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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Satellite Subsystem System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... checkout of spacecraft systems. • A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 14 years of ... satellite developer, supplier, or SETA working on DoD or IC satellite programs. • 2+ years of ...

Blue Origin

Electrical Systems Engineer III

Reston, VA · On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

Blue Origin's National Security is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge spacecraft technology that safeguards America's interests in space. As an Electrical Systems Engineer III, you will ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Knowledge of satellite constellations, spacecraft orbit, and ground station characteristics

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Knowledge of satellite constellations, spacecraft orbit, and ground station characteristics

KBR, Inc.

Space Vehicle Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: Space Vehicle Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... This may include multiple phases of spacecraft bus and payload requirements definition, design ...

Varantec, Inc.

GEOINT System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Experience in engineering and/or acquisition of Intelligence Community (IC) and/or DoD spacecraft systems. * Strong expertise in GEOINT system analysis and agile engineering processes. * Excellent ...

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All JobsSpacecraft Systems Engineer JobsSpacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Aug 14, 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:

Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,374 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems Engineer

Special Aerospace Services

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems Engineer
Chantilly, CA
Who We Are
Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems, we design, test, and deliver the platforms that turn unproven ideas into battlefield-ready capability.
Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested operators, and forward-leaning technologists to solve problems that matter, fast. We move from whiteboard to warfighter with precision, clarity, and zero tolerance for fluff.
Position Summary
Seeking an engineer with technical expertise in Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems to support the Vehicle Engineering Branch with the Space and Launch (S&L) Division. S&L provides technical and programmatic support to coordinate and execute acquisition, vehicle engineering, adjunct payload accommodation, and integration, test and launch functions for spacecraft and adjunct payloads. The position will be located in Chantilly, VA and requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
In this role, you will be an integral participant in subsystem analysis, architecture, requirements development and verification of Attitude Control Systems. Key areas of focus include control theory systems engineering, review of contractor designs, and evaluation of operating modes. Furthermore, this role requires a background in astrodynamics analysis such as orbit design and orbit-attitude interaction
Key Responsibilities
The following tasks are representative of those that will be accomplished at the request of the customer:
  • Knowledge of satellite attitude control algorithms (eg Kalman filter based attitude determination, Control Moment Gyroscope steering algorithms, multi-body dynamics, controls-structures interactions)
  • Knowledge of astrodynamics applications (eg orbit determination, orbit maintenance, orbit design)
  • Knowledge of attitude control hardware requirements, manufacture and test to include control moment gyroscopes, star trackers, torque rods, thrusters, and moving mechanical actuators
  • Support the customer in the design, integration and test of the ACS subsystem
  • Review and coordinate on all changes to specifications, lCDs and system-level requirements documentation for the ACS subsystem
  • Provide expert advice/analysis on ACS considerations for new satellite/payload developments
  • Coordinate with bus development POC, S&L subsystem leads, branch chiefs and division chiefs
  • Provide technical evaluation of ACS efforts in contractor Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs)
  • ldentify and assess emerging risks; develop and evaluate proposed burn-down plans
  • Provide expert advice/analysis on accommodation considerations for new satellite/payload developments
  • Review prime contractor readiness to proceed into spacecraft manufacturing and test
  • Support factory integration and test activities as needed
  • Provide support to launch and satellite on-orbit test as needed
  • Attend contractor milestone reviews (e.g. PDR, CDR, pre-test, pre-ship and other meetings) to provide technically based recommendations regarding satisfaction of review entrance and exit criteria
  • Attend system-level design reviews, and program management reviews to assess design maturity, requirements compliance and to provide informed technical recommendations to the USG
  • Attend Vehicle Engineering branch meetings
  • Support the customer in the review of financial and earned value reports
  • Develop productive relationships with prime contractor counterparts, functional counterparts, and other spacecraft subsystem subject matter experts

Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
  • Bachelors Degree in Aerospace, Astronautical, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 10-15 years professional experience
  • Experience in the design & integration of satellite buses
  • Knowledgeable of launch & flight operations of space vehicles
  • Working knowledge of control theory, reaction wheel/control moment gyro, star sensor/tracker, inertial reference units/sensors, sun sensor, magnetic torque rod, GPS receiver, and control algorithm development.
  • Strong understanding of attitude control related hardware
  • In depth knowledge of Matlab/Simulink, STK, and Python
  • Knowledge of NASTRAN useful

How You Will Be Rewarded
The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $220.000 annually. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidate's work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and professional growth.
Aurex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at Aurex. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would Aurex require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, or government contractual obligation. For all other positions, Aurex does not consider an applicant's citizenship but only requires the applicant to be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I-9 process, for that specific position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.
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