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The differences between spacecraft systems engineers and engineering scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a spacecraft systems engineer and an engineering scientist. Additionally, a spacecraft systems engineer has an average salary of $96,404, which is higher than the $90,138 average annual salary of an engineering scientist.
The top three skills for a spacecraft systems engineer include systems engineering, MATLAB and spacecraft systems. The most important skills for an engineering scientist are C++, python, and data analysis.
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Engineering Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $96,404 | $90,138 |
| Hourly rate | $46.35 | $43.34 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 78,004 | 97,496 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A spacecraft system engineer develops simulations and performs analysis. They create design documents and work with teams to carry out projects. They must also maintain amicable relationships with customers.
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. They record their observations and discoveries, run multiple diagnostic tests on the outputs to ensure its efficiency and optimal performance to support industrial operations. An engineering scientist also works closely within a group of engineering and designs team to implement procedures that would support findings from its conceptualization to final deliverables.
Spacecraft systems engineers and engineering scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Engineering Scientist | |
| Average salary | $96,404 | $90,138 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $128,000 | Between $65,000 And $124,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Arizona |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a spacecraft systems engineer and an engineering scientist in terms of educational background:
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Engineering Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between spacecraft systems engineers' and engineering scientists' demographics:
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Engineering Scientist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 14.6% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |