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Space Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Chief Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Space Systems Chief Systems Engineer to support a Space Systems Command SV program. You will work in customer facilities in El Segundo, CA ...

SAIC

Chief Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$200K - $240K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Space Systems Chief Systems Engineer to support a Space Systems Command SV program. You will work in customer facilities in El Segundo, CA ...

Viasat, Inc.

Space Systems Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

What you'll do You will support the definition, analysis, and execution of space systems and subsystems as part of a collaborative systems engineering team. This role focuses on requirements ...

SAIC

Chief Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Space Systems Chief Systems Engineer to support a Space Systems Command SV program. You will work in customer facilities in El Segundo, CA, directly ...

Array Labs

Space Systems Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $250K/yr

About the Job We're seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to join our team as we move from prototypes into proliferated systems. You'll have the opportunity to influence every aspect of the ...

Array Labs

Space Systems Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

About the Job We're seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to join our team as we move from prototypes into proliferated systems. You'll have the opportunity to influence every aspect of the ...

Array Labs

Space Systems Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $250K/yr

About the Job We're seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to join our team as we move from prototypes into proliferated systems. You'll have the opportunity to influence every aspect of the ...

OffWorld

Lead Space Systems Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

www.offworld.ai Lead Space Systems Engineer Full time position based in Altadena, CA OffWorld is a robotics startup working on developing amobilerobotic workforce for heavy industrial jobs on Earth ...

OffWorld

Lead Space Systems Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

www.offworld.ai Lead Space Systems Engineer Full time position based in Altadena, CA OffWorld is a robotics startup working on developing a mobile robotic workforce for heavy industrial jobs on ...

Medium

Chief Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$210 - $230/hr

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast‑growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward‑thinking ...

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$184K - $275K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours THE OPPORTUNITY: Upon ...

L3HHCM20

Systems Engineer, Space Systems

San Diego, CA · On-site

$92K - $171K/yr

Specialist, Space Systems Engineer Job Code: 40152 Job Location: San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80 (employee's work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off ...

BTAS

Senior Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$146K - $225K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours THE OPPORTUNITY: Upon ...

BTAS, Inc.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$184K - $275K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours THE OPPORTUNITY: Upon award ...

BTAS, Inc.

Senior Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$146K - $225K/yr

Senior Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours THE OPPORTUNITY: Upon award ...

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All JobsSpace Systems Engineer JobsSpace Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Space Systems Engineer information

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$52.8K

$125.5K

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How much do space systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for space systems engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by space systems engineers on the job?

Space Systems Engineers often work on complex projects that require coordinating multiple subsystems and ensuring they function seamlessly together. Common challenges include balancing strict budget and time constraints while meeting high reliability and safety standards set by the aerospace industry. The role may involve troubleshooting intricate issues during assembly, integration, or testing phases, often under tight deadlines. Adapting to evolving mission requirements and collaborating with specialists across different disciplines are also key aspects of the job. Tackling these challenges builds valuable problem-solving skills and provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology.

What is a space systems engineer?

A Space Systems Engineer designs, develops, and integrates complex space missions, including satellites, spacecraft, and ground systems. They work across multiple disciplines, such as electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, to ensure all subsystems function together. Their role involves requirements analysis, system modeling, risk assessment, and testing to ensure mission success. Space Systems Engineers collaborate with scientists, astronauts, and project managers to optimize performance and reliability.

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

A Space Systems Engineer typically requires a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Experience with simulation software (such as MATLAB or STK), systems engineering processes (like MBSE), and relevant certifications (INCOSE CSEP, for example) are highly valued. Excellent teamwork, project management, and communication skills help engineers effectively coordinate across multidisciplinary teams. Together, these skills enable successful design, integration, and operation of complex space systems, ensuring mission success and safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Space Systems Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Space Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Space Systems Engineer jobs in California? For Space Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Space Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Space Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Space Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Space Systems Engineer job openings:
Space Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Chief Space Systems Engineer

SAIC

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613991
Location: El Segundo, CA, US
Date Posted: 2026-06-25
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Systems Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: No
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Space Systems Chief Systems Engineer to support a Space Systems Command SV program. You will work in customer facilities in El Segundo, CA, directly sitting with our Customer to provide our support.
Fun stuff you will do on the job:
Engage with Space Vehicle (SV) Contractors to evaluate hardware and software designs against Government generated requirements
Lead technical requirements analysis and development, systems engineering, and oversee development Contractors to develop, design, produce, integrate and test space systems
Oversee integration and test of payloads
Perform system requirements and interface definition development
Provide analysis and recommendations to SV design to ensure technical and performance requirements are being met by the Contractor
Work with Government Customer to manage and negotiate interface control documents with external stakeholders and ensure internal and external interfaces are being met
Provide inputs to System of Systems integration of SV design to overall space systems architecture, ground segment, operations and on-orbit test
Provide assessment and recommendations to execution schedules and life cycle costs
Oversee requirements verification and validation for Government Customer
Provide inputs and assessment of Contractor risk management and provides actionable recommendations to the chief engineer and program manager
Independently collaborates with Government program office representatives, FFRDC, SETA, and contractor personnel
Qualifications
This is you:
Bachelor of Science and eighteen (18) years or more experience; Master's and sixteen (16) years or more experience or an additional 4 years of experience may be used in lieu of Bachelor's degree.
Experience with SV/ Space Payload development, integration, and/or operations of DoD or other Agency (NRO, NSA, NASA, etc.).
Experience leading systems engineering teams focused on integration of complex space and/or ground systems.
Experience applying Systems Engineering principles to the execution of SV and / or payload development, build and I&T
Experience with SV subsystem development and requirements (e.g. power, guidance, command & control, structures, etc...)
Understanding of Risk Management process
Good communication skills to peers and customer leadership
Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in the Continuous Evaluation program (if applicable)
Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartment Information and Special Access Programs and willing to consent to a Polygraph examination
Great additional background and skills:
20 years or more of experience with SV development and delivery
Experience with integration & test of payloads onto spacecraft
Familiarity with DoW acquisition processes
Experience as a project/program manager on SV or Spacecraft Bus program/project
Familiarity with ground systems and SV operations
Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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