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Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Qualified candidates are knowledgeable Spacecraft Systems Engineers, preferably with experience working on classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities : Leads system engineering activities of ...

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Qualified candidates are knowledgeable Spacecraft Systems Engineers, preferably with experience working on classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities : Leads system engineering activities of ...

Spacecraft System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Qualified candidates are knowledgeable Spacecraft Systems Engineers, preferably with experience working on classified programs. Roles and Responsibilities:Leads system engineering activities of ...

DoD Secret Clearance TRAVEL: 10% Astrion is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support spacecraft engineering, satellite operations, and ground system development for the Air Force Research ...

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Tysons, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Spacecraft Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$84.5K

$124.4K

$174.5K

How much do spacecraft systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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:

Who are the top companies hiring for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs include:

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.

Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Operations

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,610 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested war-fighting domain.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer for our Space team, you own the satellite operations and mission control center for each of Anduril's on-orbit systems. You will be responsible for authoring mission control procedures and processes, working with the engineering team to develop mission concept of operations and become familiar with Anduril's ground software enterprise and orbital flight software system. The Spacecraft Mission Operations team will work closely with related teams, such as the spacecraft design, GNC, ground and flight software, etc., to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities but above all else will be responsible for the health and safety of Anduril's fleet of spacecraft.
This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril's Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own the mission operations plans and procedures for various spacecraft programs in all orbital regimes
  • Integrate with legacy systems to unlock 21st-century capabilities
  • Develop modern, software-defined approaches to autonomous spacecraft operations
  • Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality
  • Create and analyze metrics that are leveraged for debugging and monitoring
  • Triage issues, root cause failures, and coordinate next-steps
  • Coordinate with end-users, other operators and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints
  • Train other operators on the use and operation of Anduril spacecraft
  • Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems
  • Work with other teams and government agencies to achieve the required licenses (FCC, NOAA, etc) and comply with regulations for operating spacecraft
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or other engineering degree
  • 4+ years of professional satellite or spacecraft operations experience
  • Experience conducting spacecraft operations and satellite command and control with an emphasis on system reliability and uptime
  • Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements
  • Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight
  • Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
  • Experience operating government, DoD, or IC spacecraft
  • Experience with Python and Linux systems
  • Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, or STK
  • A desire to work on critical software in the space domain
  • Experience developing Fault Management Systems Architecture
  • Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds
  • Exposure to ground station operations and providers

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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