Space Industry Career Map

Spacecraft Design Engineer 1

$74k–$102k

Computer Aided Design ProficiencySpacecraft Subsystems Integration KnowledgeStructural Analysis And Simulation+3

Avionics Engineer

$95k–$135k

Radiation Hardened Circuit DesignEmbedded Systems Firmware DevelopmentHigh Speed PCB Design+3

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

$105k–$150k

Spacecraft Systems IntegrationTechnical Requirements ManagementModel Based Systems Engineering+3

Thermal Engineer

$95k–$135k

Advanced Thermal Desktop ModelingHeat Transfer Analysis PrinciplesSpacecraft Thermal Control Systems+3

GNC Engineer

$110k–$155k

Guidance Navigation And Control SystemsOrbital Mechanics And Trajectory DesignControl Theory And System Modeling+3

Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

$140k–$190k

Full Lifecycle Systems ArchitectureTechnical Risk Management StrategyCross-Functional Engineering Leadership+3

Chief Engineer (Spacecraft)

$175k–$250k

Mission Architecture And Systems IntegrationTechnical Authority And Design GovernanceMultidisciplinary Engineering Leadership+3

Spacecraft Design Drafter

$50k–$72k

Computer Aided Design ProficiencyGeometric Dimensioning And TolerancingTechnical Drafting And Documentation+3

Avionics Design Technician

$55k–$78k

Flight Hardware Soldering ProficiencyElectronic Schematic Capture SoftwareBench Testing And Diagnostics+3

Spacecraft CAD Engineer

$60k–$78k

Parametric CAD Design ProficiencyComplex Spacecraft Assembly ModelingProduct Data Management Systems+3

Spacecraft Structures Drafter

$52k–$74k

Computer Aided Design ProficiencyGeometric Dimensioning And TolerancingAerospace Materials Specification Knowledge+3

Flight Controls Engineer

$108k–$138k

Control Systems Theory And ApplicationMATLAB And Simulink Model DevelopmentOrbital Mechanics And Flight Dynamics+3

Distinguished Spacecraft Architect

$195k–$250k

Advanced Spacecraft Systems ArchitectureStrategic Mission Design LeadershipComplex Subsystem Trade Studies+3

Director of Spacecraft Engineering

$200k–$265k

Strategic Engineering Program LeadershipCross-Functional Team ManagementAerospace Budget And Financial Oversight+3

Aerospace Research Engineer

$170k–$210k

Advanced Applied Research MethodologyExperimental Design And ValidationTechnical Leadership And Mentorship+3

Propulsion & Systems

Propulsion Engineer 1

$78k–$105k

Propulsion Systems FundamentalsFluid Systems And PlumbingComputer Aided Design Proficiency+3

Propulsion Engineer

$100k–$145k

Rocket Engine System DesignComputational Fluid Dynamics AnalysisThermodynamics And Combustion Modeling+3

Propulsion Test Engineer

$95k–$135k

Engine Hot Fire TestingTest Stand Systems OperationData Acquisition And Instrumentation+3

Power Systems Engineer

$95k–$135k

Spacecraft EPS DesignSolar Array Performance AnalysisBattery Management Systems+3

Senior Propulsion Engineer

$140k–$195k

Propulsion System Architecture DesignRocket Engine Development LifecycleTechnical Leadership And Mentorship+3

Propulsion Lead / Manager

$160k–$230k

Propulsion Program Lifecycle OwnershipStrategic Cross-Functional Team LeadershipTechnical Risk And Budget Management+3

Propulsion Test Technician

$54k–$76k

Cryogenic Propellant HandlingTest Stand Instrumentation SetupData Acquisition System Operation+3

Power Systems Technician

$55k–$77k

Spacecraft Electrical System TestingPrecision Cable Harness AssemblyFlight Battery Handling Protocols+3

Propulsion Assembly Technician

$52k–$74k

Precision Mechanical Assembly TechniquesCleanroom Protocol And Contamination ControlTechnical Blueprint And Schematic Interpretation+3

Avionics Power Technician

$56k–$78k

Power Testing Equipment OperationFault Diagnosis And TroubleshootingDC To DC Converters+3

Propulsion Combustion Engineer

$110k–$138k

Advanced Combustion ModelingHigh Pressure Injector DesignComputational Fluid Dynamics Simulation+3

Power Distribution Engineer

$105k–$132k

Electrical Power System ArchitectureAdvanced Power Electronics DesignBattery Management System Logic+3

Principal Propulsion Engineer

$195k–$245k

Advanced Rocket Engine ArchitectureDesign Review LeadershipPropulsion Research And Development+3

Director of Propulsion

$210k–$270k

Strategic Propulsion Systems LeadershipP&L And Budget ManagementAerospace Supply Chain Strategy+3

Chief Power Systems Engineer

$175k–$215k

Spacecraft Electrical Power ArchitectureSystem Level Technical TradesSpace Qualified Hardware Design+3

Manufacturing & Assembly (AIT)

Cleanroom Protocol And Contamination ControlElectromechanical Assembly And Component IntegrationPrecision Cable Harness Integration+3

AIT Technician 1

$45k–$62k

System Level Fault FindingPrecision Functional TestingESD Safe Handling Procedures+3

AIT Technician II

$55k–$75k

Complex Spacecraft IntegrationTechnical Procedure AuthoringQuality Assurance And Compliance+3

Senior AIT Technician

$70k–$95k

Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer

$90k–$130k

Design For Manufacturability PrinciplesSpacecraft Assembly And Integration ProcessesProduction Tooling And Fixture Design+3

AIT Engineer

$95k–$135k

Spacecraft Integration And Test PlanningTechnical Procedure Development And ExecutionCompliance With Space Industry Standards+3

Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Space)

$130k–$175k

High Rate Production ScalingLean Manufacturing And OptimizationCross Functional Technical Leadership+3

Production Manager (Space)

$125k–$175k

Aerospace Production Lifecycle ManagementStrategic Capacity And Resource PlanningCross-Functional Technical Team Leadership+3

ISO Cleanroom Protocol AdherenceContamination Control And MitigationElectrostatic Discharge Safety Standards+3

Spacecraft Cleanroom Technician

$48k–$68k

Composites Layup Technician

$50k–$70k

Precision Composite Hand LayupVacuum Bagging And DebulkingAutoclave And Oven Operation+3

Aerospace Wire Harness FabricationPrecision Crimping And TerminationIPC WHMA A 620 Standards+3

Harness Assembly Technician

$52k–$72k

Mechanical Integration & Test Engineer

$100k–$132k

Mechanical Integration And AssemblyPrecision Alignment And MetrologyAdvanced Torque And Fastening+3

Payload Integration Engineer

$105k–$135k

Payload Accommodation And Interface ControlIntegration Procedures And Testing ProtocolsThermal And Structural Interface Analysis+3

AIT Lead Engineer

$150k–$180k

AIT Program Lifecycle LeadershipComplex Spacecraft Anomaly ResolutionEnvironmental Test Campaign Planning+3

Director of Spacecraft Manufacturing

$175k–$220k

Strategic Production Lifecycle ManagementAerospace Quality Assurance SystemsSupply Chain And Vendor Strategy+3

Principal Integration Engineer

$160k–$200k

Advanced Spacecraft Integration ArchitectureComplex Anomaly Investigation MethodologiesStrategic Test Program Design+3

Mission Operations & Ground Systems

Spacecraft Telemetry Data MonitoringMission Control Console OperationsTechnical Anomaly Logging Protocols+3

Mission Operations Technician

$55k–$75k

Some

Ground Systems Engineer

$90k–$130k

Ground Segment Software ArchitectureRadio Frequency And Antenna SystemsData Pipeline And Telemetry Processing+3

Spacecraft Operations Engineer

$100k–$145k

Spacecraft Commanding And Telemetry AnalysisAnomaly Resolution And Fault ManagementFlight Procedure Development And Execution+3

TT&C Engineer

$95k–$138k

RF Link Budget AnalysisTelemetry Tracking And CommandCommunication Protocols And Standards+3

Flight Software Engineer

$110k–$160k

Embedded C And C++ DevelopmentReal Time Operating SystemsSpacecraft Fault Management Systems+3

Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer

$140k–$190k

Mission Operations LeadershipAnomaly Resolution And Board LeadershipComplex Constellation Mission Planning+3

Mission Director

$160k–$220k

Strategic Mission Operations LeadershipCritical Go No-Go AuthorityCross Functional Team Coordination+3

Spacecraft Controller

$55k–$80k

Real Time Telemetry MonitoringMission Control Console OperationsCommand Uplink And Execution+3

Telemetry Analyst

$54k–$78k

Spacecraft Telemetry Data AnalysisPython Scripting For AutomationSpacecraft Systems Anomaly Investigation+3

Ground Systems Technician

$50k–$72k

Radio Frequency Systems MaintenanceSatellite Antenna Alignment ProtocolsGround Station Infrastructure Troubleshooting+3

Mission Ops Support Technician

$52k–$75k

Spacecraft Telemetry MonitoringProcedural Mission ExecutionOperational Logging And Documentation+3

Flight Software Engineer (On-Board)

$115k–$145k

Real Time Embedded C C++Real Time Operating Systems RTOSSpacecraft Autonomy And Fault Management+3

Flight Operations Director

$185k–$230k

Mission Operations Strategic LeadershipCritical Anomaly Command AuthorityFlight Rules Development Oversight+3

Ground Segment Manager

$165k–$205k

Ground Segment Systems ArchitectureStrategic Vendor And Contract ManagementMission Operations Budget Oversight+3

Spacecraft Operations Manager

$170k–$215k

Mission Operations Team LeadershipSpacecraft Console Certification OversightComplex Operational Procedure Development+3

Launch & Test Operations

Propellant Handling And TransferLaunch Pad Ground OperationsAerospace Safety Protocol Compliance+3

Launch Operations Technician

$50k–$70k

Test Engineer (Space)

$90k–$130k

Environmental Test ExecutionTest Protocol And PlanningData Analysis And Reporting+3

Launch Operations Engineer

$100k–$145k

Launch Campaign Execution ManagementVehicle Systems Integration TestingRange Safety And Coordination+3

Senior Test Engineer (Space)

$130k–$175k

Qualification Campaign Strategy LeadershipAerospace Environmental Test StandardsTest Facility Infrastructure Management+3

Launch Director

$165k–$235k

Final Launch Authority OwnershipMission Control Countdown LeadershipCross Functional Team Coordination+3

Ground Support Equipment MaintenancePropellant And Fluid SystemsAerospace Safety Protocol Compliance+3

Launch Pad Technician

$50k–$74k

Cryogenic Fueling Technician

$54k–$78k

Cryogenic Fluid Handling ProceduresHigh Pressure System OperationsIndustrial Leak Detection Techniques+3

Range Safety Technician

$52k–$76k

Flight Termination System SupportTelemetry Data MonitoringRange Safety Protocol Compliance+3

Flight Test Technician

$51k–$75k

Aerospace Data Acquisition SystemsFlight Test Instrumentation InstallationPost Test Inspection Procedures+3

Range Safety Engineer

$108k–$138k

Flight Termination System AnalysisQuantitative Risk Assessment MethodologiesTrajectory Analysis And Modeling+3

Flight Termination Systems Engineer

$112k–$140k

Flight Termination System ArchitectureOrdnance Interface And IntegrationRange Safety Regulatory Compliance+3

Launch Vehicle Test Engineer

$115k–$142k

Launch Vehicle Test Campaign PlanningVehicle Level Anomaly ResolutionData Acquisition And Instrumentation+3

Launch Pad Lead Engineer

$165k–$200k

Launch Pad Operations LeadershipGround Systems Infrastructure ManagementLaunch Campaign Planning Strategy+3

Director of Launch Operations

$200k–$250k

Launch Program Lifecycle LeadershipStrategic Range Relationship ManagementOperational Cadence And Throughput+3

Range Safety Lead

$155k–$195k

Range Safety Regulatory LiaisonFlight Termination System ArchitectureQuantitative Risk Assessment Analysis+3

Business, Policy & Supply Chain

Space Supply Chain Analyst

$58k–$80k

Aerospace Procurement And SourcingEnterprise Resource Planning ProficiencyAS9100 Quality Standard Awareness+3

Space Systems Analyst

$85k–$125k

Mission Architecture and Trade StudiesSystems Tool Kit ModelingQuantitative Data Analysis+3

Space Policy Analyst

$75k–$115k

Regulatory Compliance And LicensingExport Control And ITARLegislative And Policy Analysis+3

Spacecraft Program Manager

$140k–$200k

Full Lifecycle Program ManagementStrategic Risk And MitigationCross-Functional Stakeholder Management+3

Business Development Manager (Space)

$130k–$190k

Strategic Capture ManagementAerospace Government Procurement KnowledgeCross-Functional Proposal Leadership+3

Director of Space Programs

$180k–$280k

Strategic Aerospace Portfolio ManagementFull Profit And Loss OwnershipCross-Functional Organizational Leadership+3

Space Procurement Analyst

$58k–$80k

Strategic Supplier EvaluationERP System Data ManagementAerospace Procurement Compliance+3

Space Contracts Specialist

$62k–$84k

Federal Acquisition Regulation ComplianceContractual Review And DraftingGovernment Procurement Procedures+3

Space Operations Analyst

$56k–$78k

Advanced Data Analysis MetricsOperational Process Improvement MethodologiesStrategic Scheduling And Planning+3

Mission Cost Analyst

$60k–$82k

Advanced Cost Estimation TechniquesEarned Value Management AnalysisFinancial Modeling And Forecasting+3

Space Program Analyst

$90k–$115k

Integrated Master Scheduling AnalysisRisk Management And MitigationEarned Value Management Systems+2

Space Compliance Manager

$100k–$125k

ITAR And EAR Compliance ManagementExport Licensing And Regulatory FilingsCompliance Auditing And Internal Monitoring+3

Space Operations Manager

$105k–$130k

Aerospace Supply Chain ManagementMission Critical SchedulingContractual And Regulatory Compliance+3

VP of Space Programs

$240k–$310k

Strategic Program Portfolio ManagementFull P&L Operational AccountabilityExecutive Stakeholder And Customer Relations+3

Chief Space Strategy Officer

$250k–$320k