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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Support development and management of spacecraft system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches for the program * Translate mission and program objectives into clear ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA

$118K - $162K/yr

Support development and management of spacecraft system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches for the program * Translate mission and program objectives into clear ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Support development and management of spacecraft system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches for the program * Translate mission and program objectives into clear ...

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Spacecraft Systems Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$96.2K

$141.7K

$198.7K

How much do spacecraft systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft systems engineer in Seattle, WA is $141,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,700.00 and $171,900.00 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 Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,697 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Spacecraft Systems Development Engineer - Blue Ring (Top Secret Clearance/SCI Required)

Blue Origin, LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!
The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.
As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will apply your broad multi-disciplinary engineering knowledge, skills, and methods to help ensure our spacecraft satisfies the needs of our critical partners through rigorous systems engineering practices. As part our Blue Ring Spacecraft Systems Engineering team you will help ensure the program requirements, operational descriptions, and system designs have been shaped so that the overall system meets our customers' needs. You will assist in the definition and verification of system interfaces, architecture, and con ops. Finally, you will work with all program interfaces including Assembly, Integration, & Test (AI&T), Mission Management, Launch Vehicle, Payloads, and Mission Operations.
The position requires strong collaboration within the SSE team and across the entire program. In this fast-paced and dynamic environment, you will contribute to innovative solutions while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence and judgement, and a commitment to the highest technical standards.
Special Mentions:
  • Travel expected up to 10% of the time
  • Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information required to start
  • Relocation provided

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Work with the program's Lead Systems Engineer to ensure compliance with design standards, processes, and general best practices.
  • Apply a variety of technical principles and tools in Systems Engineering such as CONOPs development, requirements analysis, and interface definition.
  • Work with subsystems to ensure proper requirements definition, verification and validation plans, consistency with system and mission objectives
  • Oversee verification and validation strategies, plans and processes to ensure software and hardware components, and the integrated spacecraft subsystems will meet system requirements and mission goals.
  • Collaborate with other program elements (I&T, ground systems, flight operations, mission management, and systems architecture) to understand their needs and create holistic solutions.
  • Identify and assisted in the management of technical, schedule and cost risks.
  • Work with the flight software team to resolve implementation issues, review the software development processes, link their development to L3 requirements and needed functional behaviors.
  • Asist in the planning and develop of system-level verification methods and events.
  • Support and collaborate with the Assembly, Integration and Test team in developing test procedures and scripts.
  • Support integration activities "on the floor" in the spacecraft assembly facility.
  • Asist with proposals based on knowledge of spacecraft capabilities and functions.
  • Manage technical performance measures for the overall vehicle.
  • Participate in gated program reviews and drive subsequent actions to closure.
  • Drive process improvements with a sense of ownership and urgency

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum of a B.S. degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace engineering or equivalent technical field.
  • Demonstrated understanding of systems engineering fundamentals and experience in multiple system lifecycle phases.
  • Successful candidates in this role typically have 5+ years of related experience in the design, development, and flight test of aerospace systems, preferably spacecraft.
  • Experience developing an integrated system with depth in one or more spacecraft subsystems, and/or system design and integration.
  • Experience in definition of space system requirements and concept definitions that span a broad range of mission objectives.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Active US Government TS/SCI security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • M.S. degree in a relevant technical field
  • Domain experience with spacecraft system and subsystem functions, interfaces, and communication protocols (i.e. serial, 1553, Ethernet, embedded software, etc.).
  • Experience defining and performing complex trade studies
  • Experience with design, development, and certification of spaceflight systems
  • Experience with logical and physical architecture definition and decomposition
  • Experience using hardware or software testbeds and lab environments for software and system verification.

Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000