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Spacecraft Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Lead Systems Engineer

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$80 - $130/hr

Onsite - Phoenix, AZ About the role We are seeking a mid‑level Lead Systems Engineer to act as the technical lead for a spacecraft avionics package. This person will be responsible for subsets of ...

Lead Project Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Onsite - Phoenix, AZ About the role We are seeking a mid-level Lead Project Engineer to act as the technical lead for a spacecraft avionics package. This person will be responsible for subsets of ...

Onsite - Phoenix, AZAbout the role We are seeking a midlevel Lead Systems Engineer to act as the technical lead for a spacecraft avionics package. This person will be responsible for subsets of ...

Onsite - Phoenix, AZAbout the role We are seeking a midlevel Lead Project Engineer to act as the technical lead for a spacecraft avionics package. This person will be responsible for subsets of ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Onsite - Phoenix, AZ About the role We are seeking a mid-level Lead Systems Engineer to act as the technical lead for a spacecraft avionics package. This person will be responsible for subsets of ...

Senior HW Project Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$115 - $155/hr

Senior HW Project Engineer Reporting To: Management, Project Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite ... Spacecraft Avionics business unit in the Space & Defense Group.Moog has partnered with NASA to ...

Quality Engineer

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$43 - $50/hr

The Quality Engineer (QE) will support Engineering Validation Testing (EVT) for spacecraft involving Thermal Vacuum, Dynamic, Propulsion, and EMI testing. This role includes off-shift, weekend, and ...

Showing results 41-60

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 18, 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 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.

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.

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.

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, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,239 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Lead Systems Engineer

Moog Inc

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

$80 - $130/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Moog Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

249th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Moog is a performance culture that empowers people to achieve great things. Our people enjoy solving interesting technical challenges in a culture where everyone trusts each other to do the right thing. For you, working with us can mean deeper job satisfaction, better rewards, and a great quality of life inside and outside of work.

Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer
Reporting To: Manager, Project Engineering
Work Schedule: Onsite – Phoenix, AZ

About the role

We are seeking a mid‑level Lead Systems Engineer to act as the technical lead for a spacecraft avionics package. This person will be responsible for subsets of project execution from cradle to grave, translate program requirements into system architectures, and drive product validation through delivery and integration.

Key responsibilities
  • Support technical execution of assigned projects while coordinating technical activities across engineering disciplines
  • Manage and maintain program requirements, traceability, and verification matrices
  • Contribute to system and subsystem architecture under the guidance of senior technical leaders
  • Support development and execution of validation and verification activities (environmental, functional, EMI/EMC, integration tests)
  • Coordinate cross‑functional teams (hardware, firmware/FPGA, software, test, suppliers, manufacturing)
  • Troubleshoot and debug board‑level and system‑level issues during test and integration
  • Ensure engineering outputs meet schedule, and quality targets
Must‑have qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant engineering experience (space, avionics, or complex electronics systems)
  • Familiarity with one or more of the following: requirements management, circuit board design & debugging, spacecraft electronics, FPGA design, complex system design, or avionics test
  • Experience creating or maintaining requirements traceability and verification artifacts
  • Strong problem‑solving and hands‑on test/debug skills at the board or system level
  • Clear written and verbal communication
Nice‑to‑have
  • Familiarity with space or avionics standards and interfaces (SpaceWire, Ethernet, MIL‑STD‑1553, CAN, RS‑422/TTL)
  • Prior experience with environmental qualification testing (vibration, thermal/vacuum, shock)
  • Experience with hardware bring‑up, lab automation, and test‑script development
  • Knowledge of FPGA toolflows, schematic capture, or PCB layout review

Salary Range Transparency: Phoenix, AZ $80,000.00–$130,000.00 Annually

Salary Range Disclaimer: The base salary range represents the low and high end of the Moog salary range for this position in the given work location. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range(s) listed is just one component of Moog's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy, and many region-specific benefits.

  • annual bonuses
  • employee stock purchase plan
  • an open paid time off policy
  • many region-specific benefits

This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled information.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran Moog offers an exclusive workplace, and, as such, affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

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About Moog

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1951 with the invention of the servo valve by Bill Moog, a breakthrough in motion control systems, Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) has evolved into a global leader in motion control parts and systems. Headquartered in East Aurora, NY, we serve customers in over 90 countries, with operations spanning more than 27 countries and a dedicated workforce of nearly 13,000 professionals. Our organization comprises three operating groups: Aircraft, Industrial, and Space and Defense. Our high-performance systems drive military and commercial aircraft, satellites, launch vehicles, missiles, industrial machinery, marine, and medical equipment. At Moog, our focus lies in crafting high-performance solutions to solve the most challenging technical problems for our customers. Beyond technical prowess, Moog fosters a performance culture empowering employees to achieve greatness. Our team thrives on tackling engaging technical challenges within a culture of trust, offering rewarding job experiences and a fulfilling work-life balance.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Aurora, NY, US

Year founded

1951

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