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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turion Space

Staff Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · Remote

$190K - $260K/yr

The Staff Spacecraft Systems Engineer ensures that all aspects of the mission, from requirements decomposition and traceability to mission capability verification, are properly defined, progressed ...

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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 Aug 20, 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.

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Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,441 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Astrobotic Technology Inc

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support the technical development, testing, and operation of the company’s lunar landers and space systems. This position will support the system engineering development process and be a source of technical guidance to all subsystems. This position reports to the Systems Engineering Manager. An ideal candidate for this role would be capable of supporting and/or leading a program’s systems engineering team.

Note: This position may be filled at multiple levels and in varying systems engineering roles, depending on the candidate’s experience and program needs.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design development for a lunar lander and/or other space-based system

• Managing the concept of operations, mission and system requirements, design configuration, technical budgets, launch vehicle requirements, fault management, interface control, V&V planning, and technical risk and mitigation plan identification, through the entire life cycle of the program

• Provide technical guidance and direction to the system and subsystem engineering teams

• Work side-by-side with the systems engineering team, Mission Director, and key partners and customers

• Support the technical formulation of Interface Definition Documents, Interface Control Documents, integration plans, operation plans for partner and/or payload organizations

• Serve as a primary point of contact between the partner and/or payload engineers

• Support technical proposals for new business and mission opportunities

• Prepare and deliver technical documentation and reports

• Lead technical presentations and/or demonstrations

• Communicate with multiple engineering disciplines, partners, and customers to resolve technical risks and challenges

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in multiple of the following areas: systems engineering, structure/thermal design and analysis, avionics systems, power systems, propulsion system, communication systems, flight software, mission management, S&MA, trajectory analysis, launch vehicle constraints, risk management, and system configuration management

• Strong understanding of space and launch vehicle mission environments

• BS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or other related fields

• Minimum 3 years of relevant space mission experience. Advanced degrees may additionally be considered in lieu of professional experience

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience developing space systems, from feasibility studies through flight and mission operations

• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams

• Knowledge of Human-rated space systems

• Knowledgeable of System V&V planning

• Knowledgeable of Range Safety compliance

• Knowledgeable of EMI/EMC specifications and verification methods

• Knowledgeable of Model Based Systems Engineering

• Mission Operations experience with space systems or similar