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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Spacecraft Engineer

Westminster, CO · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Experience as a spacecraft systems engineer or subsystem engineer (preferred) * Strong and innovative computer language skills (preferred) * Experience with Unix/Linux, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and ...

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Spacecraft Systems Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$88.9K

$130.9K

$183.5K

How much do spacecraft systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft systems engineer in Colorado is $130,852.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $158,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in CO?

For Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,852 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Spacecraft Systems Engineer (Associate, Experienced)

Boeing

Aurora, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 614 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Spacecraft Systems Engineer (Associate, Experienced)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security's (BDS's), Experimental Systems Group (ESG) seeks a Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join our team in either Seal Beach, CA; Aurora, CO; or El Segundo, CA. This is an opportunity to personally contribute to the development of new first-of-kind space vehicles and missions. The ESG portfolio consists of a range of platforms and technologies including the X-37B, the world's first fully autonomous reusable spaceplane, which is continuing to shape the future of space technology while currently flying its eighth mission.

As a member of our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) Mission Design team, you work with a system architects, Concept of Operations (ConOps) developers, fault and autonomy designers, and Recommended Operating Procedure (ROP) authors.

Our development timelines are aggressive and you will be asked to develop solutions to previously unsolved problems. You will need to be able to dive into broad, minimally-defined design spaces and effectively lead integrated efforts.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to drive development and implementation of an optimal fault and autonomy architecture for your assigned program(s).
  • Be the point of contact for customers and work directly with subject matter experts to quickly identify achievable solutions that meet customer needs.
  • Support technology integration for and development of first-of-kind space vehicles and missions.
  • Develop and present review packages to internal and external senior leadership.
  • Ensure system hardware designs have adequate redundancy for required levels of fault tolerance.
  • Develop autonomy aligned with customer risk tolerance in the presence of anomalies.
  • Analyze system failure modes via failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) or fault tree analysis.
  • Develop software requirements for onboard fault protection to detect and isolate failures and transition to spacecraft safing modes.
  • Design autonomy or ground procedures to recover from failures.
  • Provide occasional on-call support for system anomalies.

This position is expected to be fully onsite in This position is expected to be fully onsite in either Seal Beach, CA; Aurora, CO; or El Segundo, CA.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • A United State Department of Defense Active Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI). A clearance that was active within the past 24 months is generally considered active.
  • Minimum years of related experience: 1+ for level 2, 3+ for level 3.
  • Experience with systems or software engineering on space-based systems.
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience with system fault and redundancy architecture design.
  • Experience with systems engineering practices (requirements definition, risk identification and management, fault tree generation, FMECA, etc.).
  • Master's degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry.
  • 3+ years of systems engineering experience.
  • 2+ years of project management experience. PMP.
  • Strong spoken, written, and visual communication skills.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams and external customers.
  • Experience in spacecraft, launch vehicles, autonomous systems, or unmanned systems.
  • Experience with failure analysis techniques (e.g., Fault Tree, FMECA).
  • Experience with spacecraft mission operations.
  • Broad knowledge across spacecraft subsystems.

Typical Education & Experience:

Associate (level 2): Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 2 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.

Experienced (level 3): Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 5 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

Ability and willingness to work occasional compensated ad hoc support outside of typical business hours.

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. (Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.)

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range

Associate (level 2): $100,300 - $135,700

Experienced (level 3): $124,100 - $167,900

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Boeing

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US