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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who requires a mid-career engineer with technical expertise in systems engineering who is anxious to grow ...

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who requires a mid-career engineer with technical expertise in systems engineering who is anxious to grow ...

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who requires a mid-career engineer with technical expertise in systems engineering who is anxious to grow ...

Space Systems Engineer** to join our team and contribute to the design, development, and ... In this role, you will work on the development of spacecraft and satellite systems, ensuring their ...

Space Systems Engineer** to join our team and contribute to the design, development, and ... In this role, you will work on the development of spacecraft and satellite systems, ensuring their ...

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Spacecraft Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$83.8K

$123.4K

$173K

How much do spacecraft systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft systems engineer in Virginia is $123,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $149,700.00 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 Virginia? For Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in VA? For Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,374 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 230 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2612640

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-21

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer. This position is located in Chantilly, VA and requires an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph. 

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who requires a mid-career engineer with technical expertise in systems engineering who is anxious to grow their skills.  

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer may perform but not limited to the following duties:

•    Provide direct support for major program acquisitions. 
•    Provide a key role in the verification of system level requirements and selloff by the developer within a government program office.
•    Be part of a team working with both developers and operators after launch for the initialization of multiple satellites on orbit.
•    Provide operations planning and execution support.
•    Develop and coordinate operations transition plans for constellation of multiple satellites.
•    Provides support to anomaly resolution during initialization.
•    Author, review, and coordinate documents, briefings and data to aid the Government in communications and decision-making.
•    Maintain configuration control using tools such as Jira and Confluence to track changes, manage requirements, and monitor project progress.
•    Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, integration and test, and developers to ensure that configuration changes are effectively communicated and implemented.

Qualifications

•    Active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph.
•    Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 9+ years professional relevant experience, Master of Science degree and 7+ years of professional relevant experience. Note: Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
•    Knowledge of systems engineering practices, including requirements management, verification, and validation.
•    Experience in Agile software development, preferably software for satellite systems.
•    Experience in satellite operations, preferably with government intelligence satellite systems.
•    Experience with verification sell off of requirements.
•    Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly master different tools.  Experience with configuration management tools, such as Jira and Confluence. 
•    Solid understanding of engineering principles and project lifecycle phases, especially in space systems development.
•    Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. 
•    Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. 
•    Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic project environment.
•    Available to travel occasionally domestically.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Experience in space system development or satellite integration.
•    Solid understanding of DoD/IC satellite systems and architectures.
•    Experience in defense and intelligence community acquisition and program management processes.
•    Fluency in a coding language (JavaScript, HTML, Python, Microsoft VBA) 
•    Solid understanding of the DOD and/or IC Acquisition process and related milestones. 
•    Familiarity with space systems ground support and hardware acquisitions.
•    An understanding of full life cycle system support, from procurement to launch, including requirement analysis, requirements tracking, system design and development through system test, installation and sell-off, delivery, and hardware development, testing, analysis, and requirements verification.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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