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Ground Control Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Endurion

Software Engineer UsX

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Experience working with ground control software such as@Ground Control for mission planning, execution, and monitoring. * Experience with the Qt/QML framework for developing user-friendly graphical ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

The ground solutions include command and control and mission management of satellite systems. The efforts will include evaluation of ground solutions, support in early acquisition, studies, and ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The ground solutions include command and control and mission management of satellite systems. The efforts will include evaluation of ground solutions, support in early acquisition, studies, and ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The ground solutions include command and control and mission management of satellite systems. The efforts will include evaluation of ground solutions, support in early acquisition, studies, and ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... control, data processing and dissemination * Excellent communication, interpersonal, and ... Experience with Cloud-based ground systems deployed in Amazon Commercial Cloud Services (C2S) such ...

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Ground Control information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do ground control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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.
Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems) - Clearance Required

Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems) - Clearance Required

Cydecor, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$98K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Cydecor is a premier Federal Government solutions provider, delivering differentiated innovations in mission systems and business platforms. We leverage leading-edge secure systems and software development, backed by industry-leading subject matter expertise, and business intelligence to enable decision-support and remain ahead of ever-evolving national security challenges. Our success rests squarely on three bedrock principles: People, our center of gravity; Mission, what inspires us; and an unyielding commitment to Excellence, what separates us.
Job Description:
Cydecor is seeking a Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems) to support the development, integration, and testing of autonomous unmanned systems. This position focuses on software development for autonomous navigation, mission planning, communications, and ground control applications supporting UxS platforms. The selected candidate will work in an Agile development environment, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, develop, test, and troubleshoot software supporting autonomous vehicle operations.
Responsibilities include:
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain software supporting autonomous unmanned systems.
  • Develop software using C, C++, and object-oriented programming methodologies.
  • Support Agile software development activities, including sprint planning, development, testing, and integration.
  • Develop and enhance autonomous navigation and path-planning capabilities, including waypoint navigation, geofencing, dynamic routing, obstacle avoidance, and collision detection.
  • Integrate software with flight control platforms including BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4.
  • 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 supporting automation, data analysis, and software prototyping.
  • Integrate sensor data from GPS, IMUs, cameras, LiDAR, and other onboard systems to improve navigation accuracy and situational awareness.
  • Support software communications utilizing MAVLink and TCP/IP networking protocols.
  • Troubleshoot software defects, communication issues, and integration challenges across hardware and software components.
  • Analyze and reverse engineer existing code to identify and resolve software issues.
  • Build, compile, and maintain software from source code repositories.
  • Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and program stakeholders to support successful software integration and fielding activities.

Here's what you need:
  • Active or Interim Secret with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI eligibility.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on professional software development experience with a degree, or seven (7) years of applicable professional experience without a degree.
  • Proficiency in C, C++, and object-oriented software development.
  • Experience developing software within an Agile development environment.
  • Experience with autonomous navigation and path-planning techniques.
  • Experience with BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4 flight control software.
  • Experience integrating sensor data including GPS, IMUs, cameras, and LiDAR.
  • Experience with QGroundControl or similar ground control software.
  • Experience developing applications using Qt/QML.
  • Proficiency with Python scripting.
  • Working knowledge of MAVLink communications protocols.
  • Understanding of TCP/IP networking concepts.
  • Experience troubleshooting software and network communication issues.
  • Experience parsing and reverse engineering software codebases.
  • Experience building software from source code repositories.

Bonus Points If You Have:
  • Active TS/SCI Clearance.
  • Experience supporting DoD/DoW or autonomous systems programs.
  • Experience developing software for unmanned aerial, ground, or maritime systems.
  • Experience with CAD or engineering visualization software.
  • Experience supporting hardware/software integration and field testing.

Security Clearance:
  • Active or Interim Secret; Active TS/SCI preferred.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • 7 years of directly applicable experience may be substituted for a degree.

Work Schedule:
  • Full-time, on-site.

Compensation and Benefits:
The projected compensation range for this position is $98,000-130,000. There are numerous factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the role, work location, education/certifications, and a contract's Labor Categories.
Cydecor offers a comprehensive compensation package including Health and Dental Insurance, Vision and Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(K) + company match, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Company Holidays, Tuition and Professional Development Assistance and more.
What We Believe
We have an unwavering commitment to diversity with the aim that every one of our people has a full sense of belonging within our organization. As a business imperative, every person at Cydecor has the responsibility to create and sustain an inclusive environment.
Tags: Software Engineer, Embedded Software Engineer, Autonomous Systems, UAS, UxS, UAV, Drone Software, Robotics Software, C++, C, Python, Qt, QML, QGroundControl, PX4, ArduPilot, BetaFlight, MAVLink, Autonomous Navigation, Path Planning, Geofencing, Obstacle Avoidance, Sensor Fusion, LiDAR, GPS, IMU, Computer Vision, TCP/IP, Linux, Agile, Object-Oriented Programming, Embedded Systems, Flight Control Software, Mission Planning, Ground Control Station, Defense, DoD, DoW, Robotics, Aerospace, Secret Clearance, TS/SCI Eligible, National Security
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Cydecor is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (EEO/AA). All employment and hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity & expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and/or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request assistance by contacting HR@cydecor.com or calling 703-884-2105.

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