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Spacecraft Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maxar

Spacecraft Engineer

Westminster, CO

$74K - $98K/yr

Vantor is currently seeking a Spacecraft Engineer to join the Spacecraft Constellation Operations, Reliability, and Engineering team in Westminster, CO. Spacecraft Constellation Operations ...

Maxar

Spacecraft Engineer

Longmont, CO

$74K - $98K/yr

Vantor is currently seeking a Spacecraft Engineer to join the Spacecraft Constellation Operations, Reliability, and Engineering team in Westminster, CO. Spacecraft Constellation Operations ...

EchoStar

Spacecraft Engineer II

Cheyenne, WY

$72K - $103K/yr

Job Duties and Responsibilities DISH is looking for a Spacecraft Engineer II who will plan, support, execute, and oversee TT&C and spacecraft subsystem operations, including spacecraft commanding and ...

EchoStar

Spacecraft Engineer II

Cheyenne, WY · On-site

$72K - $103K/yr

Job Duties and Responsibilities DISH is looking for a Spacecraft Engineer II who will plan, support, execute, and oversee TT&C and spacecraft subsystem operations, including spacecraft commanding and ...

Aetherflux

Senior Spacecraft Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

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 ...

Velos

Spacecraft Engineer II and III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

Spacecraft Engineer II and III:Qualified candidates are knowledgeable spacecraft engineers, preferably with prior experience supporting classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities:Supports or ...

Velos

Spacecraft Engineer II and III

Albuquerque, NM

Spacecraft Engineer II and III: Qualified candidates are knowledgeable spacecraft engineers, preferably with prior experience supporting classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities : Supports or ...

Velos

Spacecraft Engineer II and III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

Spacecraft Engineer II and III: Qualified candidates are knowledgeable spacecraft engineers, preferably with prior experience supporting classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities : Supports or ...

Quantum Space

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

In this role, you will lead spacecraft-level systems engineering activities, driving requirements development, interface management, design integration, and verification across propulsion, structures ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Space Production Lead

Chantilly, VA

$104K - $138K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The Spacecraft Engineer will work daily on-site with the Government to provide advice and guidance ...

Blue Origin

Spacecraft Engineering Lead

Denver, CO · On-site

$160K - $224K/yr

With support from spacecraft subsystem, systems, and integration engineers from the Spacecraft Development organization, you will be responsible for delivering a mission specific Blue Ring spacecraft.

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Spacecraft Engineer information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do spacecraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft engineer in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a spacecraft engineer do?

A Spacecraft Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains spacecraft and related systems for missions in space. Their work involves integrating complex technologies, such as propulsion, navigation, communication, and life support systems, to ensure the spacecraft can operate safely and effectively. Spacecraft Engineers collaborate with scientists and other engineers to meet mission objectives and solve unique challenges encountered in the harsh environment of space.

What is the difference between Spacecraft Engineer vs Satellite Engineer?

AspectSpacecraft EngineerSatellite Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; certifications in aerospace systemsBachelor's or higher in electrical, aerospace, or systems engineering; certifications in satellite systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test spacecraft in labs and cleanrooms; work with aerospace companies and agenciesDesign, maintain, and troubleshoot satellites; often in labs, ground stations, or field sites
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace firms, government space agencies, defense contractorsSatellite manufacturing companies, telecom firms, government agencies

Both roles require strong engineering backgrounds and work within the aerospace industry. Spacecraft Engineers focus on entire spacecraft systems, while Satellite Engineers specialize in satellite-specific technology. Both careers involve designing, testing, and maintaining space-related hardware, but their specific applications and environments differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spacecraft engineer?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as ITAR compliance are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills ensure the successful design, analysis, and operation of spacecraft systems in a highly collaborative and safety-critical environment.

How much do spacecraft engineers make?

Spacecraft engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $140,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in systems design, propulsion, and aerospace software can lead to higher compensation, especially in government agencies or private aerospace companies.

What are some common challenges faced by spacecraft engineers during a typical project lifecycle?

Spacecraft Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, managing strict project timelines, and addressing unexpected technical issues during design, testing, and launch phases. Balancing innovation with reliability is essential, as even minor errors can have significant consequences in space missions. Additionally, adapting to evolving client requirements and integrating new technologies while ensuring compliance with rigorous safety standards are ongoing aspects of the role.
More about Spacecraft Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Spacecraft Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Spacecraft Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Engineer jobs include:
Spacecraft Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Spacecraft Engineer

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

Westminster, CO • On-site

$74K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters-where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.
To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee.
Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Please review the job details below.
Vantor is currently seeking a Spacecraft Engineer to join the Spacecraft Constellation Operations, Reliability, and Engineering team in Westminster, CO.
Spacecraft Constellation Operations, Reliability, and Engineering team members are responsible for the health and safety, performance optimization, and anomaly resolution of Vantor's spacecraft constellation. Our team members also support design, development, integration, and testing of Vantor's next generation spacecraft. In this role, you will work as part of larger multi-disciplinary teams that include spacecraft system engineers, ground system engineers, software engineers and spacecraft operations teams.
Responsibilities:
  • Support Worldview Legion early operations, and Worldview 1-3, GeoEye-1, and Worldview Legion sustainment operations by maintaining spacecraft health and safety, optimizing performance, and troubleshooting anomalies
    • Develop and maintain tools and methods to trend spacecraft health and performance metrics
    • Develop/refine concept of operations to meet evolving mission demands
    • Define spacecraft anomaly resolution processes and procedures
    • Troubleshoot/resolve/document spacecraft anomalies
    • Assist in development and testing of spacecraft commissioning plans/tools
    • Assist in the development of and participate in Launch and Mission rehearsals
  • Support design, development, integration, and testing of future Vantor spacecraft
    • Define, review, and verify spacecraft requirements
    • Attend design reviews
    • Participate in clean-room integration and testing activities
  • Support other Vantor business segments
    • Provide detailed knowledge of spacecraft operations and spacecraft operational capabilities
    • Assist in ground software requirement definition, review, and verification

Minimum Qualifications :
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and be willing and able to obtain U.S. Government Secret security clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, Physics, or related field. Four additional years of
    experience may be substituted for a degree
  • Minimum of 2 years of operations or aerospace-related experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience as a spacecraft systems engineer or subsystem engineer
  • Strong and innovative computer language skills.
  • Experience with Unix/Linux, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and Github
  • Excellent written & oral communicator
  • Spacecraft operations experience
  • Superb problem-solving skills
  • Calm disposition in stressful situations

Pay Transparency: To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate's experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.
• The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $74,000.00 - $98,000.00 - $107,800.00 annually.
For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.
Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.Vantor.com/careers
The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.
The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.
To apply, submit your application via Vantor's Career page.
EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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About Maxar Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Maxar Technologies, headquartered in Denver, CO, US, is a space technology company established in 1969. Operating in the Aerospace Industry, Maxar's key areas of business include Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure. The products they offer are critical for global communications, environmental monitoring, national security, intelligence operations, disaster response, and more. Passionate about unlocking the potential of space, Maxar's mission is "to build a better world by harnessing space technology". The company prides itself on advancing state-of-the-art technology, delivering exceptional customer service, and driving growth.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Denver, CO, US

Year founded

1969

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