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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

Avionics Systems Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

Avionics Systems Engineer positions Phoenix, AZ 85027 are available at Belcan supporting one of our ... spacecraft systems. · Full life cycle experience on Avionics Embedded Systems or software for ...

Moog, Inc.

Staff Digital Systems Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$185K - $202K/yr

Staff Digital Systems Engineer Reporting To: Design Engineering Manager Work Schedule: Onsite ... Work on cutting-edge spacecraft and defense programs, influence technical direction as a Staff ...

Moog

Staff Digital Systems Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$185K - $202K/yr

Staff Digital Systems Engineer Reporting To: Design Engineering Manager Work Schedule: Onsite ... Work on cutting-edge spacecraft and defense programs, influence technical direction as a Staff ...

Actalent

Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Systems Engineer This Systems Engineer role focuses on the design, integration, and development of ... Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms.

Actalent

Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Job Title: Systems Engineer This Systems Engineer role focuses on the design, integration, and ... Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms.

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Spacecraft Systems Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$78.7K

$116K

$162.6K

How much do spacecraft systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft systems engineer in Arizona is $115,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $140,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Spacecraft Systems Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Spacecraft Systems Engineers play a central role in coordinating efforts between various engineering teams, such as propulsion, avionics, thermal, and structural engineering. They ensure that all subsystems integrate seamlessly and meet the overall mission requirements by facilitating regular cross-disciplinary meetings, maintaining clear documentation, and managing interface control documents. Effective collaboration is essential for identifying and resolving potential conflicts early in the design process, ensuring that the spacecraft system functions reliably as a whole. This teamwork-driven environment offers valuable opportunities to learn from specialists in different fields and develop a broad understanding of spacecraft design.

What is the difference between Spacecraft Systems Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectSpacecraft Systems EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; certifications like INCOSEBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test spacecraft for space missionsDesign, develop, and maintain satellite systems for communication, navigation, or Earth observation
Employer & Industry UsageNASA, SpaceX, Boeing, aerospace firmsSatellite service providers, aerospace companies, defense contractors
Common Search & ComparisonHigh overlap in skills and certifications; both focus on complex systems engineering

Both roles require strong systems engineering skills, relevant certifications, and work in aerospace or satellite industries. The main difference lies in their focus: spacecraft systems engineers work on space exploration vehicles, while satellite systems engineers focus on satellite technology and operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and spacecraft design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with modeling and simulation software (such as MATLAB, Simulink, or STK), as well as knowledge of industry standards like NASA or ESA protocols, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating multidisciplinary projects and resolving complex issues. These skills and qualities ensure the successful design, integration, and operation of spacecraft systems in highly demanding environments.

What does a Spacecraft Systems Engineer do?

A Spacecraft Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, integrating, and managing the various subsystems that make up a spacecraft, such as propulsion, power, thermal control, and communications. They ensure that all components function together efficiently to meet the mission objectives. This role involves extensive collaboration with other engineering teams, oversight of technical requirements, and problem-solving throughout the spacecraft's development lifecycle. Spacecraft Systems Engineers also play a key role in testing, troubleshooting, and validating the overall performance of the spacecraft before launch.
What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in AZ? For Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,965 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Systems Engineer - Level 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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 3 to join our team in Gilbert, Arizona.
This position will support a spacecraft product line as a Vehicle Responsible Engineer (VRE) in Gilbert, AZ. The VRE reports to the LSE and Program Manager and helps support integration and test of a spacecraft. The VRE is a key member of a cross-disciplinary team driving technical execution culminating in the delivery of a fully mission capable spacecraft to our customers!
Job Responsibilities:
  • Support program technical execution in accordance with Northrop Grumman Systems Engineering processes and best practices
  • Provide direct Systems Engineering support to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient build-up and test of the assigned Space vehicles (SVs) and associated ground support equipment (GSE) throughout the Integration & Test (I&T) campaign
  • Help plan and execute testing strategies to exercise spacecraft functionality, measure performance, and verify survivability in the extreme launch and space environments (Dynamics, TVAC, and EMI/EMC)
  • Recognize and mitigate technical issues and risks
  • Play a key role in major program milestone and readiness reviews
  • Author and provide input to major program data products and other deliverables
  • Incorporate lessons learned to continue to strengthen the product line
  • Lead by example and be willing to mentor, coach, train, guide, direct and advise entry level staff
  • This position will nominally support 1st shift activities, however alternate shift and/or weekend work will be periodically required in support of major program milestones

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of engineering experience or Masters degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of engineering experience or PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of engineering experience.
  • Experience in systems engineering to include architecture design, technical baseline definition, requirements & interface management, hardware/software integration, and/or test planning & execution
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance at the time of application and the ability to obtain and maintain SCI clearance
  • Self -starter with strong problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active SCI access with a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within 5 years OR an active clearance with Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within 5 years.
  • Experience working on aircraft or spacecraft systems
  • Experience in system architecture, CONOPs, or model-based system engineering
  • Excellent communication Skills (upward and downward)
  • Experience with various technical tools such as CREO, Windchill, 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, rocket propulsion, thermal engineering, or spacecraft integration and testing
  • Knowledge of Launch Vehicles, System Safety, System Reliability, Contamination Control, EMI, Space Environments (Radiation, Surface Charging, etc.), and Human Factors is also desired

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: $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

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