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Space Systems Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Systems Architect

Aurora, CO · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Systems Architect The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference for ... Experience supporting space, ground, software, or hardware systems in Major Defense Acquisition ...

Systems Architect

Centreville, VA · On-site

$240K/yr

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the government space? What if you could ... As a Senior Systems Architect you will guide the design and development of solutions for complex ...

Showing results 41-60

Space Systems Architect information

See salary details

$86.5K

$224.3K

$243.5K

How much do space systems architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for space systems architect in the United States is $224,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $243,000.00 and $243,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a space systems architect?

Space Systems Architects are professionals who design and oversee the development of complex systems used in space missions, such as satellites, spacecraft, and ground control infrastructure. They are responsible for defining the overall system architecture, ensuring that all components work together efficiently and meet mission requirements. Their job involves working with engineers, scientists, and project managers to balance technical, cost, and schedule constraints. Space Systems Architects play a critical role in the success of space missions by ensuring system reliability and mission effectiveness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a space systems architect?

To thrive as a Space Systems Architect, you need expertise in systems engineering, spacecraft and satellite design, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by experience in aerospace projects. Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools like MATLAB, SysML, and CAD software, as well as knowledge of industry standards such as NASA or ESA protocols, is essential. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualities ensure the architect can design reliable, innovative space systems that meet complex mission requirements and regulatory standards.

How does a space systems architect typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project lifecycle?

A Space Systems Architect works closely with engineers, scientists, project managers, and stakeholders throughout a project's lifecycle. They facilitate communication between different technical teams—such as propulsion, avionics, and software—to ensure all subsystems integrate seamlessly. This role often involves leading design reviews, resolving technical conflicts, and ensuring that requirements from various disciplines are balanced and met. Effective collaboration and leadership skills are essential, as architects must synthesize diverse inputs into a cohesive system design.

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

AspectSpace Systems ArchitectSatellite Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Systems Engineering; certifications like INCOSEBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign and plan overall space systems, collaborate with multiple teamsDevelop, test, and troubleshoot satellite components and subsystems
Employer & Industry UsageSpace agencies, aerospace firms, defense contractorsSatellite manufacturers, aerospace companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in space system designFocus on satellite-specific engineering tasks

The Space Systems Architect focuses on designing and integrating entire space systems, including satellites, ground stations, and launch systems. In contrast, Satellite Systems Engineers specialize in the technical development and testing of satellite components. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus within the space industry.

What are popular job titles related to Space Systems Architect jobs?

For Space Systems Architect jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Space Systems Architect job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $224,334 per year, or $107.9 per hour.

2027 Systems Architect

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$258K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.
The Architecture Concepts Department (ArCon) provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to an extremely broad range of customers, including National Space Security (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others. ArCon staff participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquisition systems in the space, ground, communications, and network domains. ArCon applies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition and operations decisions.
Work Model: This position will follow an in-person work model with a minimum of 4 days per week of onsite work required in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Lead and participate in architecture studies of varying system complexity, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, problem framing, gap analysis, and trade space assessment
  • Evaluate, select, and apply system architecting methods, processes, and tools in a broad range of architecture-level assessment, modeling, analysis, and conceptual design activities
  • Use, develop, and integrate analytical methods and tools to evaluate architectural concepts and system conceptual designs for cost, schedule, performance, risk, and resilience to disruptive events or threats, and other characteristics
  • Work with Aerospace program office, customer, and contractor personnel to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; support the scoping, planning, and execution of studies; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports
  • Collaborate with other Aerospace personnel to marshal technical expertise in multiple technical disciplines and domains to enable concurrent engineering approaches to address complex problems

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Member of Technical Staff:
  • Master of Science degree in engineering, science, or related technical field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
  • 0-1 year of industry experience
  • Experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
  • Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators
  • Ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts
  • Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
  • Transcripts required for this position

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
  • Experience with space system architecture conceptual design, analysis, and concurrent engineering techniques
  • Experience with spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, nuclear weapon systems, and/or aircraft systems
  • Relevant work and/or graduate school experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, model-based systems engineering, or digital engineering
  • Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM)
  • Current active TS/SCI security clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$100,000.00 - $110,000.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.