VA, and Albuquerque, NM.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: <40 >

Basic Compensation:

$121,000 - $251,000 annually (This range is for theCAarea only)

$110,000 - $229,000 annually (This range is for the CO area only)

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. #LI-KM1

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.


What KBR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


KBR logo

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