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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

ispace, inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Minimum of 8 years' spacecraft engineering experience with 4+ years in spacecraft systems engineering, ideally during several lifecycle phases and at spacecraft level * Deep understanding of systems ...

ispace, inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Minimum of 8 years' spacecraft engineering experience with 4+ years in spacecraft systems engineering, ideally during several lifecycle phases and at spacecraft level * Deep understanding of systems ...

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All JobsSpacecraft Systems Engineer JobsSpacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs in Colorado

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 7, 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.

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.
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Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,852 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer - Optical Comms

CesiumAstro

Westminster, CO • On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
 
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer – Optical Comms is responsible for leading the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and support complex aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role translates mission objectives, customer requirements, and system architecture into technical solutions that enable successful system integration and mission execution.

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, the Senior Systems Engineer collaborates with software, hardware, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and program management teams to ensure systems meet technical, operational, cost, and schedule objectives. This role provides technical leadership from concept development through design, integration, verification, launch, and operational support while contributing to technical decision-making and risk management.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Systems Engineering & Architecture

  • Analyze customer, mission, and system-level requirements and decompose them into clear, verifiable system and subsystem requirements.
  • Establish clear definitions for all hardware and software interfaces between optical communication payloads and the space vehicle
  • Research commercially available optical communication payloads and conduct source selection
  • Serve as primary technical contact with vendors through the full program lifecycleEnsure requirements maintain end-to-end traceability to customer requirements, system architecture, and Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
  • Define and manage hardware, software, electrical, mechanical, and data interfaces between system elements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine requirements for completeness, feasibility, technical accuracy, and manufacturability.
  • Support requirements management, configuration management, baseline control, and engineering change activities.
  • Identify technical risks, requirement gaps, ambiguities, and design issues early in the development lifecycle.
  • Support system architecture development, technical trade studies, and engineering analyses to evaluate design alternatives and optimize system performance.

Verification, Validation & Integration

  • Develop system verification and validation strategies, including verification methods (test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection), acceptance criteria, and verification levels aligned with program requirements.
  • Define verification configurations, including hardware, software, firmware, and test environments required to support verification activities.
  • Develop and maintain verification documentation, verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), requirements traceability matrices, and verification evidence packages.
  • Partner with Integration & Test teams to plan, coordinate, and support system integration and verification activities.
  • Evaluate test results, resolve technical discrepancies, and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements.

Technical Leadership & Program Execution

  • Support technical planning, Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and engineering execution activities.
  • Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical, cost, schedule, and program milestones.
  • Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, customer meetings, and engineering milestone activities.
  • Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices, requirements development, traceability, verification, and technical documentation.
  • Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems engineering rigor, and technical documentation.
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution.
  • Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with typically 5–8 years of relevant experience; Master’s degree in a related technical discipline with typically 3–6 years of relevant experience; or PhD in a related technical discipline with typically 0–3 years of relevant experience.
  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle.
  • Experience developing, managing, and verifying system and subsystem requirements.
  • Knowledge of systems architecture, interface management, systems integration, and configuration management.
  • Understanding verification, validation, and systems integration processes.
  • Ability to interpret customer requirements, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)
  • Requirements Management tools (Jama, IBM DOORS, or similar)
  • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (CATIA Magic/Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar)
  • Systems modeling and simulation tools
  • Collaboration platforms (Confluence, SharePoint, or similar)
  • Configuration management and version control tools (Git, GitLab, Bitbucket, or similar)
  • Issue tracking tools (Jira or similar)
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning, launch support, and on-orbit operations.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft system integration, mission readiness, and operational activities.
  • Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.