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Spacecraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualifications To excel in this role, you must possess: • Active TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph. • Expertise in spacecraft design and engineering, with proficiency in at least one satellite ...

Expertise in spacecraft design and engineering, with proficiency in at least one satellite subsystem (e.g., structures and mechanisms, electrical power, attitude and orbit control, thermal control ...

Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire ... Support early design efforts for Mission Solutions pursuits and captures. * Provide thermal ...

Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire ... Support early design efforts for Mission Solutions pursuits and captures. * Provide thermal ...

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Spacecraft Design information

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$18

$50

$73

How much do spacecraft design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for spacecraft design in the United States is $50.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Spacecraft Design job?

A Spacecraft Design job involves creating and developing spacecraft, including satellites, probes, and crewed vehicles. Engineers in this field work on structural design, propulsion systems, thermal management, avionics, and overall mission requirements. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software, perform simulations, and collaborate with scientists to ensure the spacecraft meets its intended purpose. This role requires expertise in aerospace engineering, physics, and materials science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Spacecraft Design position, and why are they important?

To excel in Spacecraft Design, candidates typically require a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in physics and mathematics. Experience with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards such as NASA or ESA guidelines are highly valued. Strong teamwork, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate and innovate in multidisciplinary environments. These competencies ensure cutting-edge and reliable spacecraft solutions that meet rigorous performance and safety requirements.

What is a typical team structure for a Spacecraft Design project?

Spacecraft Design projects usually involve multidisciplinary teams composed of aerospace engineers, systems engineers, propulsion specialists, avionics experts, and project managers. Each team member focuses on a specific subsystem, such as structural integrity, power management, or communications, and collaborates closely to integrate these components into a cohesive design. Frequent collaboration, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings are common, ensuring all parts work flawlessly together. This collaborative structure fosters knowledge sharing and innovation while maintaining strict adherence to technical requirements and project milestones.
What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Design jobs? Cities with the most Spacecraft Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Spacecraft Design jobs? The most popular types of Spacecraft Design jobs are:
What states have the most Spacecraft Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,435 per year, or $50.7 per hour.
Spacecraft Chief Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Chief Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 203 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2612127

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-05-04

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Aerospace Engr

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: ORAONSITE


Description

SAIC’s Air Force, Space and Intelligence Business Group is growing and looking for innovative, mission-driven professionals to help us advance cutting-edge space capabilities for our Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Embark on a rewarding career just ten miles from SAIC headquarters, as part of our Chantilly, VA team supporting essential programs in systems development, targeting & intelligence analysis, systems engineering & integration, and beyond.

We are seeking a Spacecraft Chief Systems Engineer to serve as a partner to the Government Chief Engineer on a state-of-the-art space program. In this role, you will advise the Government to make critical decisions to adapt reusable spacecraft to achieve new missions critical to US Space Force requirements. Apply system engineering disciplines to advance spacecraft subsystems by mitigating risks to technical development efforts. 
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Key Responsibilities
In this highly collaborative and technically complex position, you will:
•    Partner with Government Chief Engineers and Program Managers to advise on development progress and envision future missions.
•    Lead technical architecture planning to identify critical dependencies to retrofit spacecraft designs to achieve mission objectives.
•    Partner with multidisciplinary satellite subsystem teams to monitor subsystem development, testing, and integration conducted by developers.
•    Serve as a team lead to key system engineers and subject matter experts responsible for collaboration, guiding work priorities, mentoring, and corporate compliance. 
•    Participate in Developer-led Integrated Product Teams (IPT) and system milestone reviews, offering innovative recommendations to enhance system performance and delivery timelines.
•    Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies throughout the systems engineering lifecycle to safeguard mission objectives and ensure program success.
 

Qualifications

To excel in this role, you must possess:
•    Active TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.
•    Expertise in spacecraft design and engineering, with proficiency in at least one satellite subsystem (e.g., structures and mechanisms, electrical power, attitude and orbit control, thermal control, command and data handling, propulsion) and a keen interest in rapidly learning others.
•    Strong system engineering experience, particularly in spacecraft design, development, and implementation.
•    Hands-on experience with pre-launch integration testing and functionality checkout of spacecraft systems.
•    A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 18 years of experience, or a Master's degree with 16 years of experience.
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Desired Qualifications
Additional qualifications that set you apart include:
•    6+ years of experience as a satellite developer, supplier, or SETA working on DoD or IC satellite programs.
•    Experience serving as a chief engineer or chief system engineer for a satellite program.
•    Demonstrated program or project management experience, with a proven ability to oversee and align diverse operational and technical objectives.
________________________________________
Why Join SAIC?
At SAIC, we empower employees to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver precise solutions. Join us in shaping the future of space technology and supporting some of the nation’s most vital intelligence and defense initiatives. Apply today to become part of a high-caliber team driving forward our country’s space and intelligence capabilities.
 


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