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Spacecraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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How much do spacecraft design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 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.

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.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-cost regions can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually. Factors such as industry sector, company size, and additional certifications influence earning potential in this field.

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 career prospects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of spacecraft design, senior aerospace engineers or systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in leadership roles or at major aerospace companies. Such high compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires a strong background in engineering, project management, and industry-specific tools.

How much does a spacecraft designer make?

A spacecraft designer's salary varies based on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually. Senior engineers or specialists with advanced skills in CAD software and systems engineering can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace hubs or government agencies.

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.

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:
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Spacecraft Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,435 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Senior Spacecraft Engineer

Aetherflux

Seattle, WA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Senior Spacecraft Engineer
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to powering on-orbit compute, to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
About the Role:
We are looking for a Senior Spacecraft Engineer to help design, build, and integrate the core systems that power our satellite platform. You will work across spacecraft subsystems-including structures, power, thermal, and avionics-to develop reliable, high-performance systems that operate in the harsh environment of space.
This is a high-growth role with the opportunity to gain ownership quickly and work closely with a multidisciplinary team spanning software, electrical, optical, and mechanical engineering.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and integrate spacecraft subsystems, including structures, power, thermal, and avionics
  • Own components of the spacecraft architecture, from early design through integration and test
  • Perform system-level trade studies to optimize performance, mass, power, and reliability
  • Support development of spacecraft layouts, CAD models, and system schematics
  • Plan and execute integration and test campaigns, including subsystem and full vehicle testing
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with software, electrical, optical, and GNC teams to ensure system-level performance
  • Support environmental testing and validation, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing
  • Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and contribute to system-level decision making

Basic Qualifications:
  • 3-5 years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or mechanical, or electrical engineering (internships and relevant projects count)
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with spacecraft subsystems (structures, power, thermal, avionics, or similar)
  • Familiarity with design tools in your field.
  • Exposure to one or more of the following:
    • Spacecraft design or satellite systems
    • Hardware integration and testing
    • Thermal or structural analysis
    • Embedded or avionics systems
  • Strong fundamentals in engineering analysis, system design, and problem-solving
  • Eagerness to learn and operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working on spacecraft or aerospace vehicle development programs (internship, academic, or industry)
  • Hands-on experience with hardware integration, assembly, and testing
  • Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
  • Experience performing trade studies and system-level optimization
  • Exposure to power systems, thermal systems, or structural analysis in aerospace applications
  • Familiarity with GNC systems, orbital mechanics, or mission design considerations
  • Experience with CAD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, Thermal Desktop)
  • Experience working on high-reliability or safety-critical systems with strong validation practices
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems from concept through testing
  • Prior experience at a space, aerospace, or deep tech organization
  • Strong interest in space systems, energy infrastructure, and building novel orbital capabilities

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

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