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Ground Control Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$200K - $240K/yr

... control systems, or space mission operations. • Ability to analyze complex technical issues and ... with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Desired Qualifications Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures. Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

... control systems, or space mission operations. • Ability to analyze complex technical issues and ... with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and ...

Cydecor, Inc

$98K - $130K/yr

Support development and integration of ground control software for mission planning, execution, and system monitoring. * Develop user interfaces using the Qt/QML framework. * Implement Python scripts ...

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$12

$24

$38

How much do ground control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground control in Virginia is $24.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Ground Control professional during a shift?

As a Ground Control professional, your main responsibilities include coordinating the movement of aircraft between gates, taxiways, and runways to ensure safe and orderly ground traffic. You will communicate closely with airline personnel, pilots, ramp agents, and other air traffic controllers to manage arrivals, departures, and any unexpected events such as weather disruptions or technical issues. A typical shift involves constant monitoring of ground operations, using radio and computer systems, and quick decision-making to resolve conflicts. This role is often performed as part of a larger team within an airport control tower or operations center, where strong collaboration and attention to protocol are key to maintaining safety and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Ground Control position, and why are they important?

To thrive as Ground Control, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of aviation operations, typically supported by relevant training or certification in air traffic or ground operations. Familiarity with communication systems, radar technology, flight tracking software, and adherence to safety protocols is crucial. Effective teamwork, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient coordination of aircraft movements on the ground and minimize any risk of accidents or delays.

What is a Ground Control job?

A Ground Control job involves monitoring and managing ground-based operations to ensure communication, safety, and efficiency. Responsibilities may include overseeing air or space traffic, coordinating logistics, and maintaining communication between teams. Ground Control personnel work in industries such as aviation, space exploration, and military operations. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth and safe operations by responding to incidents, analyzing data, and following protocols. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ground Control jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Ground Control jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Ground Control jobs in Virginia? For Ground Control jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ground Control jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Control jobs in Virginia are:
Ground Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Control job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,390 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Ground Systems Engineer

Ground Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

$200K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 210 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613742

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-16

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is looking for a Ground Systems Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA.  The Senior Ground Systems Engineer serves as a key technical contributor responsible for the development, integration, testing, sustainment, and modernization of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations. This position provides engineering expertise across the system lifecycle and serves as a trusted advisor for ground software, system architectures, integration activities, and operational processes.

The successful candidate will support complex ground system initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of critical mission capabilities. This role requires a strong understanding of ground-based space operations, systems engineering principles, software integration, and operational mission support. The engineer will also play a significant role in preserving institutional knowledge and supporting branch-level planning and execution activities.
Key Responsibilities

•    Lead and support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations.
•    Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and mission support processes.
•    Plan and execute system integration activities involving software, networks, databases, and operational systems to ensure interoperability and mission readiness.
•    Support system verification, validation, performance assessment, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution efforts.
•    Evaluate existing architectures and engineering processes and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, maintainability, security, and operational effectiveness.
•    Collaborate with government stakeholders, mission operators, software developers, systems engineers, and mission partners to define requirements and implement technical solutions. 
•    Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, operational procedures, system configurations, and engineering artifacts.
•    Capture, document, and transfer critical program knowledge, engineering best practices, lessons learned, and operational insights to support long-term program sustainability. 
•    Assist leadership in prioritizing engineering efforts and aligning technical activities with mission objectives and program goals.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
•    9+ years of experience supporting ground systems engineering, software integration, systems development, testing, or mission operations within the defense, intelligence, aerospace, or space domains.
•    Demonstrated experience supporting complex system integration and test activities within operational environments.
•    Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, software development lifecycles, configuration management, and verification and validation processes.
•    Experience supporting operational ground systems, mission planning systems, command and control systems, or space mission operations.
•    Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop effective engineering solutions.
•    Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts.
•    Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
•    Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; eligibility for required program access.
•    Desired Qualifications
•    Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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