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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We have multiple openings for Spacecraft Systems Engineers to provide spacecraft subject matter expertise as part of a multi-disciplinary team performing concept development, requirements generation ...

We have multiple openings for Spacecraft Systems Engineers to providespacecraft subject matter expertise as part of a multi-disciplinary team performing conceptdevelopment, requirements generation ...

We have multiple openings for Spacecraft Systems Engineers to provide spacecraft subject matter expertise as part of a multi-disciplinary team performing concept development, requirements generation ...

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer team supports programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Systems engineers are responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets ...

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Spacecraft Systems Engineer information

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$84.5K

$124.4K

$174.5K

How much do spacecraft systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft systems engineer in the United States is $124,441.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,000.00 and $151,000.00 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.

More about Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings:

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What states have the most Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs?

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

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Infographic showing various Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,441 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Spacecraft Systems Engineer / Mission Analyst

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview
Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized "Great Place to Work", has exciting opportunities providing Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.
At Stellar Solutions, we offer talented, energetic, and immediately productive resources to satisfy our customers' critical needs in systems engineering and integration, mission operations, program management and strategic planning. We are a leading service and expertise provider for high-tech commercial ventures, spanning communications, earth observation and remote sensing systems and data products, to the infrastructures that support earth orbiting and beyond earth orbit businesses.
Stellar Solutions is seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer / Mission Analyst to support the design of multiple commercial space systems, including LEO constellations and novel space debris removal systems.
Role/Responsibilities/Qualifications
In this role, you will:
  • Review, assess, and contribute to spacecraft delta-V analyses, including orbit raising using low-thrust electric propulsion, orbital transfers, station-keeping, and end-of-mission disposal
  • Support modeling and mission planning for rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking with orbital targets
  • Review customer-generated mission analysis products and provide independent technical assessment, recommendations, and troubleshooting
  • Perform or augment mission analysis activities as needed to support program schedules and technical objectives
  • Provide spacecraft systems engineering expertise throughout spacecraft development, integration, and test
  • Apply subsystem and spacecraft-level operations expertise to evaluate spacecraft design and mission performance
  • Provide technical oversight and support coordination with spacecraft bus and payload integration partners
  • Model LEO constellations in support of ground coverage and contact analyses using STK or similar tools
  • Support technical trades, design reviews, troubleshooting, and resolution of spacecraft development, integration and test issues
  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor to the customer, identifying technical risks and helping guide engineering decisions throughout mission development and execution

Requirements:
  • BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft systems engineering, mission analysis, GNC, spacecraft operations, or a related field
  • Experience performing or evaluating spacecraft mission and orbital analysis, including orbital maneuvers, transfers, station-keeping, or trajectory analysis
  • Working knowledge of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) principles and spacecraft dynamics
  • Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration, test, and/or on-orbit operations
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex technical analyses, identify risks and issues, and provide sound engineering recommendations
  • Ability to work effectively with customers, spacecraft developers, and other technical stakeholders to resolve engineering issues and support technical decision-making
  • Experience with mission analysis and engineering tools such as MATLAB, Python, Excel, STK/Astrogator, GMAT, ODTK, or similar tools
  • Clearance: Secret with eligibility for TS
  • Travel: max 20% of time

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), docking, or relative motion analysis
  • Experience with low-thrust electric propulsion mission analysis and orbit raising
  • Experience providing technical oversight of spacecraft bus development, payload integration, or spacecraft suppliers
  • Experience in the analysis of LEO constellations and contact management
  • Clearance: active TS/SCI preferred

Location: VA or remote
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a comprehensive total rewards package that includes an annual performance bonus, an employer-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (PSP) contribution based on base compensation, and comprehensive employer-paid medical benefits, PTO pay-out options, along with additional company-sponsored benefits. All of these benefits represent an additional 30-40% to your base compensation for a total compensation package.
Deliverable(s)
Help shape and execute first-of-their-kind commercial space missions, including spacecraft designed to rendezvous with and remove orbital debris from LEO. Apply mission analysis and spacecraft systems expertise from early design through integration, test, and operations while serving as a trusted technical advisor on complex mission and engineering decisions.