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Vehicle Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aurex

Space Vehicle Bus Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$180K - $200K/yr

Space Vehicle Bus Systems Engineer El Segundo, CA Who We Are Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to ...

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Vehicle Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do vehicle systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vehicle Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or automotive engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with automotive design software (such as CATIA or MATLAB/Simulink), vehicle diagnostics tools, and knowledge of industry standards like ISO 26262 are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills set top candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing safe, efficient vehicle systems and ensuring successful integration, testing, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior vehicle systems engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in areas like autonomous systems or electric vehicles, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, specialized skills, and working in competitive industries or companies with significant R&D budgets.

What does a system engineer do in automotive?

A vehicle systems engineer designs, develops, and integrates complex electronic and mechanical systems within automobiles, such as safety features, infotainment, and powertrain components. They use tools like CAD software and testing equipment to ensure systems meet safety and performance standards, often collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams throughout the development process.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.

What does a vehicle systems engineer do?

A vehicle systems engineer designs, develops, and tests integrated systems within vehicles, such as electrical, mechanical, and software components. They analyze system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and industry standards, often using tools like CAD software and simulation programs. This role requires strong technical skills and knowledge of vehicle engineering principles.

How does a Vehicle Systems Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a vehicle development project?

Vehicle Systems Engineers play a central role in coordinating between multiple teams, such as mechanical design, electrical engineering, software development, and testing groups. They act as a bridge to ensure that all vehicle subsystems (such as powertrain, infotainment, and safety features) integrate seamlessly and meet project requirements. This collaboration often involves regular cross-functional meetings, design reviews, and troubleshooting sessions to resolve integration challenges quickly. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this team-oriented environment.

What is the difference between Vehicle Systems Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectVehicle Systems EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; often certifications in systems engineeringBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; licensure optional
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, or transportation industries; focus on vehicle integrationManufacturing, product design, or research labs; broad engineering applications
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, aerospace firms, transportation companiesManufacturers, consulting firms, R&D departments across industries

Vehicle Systems Engineers specialize in integrating and testing vehicle subsystems, often working closely with automotive and aerospace industries. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. Both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, but Vehicle Systems Engineers focus more on vehicle-specific systems and integration.

More about Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Systems Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs are:
Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer - Avionics

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Implement automation for data analysis, vehicle configuration, component-level testing, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

  • Coordinate systems-level requirements between launch vehicle disciplines and develop subsystem and component-level requirements.

  • Support vehicle-level integration, vehicle testing, and launch operations.

Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
A Firefly Avionics systems engineer is responsible for defining requirements, architecture, and implementation of avionics systems on our launch vehicles. In this role, you represent the avionics team during vehicle-level trades, interfacing with other mechanical, propulsion, fluids, and structures teams to identify requirements and design an integrated solution. Additionally, you are responsible for developing and coordinating development schedules, system-level test and operations plans, and supporting launch day activities. Previous launch vehicle experience is not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Implement Automation for data analysis, vehicle configuration, component-level testing, and Hardware-in-the-loop Testing
  • Coordinate systems-level requirements between launch vehicle disciplines and develop subsystem and component-level requirements
  • Assist in high-level, functional design and development of avionics systems for the current and future launch vehicles
  • Develop design, acquisition, test, and verification plans, and coordinate with the other avionics and manufacturing engineers and technicians to execute
  • Recommend vehicle function and reliability upgrades based on experience
  • Track task and personal performance
  • Support vehicle-level integration, vehicle testing, and launch operations

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • 2-5 years of experience working with aerospace component development, testing, or operations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with hands-on troubleshooting electronics systems
  • Basic understanding of digital signal processing for data acquisition
  • Experience with various sensors including temperature sensors, pressure
    transducers, strain gauges, and accelerometers

Desired
  • Experience with aerospace avionics system design, development, testing, or operations
  • Experience with project planning, subcontractor management, and other project management skills
  • Experience performing trade studies and sensitivity studies to select the best architecture option
  • Experience in industry standard root cause corrective analysis techniques, such as fault tree and fishbone analysis
  • Experience with Python for manipulating/visualizing data and controlling test equipment

Optional
  • Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics systems is preferred
  • Experience with project management is preferred
  • Experience with environmental analysis and test including thermal cycle, thermal vacuum, shock, and vibration
  • Experience with Jama or other requirements management tools
  • Experience with military and NASA standards as it relates to systems engineering, system design and qualification testing

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status

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