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Space Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145 - $170/hr

Overview Auria seeks a Lead Systems Engineer to support projects with the US Space Force. This role is remote with a location preference for Colorado Springs, CO. The team works on a broad range of ...

Impact exists because a small group of industry leaders believed companies in our space were doing ... Job Overview The TOC Systems Engineer I will be part of Impact Networking's Managed IT organization ...

Impact exists because a small group of industry leaders believed companies in our space were doing ... Job Overview The TOC Systems Engineer I will be part of Impact Networking's Managed IT organization ...

Impact exists because a small group of industry leaders believed companies in our space were doing ... Job Overview The TOC Systems Engineer I will be part of Impact Networking's Managed IT organization ...

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Space Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$131.1K

$172K

How much do space systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for space systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $161,700.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Space Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Space Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Space Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Space Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Space Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Space Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $131,050 per year, or $63 per hour.

Space Engineer/Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, but they're also making history.

The Mission and Payload Programs organization within the Northrop Grumman Space Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) organization within Space Superiority Division provides complex subsystems and defense electronics. This position can be hired as a Systems Engineer (level 2) or a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) based on their qualifications in one or more of the following 3 disciplines: (1) Systems Design (2) Modeling & Simulation, and (3) Integration & Test.

This position is part of the Space Sectors' Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.

Systems Design Tasking can include:

Creating and refining Model Based System Engineering products (System behavioral models, Use Case realizations, State Machines, etc.)

Generation and update of specifications in DOORS, including requirements traceability and dxl script development

Capability assessments to predict requirement compliance

Functional algorithm development

Risk assessment and burn down of mitigation steps

Generating and reporting system Technical Performance Measures

Presenting analysis that shapes the system design and obtaining end-customer buy-in

Interface development and documentation

Modeling & Simulation Tasking can include:

Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms

Perform analysis and trades of product line architectures using analytical models and mission level simulations

Functional algorithm development

Authoring technical documentation such as white papers, proposal technical volumes, program milestone briefings (i.e. SRR, PDR, CDR,...), systems engineering design documentation

Presenting technical analysis to multiple stakeholders

Creating and refining Model Based Systems Engineering Products (System behavioral models, Use Case realizations, State Machines, etc.)

Integration & Test Tasking can include:

Systems: sensors/antennas, transmitters/receivers, optics, and associated lab equipment

Full life cycle experience developing, integrating, and deploying space systems

Experience with real-time signal processing

Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, or other scripting languages

Working knowledge of Robot Framework, or other test automation frameworks

Working knowledge of DOORS and ClearCase/ClearQuest

Experience creating and executing integration & test and design verification test plans and procedures

Experience performing system verification and validation

Agile development experience a plus

Supporting Systems Integration Labs (SIL) testing

Ability and willingness to travel

Basic Qualifications:

Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years of exp; MS + 0 years of exp

Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of exp: MS + 3 years of exp; PhD + 0 years of exp

BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree.

Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development

Proficient with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages

U.S. citizen with ability to obtain U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrate history of strong organization and coordination skills (working with cross-functional teams).

Knowledge of the space domain (e.g. orbital mechanics, remote sensing, etc.)

Strong RF domain background (link budget, waveform modulation schemes, transceiver technologies, antennas)

Integration and test experience; familiarity with signal generators and spectral analyzers

Active TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph is preferred

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939