1

Space Systems Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Space Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR ... KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology ...

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to provide onsite systems ...

Lead team of system engineering SETA and provide oversight of acquisitions, with specific focus on ... Knowledge of how space systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to provide onsite systems ...

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Support full lifecycle engineering reviews to demonstrate the design meets all specifications and ... systems. * Experience with space radar payload design, development, manufacturing, and testing.

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Support full lifecycle engineering reviews to demonstrate the design meets all specifications and ... systems. * Experience with space radar payload design, development, manufacturing, and testing.

Space Systems Engineer Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced ... Master's in Engineering and 18 years of experience, or PhD in Engineering and 10 years of ...

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... This position is for a Space Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and ...

Showing results 21-40

Space Systems Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$60K

$140.9K

$194.3K

How much do space systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for space systems engineering in Virginia is $140,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $171,500.00 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 require a background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related fields, along with experience in project management and technical skills in systems integration. NASA offers employment opportunities through federal hiring processes, internships, and contractor positions.

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.
Infographic showing various Space Systems Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,851 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Spacecraft Systems Engineer (Senior) - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Spacecraft Systems Engineer (Senior) - Millennium Space Systems

Company:

Millennium Space Systems

Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.

Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.

As a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for owning the technical execution for programs and leading teams developing spacecraft systems serving a range of missions and customers. This includes creating, monitoring, and guiding requirements definition, spacecraft design, procurement and fabrication, integration and test, and verification and validation of the overall space vehicle system. You will interact with subsystem and unit engineers, manufacturing and test personnel, and program management. You will manage the technical elements of the space vehicle system. Our spacecraft systems engineers create spacecraft -- not just paperwork!
This position's internal job code is Systems Engineer. Our team is currently hiring for Levels 5-6.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Provides systems engineering leadership to programs

  • Provides mentorship to junior systems engineering and subsystem staff

  • Collaborates with program and financial leadership to ensure successful programmatic execution

  • Applies an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to plan, design, develop and verify a lifecycle balanced solution for space systems

  • Understands spacecraft subsystems functions and interfaces. Develops integrated spacecraft system designs and solutions

  • Responsible for all aspects of spacecraft systems engineering including performing preliminary concept development, trade studies, CONOPS definition, requirements decomposition and allocation, interface requirements definition, requirements verification and validation, support to integration and test operations, anomaly resolution, risk management, and schedule execution

  • Coordinates and communicates with subsystem engineering teams to ensure system execution

  • Develops the planning organization, implementation and monitoring of requirements management processes, tools, risk, issues, opportunity management and technology readiness assessment processes

  • Applies model-based systems engineering techniques for the definition of the spacecraft system

  • Participates in software integration and test activities to ensure mission functionality prior to deployment into operations

  • Coordinates with management and peers to ensure the integrity of high-quality operational products, including procedures, tools, and system configuration

  • Performs tasks to analyze technical data, verify and sustain specific systems configurations in accordance with defined constraints and operational requirements

  • Performs various analyses to optimize the spacecraft system and/or system architecture

  • Resolves cross-functional technical issues

  • Develops and improves systems engineering processes

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering, computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, or physics and 14 or more years' related work experience; Master's Degree in engineering related discipline and 12 or more years' related work experience; or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience.

  • 14 years' experience with space systems engineering principles and techniques

  • 5 + years' experience with requirements analysis and flow-down

  • 5+ years' experience with design verification and validation processes

  • 5+ years' experience with satellite level integration and test processes

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance. for which the US Government requires U.S. Citizenship. A final U.S. Top Secret security clearance is required post start.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Level 6: Bachelor's Degree and typically 20 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience

  • Master's Degree in Aerospaceor other relevant engineeringor science discipline

  • 5 + years' experience with power, mass, and other system budgets

  • 5+ years' experience with configuration management

  • 5+ years' experience with satellite in-orbit operations

  • Demonstrated familiarity with program management principles and tools

  • Direct experience with one or more rapid spacecraft development programs and missions.

  • Experience with a full life-cycle from concept to in-orbit operations

  • Demonstrated leadership and communications skills

  • An active TS/SCIU.S. Security Clearance.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process

Drug Free Workplace:

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards:

At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

  • Level 5: $146,000 - $260,000

  • Level 6: $174,000 - $310,000


Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.

Category = Engineering

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Not Applicable

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

EEO is the law

Boeing EEO Policy

Request an Accommodation

Applicant Privacy


Boeing Participates in E - Verify

  • E-Verify (English)
  • E-Verify (Spanish)

Right to Work Statement

  • Right to Work(English)
  • Right to Work(Spanish)

What Boeing employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom