1

Spacecraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Spacecraft Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Leveraging cutting edge AI‑driven generative design and automated manufacturing , our ex‑MIT, Harvard, and NASA JPL team work to create the most advanced payload‑specific spacecraft at scale in ...

New

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 ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft

Denver, CO · On-site

$107K - $142K/yr

Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and assemblies ... Lead the design of spacecraft mechanisms and deployment systems, including hinges, hold-down and ...

Senior Spacecraft Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Design, develop, and integrate spacecraft subsystems, including structures, power, thermal, and avionics * Own components of the spacecraft architecture, from early design through integration and ...

Support early design efforts for Mission Solutions pursuits and captures. * Provide thermal engineering support to other engineering teams as needed. * Travel up to 15% may be required between Umbra ...

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 ...

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$135 - $175/hr

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Spacecraft Design information

See salary details

$18

$50

$73

How much do spacecraft design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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?

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 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 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.

More about Spacecraft Design jobs

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,435 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Sr. Spacecraft Electrical Integration Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Spacecraft Electrical Integration Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Director, Spacecraft Design Engineering, the Sr. Spacecraft Electrical Integration Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team to develop groundbreaking spacecraft solutions for both internal and external clients.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Spacecraft Design Engineer team to develop electrical system requirements, review system architecture, and establish harness specifications for spacecraft programs.
  • Select appropriate components and design advanced electrical interfaces while ensuring compliance with technical specifications and safety standards.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for your domain, identifying and resolving technical issues related to electrical system integration and harnessing.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to diagnose and address problems during critical testing and launch preparations.
  • Coordinate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and program stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration of electrical systems.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to drive the development of innovative systems and industry-leading spacecraft.
  • Uphold high standards of quality assurance to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical systems.
  • Participate in design reviews, audits, and inspections to verify compliance with project requirements.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to swiftly implement lessons learned and optimize production throughput.
  • Lead the identification, design, and modification of detailed harness schematics to integrate a wide range of electromechanical components and units.
  • Create comprehensive data packages detailing pin-to-pin requirements of connectors and cables and release drawings for manufacturing teams.

Qualifications and Skills

  • BS or MS in Engineering, with a preference for Electrical Engineering.
  • 5+ years of experience in wire harness design, electrical system/subsystem development, and system and component testing.
  • Fundamental understanding of spacecraft system architecture and the ability to identify and specify wire harness requirements and components.
  • Proficient in creating drawings and data packages for build and system teams.
  • Experience routing harnesses in a CAD environment and confirming assembly and build clearances.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Additional Differentiators

  • Knowledge of space vehicle-level systems engineering, including communications, functionality trade-offs, grounding, and EMC/EMI strategies.
  • Practical hands-on experience with wire harness manufacturing and installation for space applications, with satellite experience preferred.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD and PLM software best practices.
  • Familiarity with IPC, NASA, and other industry standard harness requirements.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range
$120,000—$170,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.