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Spacecraft Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Principal Electrical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ...

Mechanical Design Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Design Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite ... Design and develop spacecraft avionics assemblies using SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Produce ...

The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Design Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite ... Design and develop spacecraft avionics assemblies using SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Produce ...

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Showing results 1-20

Spacecraft Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$39.1K

$101.2K

$153.8K

How much do spacecraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft engineer in Arizona is $101,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $123,500.00 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.
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,239 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: NoDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is seeking a Systems Engineer - Level 2 and Level 3 to join our team in Gilbert, Arizona.
Successful candidates for this position will work as a System Engineer/ Principal System Engineer on a national security space program. Spacecraft Space Systems Engineers are key members of a cross-disciplinary team helping drive the design, development, integration & test, launch, and on-orbit operations of space vehicles. As a Spacecraft Space Systems Engineer, you will have unique opportunities to witness and take part in the entire engineering lifecycle culminating in the on-orbit delivery of fully mission capable space vehicles to our customers!
This Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineering position is for an individual-contributor within a multi-disciplinary engineering team. Responsibilities include design, integration, development and testing of space payloads, spacecraft buses, and satellites. Come join our team and help us keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Job Responsibilities:
Perform requirements development, allocation, verification/validation planning and manage interface definition efforts.
Write complex specifications, interface control documents, and engineering reports.
Support interface/communication with program, functional and subsystem leads.
Assist with trade studies, system sensitivity studies, design optimization studies, system performance assessments, mission analysis and timelines, and CONOPS development.
Support execution activities including engineering review board and configuration control board
Prepare review/briefing material for working group meetings, reviews and program status
Provide on-floor support of integration, testing, and operational readiness of spacecraft and payloads.
Other tasks may include electrical harness interface design, integration and test development and support, mechanical systems support, Command & Telemetry database development, and space vehicle configuration modeling.
Ability to capture core concepts and instructional needs from a large amount of technical data (ground and space hardware) and communicate technical concepts to peers
Basic Qualifications:
Systems Engineer - Level 2 - Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 2+ years of engineering experience OR
-Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline
Systems Engineer - Level 3
Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience OR
-Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 3 years of experience or PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer, Math) with 1 year of experience.
Self-starter with strong technical problem-solving skills, an aptitude for understanding system and subsystem interactions and initiative to drive product development to closure
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Previous engineering experience, preferably on space programs or satellite operations
Understanding of Systems Engineering functions
Must have active or current U.S. Government Secret Clearance at time of application.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in space systems, spacecraft design, or mission operations
Experience in requirements development, decomposition and allocation
Understanding of spacecraft/space system integration & test, launch, and/or mission operations
Experience in requirements management, system architecture, and CONOPs development
Experience with various technical tools such as MATLAB, STK, CORE, DOORS, or CAMEO
Experience in any of the following areas is also desired: orbital mechanics, orbital debris modeling, spacecraft attitude control, power systems and modeling, avionics or digital electronics design, risk analysis, optics, communications, thermal design and analysis, or spacecraft integration and testing (either at the spacecraft or payload level)
Active or current TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance with SCI/SBBI.
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space.
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:
-Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
-401k
-Educational Assistance
-Life Insurance
-Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
-Paid Time Off
-Health & Wellness Resources
-Employee Discounts
-Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939