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Space Systems Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Space Systems Integration

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

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, self ...

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 ... OffWorld was founded by an experienced engineering team drawing on decades of tackling formidable ...

Space Systems Integration

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

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, self ...

BTAS, Inc.

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$115K - $250K/yr

Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI ... Provide Space Acquisition and Technical Support * Assist with space acquisitions, engineering ...

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 ... OffWorld was founded by an experienced engineering team drawing on decades of tackling formidable ...

Space Systems Integration

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

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, self ...

BTAS

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$115K - $250K/yr

Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI ... Provide Space Acquisition and Technical Support * Assist with space acquisitions, engineering ...

BTAS, Inc.

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$115K - $250K/yr

Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI ... Provide Space Acquisition and Technical Support * Assist with space acquisitions, engineering ...

BTAS

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$115K - $250K/yr

Space Systems Engineer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI ... Provide Space Acquisition and Technical Support * Assist with space acquisitions, engineering ...

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 ...

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Space Systems Engineering information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$140.2K

$193.4K

How much do space systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for space systems engineering in California is $140,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is space systems engineering?

Space systems engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the design, development, integration, and management of complex space missions and systems. It involves coordinating various subsystems such as propulsion, communications, power, and payloads to ensure that spacecraft and satellites meet mission objectives. Space systems engineers work closely with scientists, project managers, and other engineers to address technical challenges from concept through launch and operation. Their work is critical to the success of space exploration, satellite deployment, and other aerospace initiatives.

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

To thrive as a Space Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or related fields, often with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, systems engineering tools (like MBSE), and industry standards such as NASA or ESA protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are critical to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient design and integration of complex space systems.

What are some common challenges faced by space systems engineers during the integration and testing phase of a project?

Space systems engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating complex subsystems from different vendors, ensuring compatibility and reliability in harsh space environments. During testing, they must meticulously validate that all systems perform as expected under simulated launch and in-orbit conditions, which requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, tight project schedules and rigorous safety requirements can add pressure, making strong problem-solving and communication skills essential for success in this role.

Does NASA hire space systems engineers?

Yes, NASA hires space systems engineers to design, develop, and manage complex space missions and hardware. These engineers typically need a background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related fields, along with experience in project management and technical skills in systems integration. NASA's job opportunities are posted on their official careers website and often require security clearances and relevant certifications.

What do space systems engineers do?

Space systems engineers design, develop, and oversee the integration of complex space systems such as satellites, spacecraft, and ground support equipment. They analyze requirements, create technical specifications, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure system functionality and reliability, often using tools like CAD and simulation software. Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles, aerospace standards, and project management is essential in this role.
Space Systems Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Systems Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,209 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Space Vehicle BUS Systems Engineer

Stellar Solutions Inc

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview
Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized "Great Place To Work", has exciting opportunities providing Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.
At Stellar Solutions, we offer talented, energetic, and immediately productive resources to satisfy our customers' critical needs in systems engineering and integration, mission operations, program management and strategic planning. We are a leading service and expertise provider for high-tech commercial ventures, spanning communications, earth observation and remote sensing systems and data products, to the infrastructures that support earth orbiting and beyond earth orbit businesses.
Stellar Solutions is seeking a Space Vehicle BUS Systems Engineer to support advanced space vehicle development across planning, integration, and test activities. This role contributes to the engineering rigor behind next-generation mission capability by helping ensure subsystem performance, technical baseline integrity, and readiness across the lifecycle. It is a strong fit for a systems engineer who thrives in a high-accountability environment and enjoys working at the intersection of technical depth, mission impact, and cross-functional collaboration.
Role/Responsibilities/Qualifications
This position supports space vehicle systems engineering across multiple subsystem areas and key technical reviews. You will help assess designs, schedules, and program execution data while collaborating closely with government stakeholders and technical teammates to support disciplined development and integration.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Support space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing activities
  • Perform systems engineering, planning, development, integration, and testing across at least two space vehicle subsystems and their components
  • Contribute technical insight across subsystem areas including structures, mechanisms, electrical power, attitude control, thermal, propulsion, communications, or command
  • Support space system and DoD program reviews, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, FCA, and PCA
  • Use collaboration tools such as Confluence or JIRA to support team coordination and program execution
  • Analyze subsystem and program-level Integrated Master Schedules
  • Analyze contractor Earned Value Management data to support program visibility and decision-making
  • Communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with government clients and contractor teammates
  • Contribute across systems engineering activities with a strong work ethic and mission focus
  • Support technical baseline maturity and engineering execution throughout the program lifecycle

Required Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience with space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing
  • 7+ years of experience with systems engineering, planning, development, integration, and testing of at least two of the following space vehicle subsystems and its components: structures, mechanisms, electrical power, attitude control, thermal, propulsion, communications, or command
  • 3+ years of experience with space system and DoD program reviews, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, FCA, or PCA
  • Experience with collaboration tools, including Confluence or JIRA
  • Experience analyzing subsystem and program-level Integrated Master Schedules
  • Experience analyzing contractor Earned Value Management data
  • Ability to be highly motivated, display a dynamic work ethic, and contribute to the DoD mission
  • Ability to communicate effectively and establish collaborative relationships with government clients and contractor teammates
  • Top Secret/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science

Desired Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience with space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing
  • Experience with space vehicle-level tests including system performance tests, TVAC, acoustics, or EMI/EMC testing
  • Experience performing multiple systems engineering and program management functions
  • Experience with requirements verification
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle and milestones and DoD systems engineering, test, and production policies, standards, and practices
  • Knowledge of satellite space, ground, or user segments
  • Possession of excellent interpersonal skills
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science
  • PMP, ESEP, CSEP, or OCSMP certification

Clearance & Additional Requirements
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required

Location
El Segundo, California - This position is full-time and supports a Government customer environment; Work style expectation is considered hybrid-local (2-4 days per week on site at LAAFB).
Compensation:
The typical salary range for this position is USD $145,000 - $185,000 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, retirement plan and other benefits (all in addition to salary).
Deliverable(s)
Deliverables will be in the format of reports, briefings, spreadsheets, or other documents as directed by the Government, using government approved and/or mandated systems/software and processes governed by guidance/instructions/policy or direction.

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