How to hire a spacecraft systems engineer

How to hire a spacecraft systems engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step spacecraft systems engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a spacecraft systems engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new spacecraft systems engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a spacecraft systems engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect spacecraft systems engineer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of spacecraft systems engineers.

   Type of Spacecraft Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Spacecraft Systems Engineer	Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.	$34-61
   Stress Analyst	A stress analyst is a type of aerospace engineer; they design, construct, and test aircraft. They may also work on missiles or spacecraft... Show more	$30-54
   Engineering Scientist	An engineering scientist is responsible for designing new technological systems through the evaluation of scientific methods and innovative solutions. Engineering scientists analyze technical parts and components, researching the current engineering trends to meet public demands and interests... Show more	$31-59

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Systems Engineering
   • MATLAB
   • Spacecraft Systems
   • Trade Studies
   • RF
   • NASA
   • Program Management
   • Engineering Support
   • Test Procedures
   • Satellite Systems
   • STK
   • Flight Software
   • Technical Leadership
   • Ground System

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage security, which includes monitoring and controlling database access, assigning permissions to application owners.
   • Develop automated format report generation for controls analysis perform using ADSIM and MATLAB.
   • Monitor OS optimization; test, evaluate product processing and accuracy performance within environment before operational implementation are performed with SCCM.
   • Develop requirements and specifications for the provisioning commands that configure linear automatic protection switching in optical switches and cross-connects.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your spacecraft systems engineer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A spacecraft systems engineer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, spacecraft systems engineers' average salary in indiana is 45% less than in rhode island.
   • Seniority. Entry-level spacecraft systems engineers 44% less than senior-level spacecraft systems engineers.
   • Certifications. A spacecraft systems engineer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a spacecraft systems engineer's salary.

   Average spacecraft systems engineer salary

   $96,404yearly

   $46.35 hourly rate

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   Entry-level spacecraft systems engineer salary

   $72,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a spacecraft systems engineer job description

   A spacecraft systems engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a spacecraft systems engineer job description:

   Spacecraft systems engineer job description example

   The Spacecraft Engineer (SE) is responsible verifying the health and safety of spacecraft. SE will review and analyze logs, trends and other tools utilized in a fully automated command and control system. Perform anomaly investigation and resolution of spacecraft and ground faults. Create, modify and maintain software scripts and procedures used in automated satellite tracking and monitoring. Interface with customers. Work closely with the spacecraft owners and get approval prior to any changes in the architecture to make sure faults do not get introduced into the spacecraft. Work with the factories and software teams through all stages of spacecraft life. Participate in the testing of new versions of the command and control software. Recommend to the technical staff and Station Manager any changes that can make the system perform better or reduce labor hours or streamline the process. Serve as part of an on call team and respond to critical errors at any time of the day
   **Requirements** :
   
   + Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline or a minimum of 5 years experience in the command and control of satellites.
   
   + Experience in the resolution of technical problems and the development of systems for use in spacecraft communication is desirable.
   
   + Previous experience providing engineering in satellite ground station and instrument control systems.
   
   + Experience with Linux or similar operating systems
   
   + Knowledge of industry practices, techniques, standards and proficiency with C, C++, Java and other high level languages.
   
   + Experience or classwork covering writing scripts (examples: shell scripting, Python, etc.)
   
   + Experience or classwork covering interacting with databases (examples: Oracle, Sybase, MySQL, etc.).
   
   + Understanding of networking technology, TCP/IP and common internet application protocols.
   
   + Excellent troubleshooting skills
   
   + Experience relevant to satellite communication systems is especially desirable.
   
   + Must have an active Secret clearance, and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly
   
   ASRC Federal and its Subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.

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5. Post your job

   To find spacecraft systems engineers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any spacecraft systems engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level spacecraft systems engineers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your spacecraft systems engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit spacecraft systems engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with spacecraft systems engineer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new spacecraft systems engineer

   Once you've decided on a perfect spacecraft systems engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new spacecraft systems engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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