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Spacecraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Spacecraft Chief Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

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 ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Chief Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

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 ...

Umbra

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Umbra

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Umbra

Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Design, build and test spacecraft hardware and mechanisms, including: * Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements. * Developing initial design concepts and physical ...

Aetherflux

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 ...

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How much do spacecraft design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 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.

How much do spacecraft designers make?

Spacecraft designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $115,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $160,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in CAD software, systems engineering, and aerospace standards can influence earning potential.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers or spacecraft design engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn salaries around $500,000, especially in senior management or executive roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large aerospace companies or private space firms.

How to become a spacecraft designer?

To become a spacecraft designer, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's degree for advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in CAD software, and understanding spacecraft systems are essential. Professional certifications and knowledge of industry standards can also enhance job prospects.

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 is the highest paying space job?

The highest paying space job is typically a spacecraft engineer or aerospace engineer in senior or managerial roles, with salaries often exceeding $130,000 annually. Advanced positions requiring specialized skills, security clearances, and experience in systems design or mission management tend to offer the highest compensation in the industry.
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Spacecraft Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,435 per year, or $50.7 per hour.
Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Turion Space

Irvine, CA • Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

We are currently seeking a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer. The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing of the whole spacecraft systems and subsystems. This role involves working on all phases of a satellite’s product lifecycle, from proposal and concept through initial and final design to testing and final operations. The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will work to ensure that all the realized system meets the desired function, performance, and reliability of the mission at hand.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide technical leadership on projects and programs throughout the entire spacecraft lifecycle

  • Derivation and maintenance of system requirements to ensure mission success

  • Working with internal and external stakeholders to define mission CONOPS

  • Ownership of system budgets, such as mass, power, delta-V, data, and link budgets

  • Define verification and validation plans for system and subsystem activities (test, demonstration, analysis, inspection)

  • Collaboration with the multi-disciplinary experts

  • Tracking of system compliance and overall performance to the desired mission needs

  • Lead teams through technical milestones such as MCR, SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and PSR

  • Author Interface Control Documents (ICD)'s and other documentation necessary for the systems engineering process

  • Interact directly with customers and/or suppliers to ensure mission success

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field

  • 6+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, Spacecraft design, or a related field, with hands-on experience in satellite design and integration.

  • Previous experience with the derivation and maintenance of requirements from a system level down to a lower level

  • Ability to create system level budgets (mass, power, dV, pointing, link, etc.) and track the budget throughout the project lifecycle

  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and disciplines

  • Must be able to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, Spacecraft design, or a related field, with hands-on experience in satellite design and integration.

  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering and applicable software such as Cameo, Capella, Innoslate, or others

  • Experience with satellite analysis tools such as Python, Matlab, STK, GMAT, or FreeFlyer

  • Experience with requirement management tools such as Jama, Doors, Flow, or others

  • Previous experience in a startup work environment

  • Full product lifecycle experience: Initial concept design, preliminary design, manufacturing, testing, and operations

Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer Salary: $160,000 - $200,000 USD

ITAR Requirements:

This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:

  • Equity: Receive equity in Turion Space, letting you benefit from the company's success

  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

  • Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan with a 3% Employer Direct Contribution to help you plan for your future.

  • Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, sick days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.

  • Parental Leave: Paid parental leave following the birth of a newborn or adoption.

  • Emotional Wellbeing: A no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your household’s emotional health and wellbeing.

  • Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing internal training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.

  • Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.


We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our team members, recognizing that our collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual.

Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Compensation Range: $160K - $200K