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Spacecraft Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

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 ...

LLNL

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

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 ...

TEKsystems

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$75 - $115/hr

What You'll Do You'll provide end-to-end systems engineering support across the full spacecraft lifecycle -- from early design through integration, test, and deployment. That means leading or ...

LLNL

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

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

Oligo Space

Chief Spacecraft Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Whether your passion lies in spacecraft systems, avionics, ML/AI, or advanced manufacturing, you'll be collaborating across disciplines on real missions that fly, perform in orbit, and scale ...

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All JobsSpacecraft JobsSpacecraft Jobs in California

Spacecraft information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$107.2K

$162.8K

How much do spacecraft jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft in California is $107,216.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,300.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a spacecraft?

Spacecraft are vehicles or machines designed to travel in outer space. They can be crewed or uncrewed and are used for a variety of purposes, such as exploration, communication, Earth observation, and scientific research. Spacecraft can operate in Earth's orbit, travel to other planets, or journey beyond our solar system. They play a crucial role in expanding our understanding of space and supporting modern technologies like GPS, weather forecasting, and satellite television.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spacecraft engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards like NASA or ESA guidelines are essential. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for addressing complex technical challenges and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing, building, and maintaining safe and reliable spacecraft that perform critical missions.

What are common challenges faced by engineers working on spacecraft development projects?

Engineers working on spacecraft development often encounter challenges such as strict weight and material constraints, the need for rigorous testing to ensure reliability in harsh space environments, and tight project timelines driven by mission schedules. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—such as propulsion, avionics, and structural engineering—is essential to address complex system integration issues. Additionally, adapting to rapid technological advancements and evolving mission requirements can require continuous learning and flexibility.

What is the difference between Spacecraft vs Satellite?

AspectSpacecraftSatellite
Required credentialsEngineering degrees, specialized training in spacecraft systemsEngineering or science degrees, satellite technology knowledge
Work environmentManufacturing facilities, launch sites, space missionsOrbiting Earth or other celestial bodies, ground stations
Industry usageSpace exploration, research, deep space missionsCommunications, weather monitoring, navigation

Spacecraft and satellites share many skills and credentials, but spacecraft generally refer to vehicles designed for space exploration or research, while satellites are primarily used for communication, navigation, or observation. Both roles involve working in aerospace environments and require specialized technical knowledge.

What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft jobs in California?

For Spacecraft jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Spacecraft jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacecraft jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Spacecraft jobs?

Cities in California with the most Spacecraft job openings:

Spacecraft jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,216 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Systems Engineer  to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Sr. Systems Engineering Manager, the Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support the systems engineering team in the development, analysis, and definition of spacecraft designs. The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will use their technical expertise to define and manage subsystem specifications, interface control documents, the concept of operations, and system performance analyses for satellite space and ground systems.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responsible for technical ownership of the full product lifecycle from concept through design, manufacturing, test, and verification
  • Participate in the design and development of spacecraft systems, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and industry standards.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and integrate various subsystems, including propulsion, power, communication, and thermal control.
  • Conduct detailed technical analyses and simulations to validate system performance and identify potential issues.
  • Assist in the development and management of system requirements, ensuring traceability from high-level mission objectives down to component specifications.
  • Work with government and commercial customers to define system requirements and coordinate all technical aspects of the mission.
  • Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop optimal solutions to complex problems.
  • Develop system architectures that efficiently satisfy customer and internal requirements.
  • Perform system trade studies to balance risk, cost, and performance.
  • Document architecture diagrams, system interfaces, requirements, flow downs, allocations, and verification methodologies.
  • Prepare and lead system design reviews.
  • Develop and execute test plans and procedures for spacecraft systems and subsystems.
  • Identify, analyze, and resolve technical issues that arise during the design, development, and testing phases.
  • Perform requirements verification and validation activities to ensure compliance with mission goals.
  • Additional responsibilities as necessary, including support of other program or product teams when subject matter expertise, review, or input is required.

Qualifications and Skills

  • BS or MS in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a related discipline
  • 2+ years of experience in systems engineering or similar disciplines related to spacecraft
  • Familiarity with satellite systems and subsystems
  • Familiarity with requirements mapping and decomposition
  • Familiarity with MATLAB, SolidWorks, STK, and Linux
  • Familiarity with satellite system budgets including mass, power, and link budgets
  • Familiarity with satellite program lifecycles, development flows, test events, and verification and validation
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Apply