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Ground Operations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Ground Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Support verification, validation, and deployment to operations of ground solutions. * Collaborate with key stakeholders on ICDs, interface maturation, inclusion of new interfaces in support of ...

KBR

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Ground Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management ...

QinetiQ US

System Engineer (SDA) - Enterprise

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

The candidate will use their experience in satellite and ground operations to ensure the system will meet requirements. The SDA will incorporate their knowledge to ensure multiple vendor's software ...

Stratos Solutions

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Ground Systems Engineer Location: Chantilly, VA Minimum Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI with Poly ... Knowledge of satellite operations, mission planning, or telemetry systems. * Familiarity with ...

QinetiQ

System Engineer (SDA) - Enterprise

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

The candidate will use their experience in satellite and ground operations to ensure the system will meet requirements. The SDA will incorporate their knowledge to ensure multiple vendor's software ...

QinetiQ US

System Engineer (SDA) - Enterprise

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$175K - $220K/yr

The candidate will use their experience in satellite and ground operations to ensure the system will meet requirements. The SDA will incorporate their knowledge to ensure multiple vendor's software ...

QinetiQ

System Engineer (SDA) - Enterprise

Chantilly, VA

$175K - $220K/yr

The candidate will use their experience in satellite and ground operations to ensure the system will meet requirements. The SDA will incorporate their knowledge to ensure multiple vendor's software ...

QinetiQ US

System Engineer (SDA) - Enterprise

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$175K - $220K/yr

The candidate will use their experience in satellite and ground operations to ensure the system will meet requirements. The SDA will incorporate their knowledge to ensure multiple vendor's software ...

QinetiQ US

System Engineer (SDA) - Enterprise

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$175K - $220K/yr

The candidate will use their experience in satellite and ground operations to ensure the system will meet requirements. The SDA will incorporate their knowledge to ensure multiple vendor's software ...

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Ground Operations information

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$11

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$55

How much do ground operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground operations in Washington is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ground operations?

Ground Operations refer to the activities and personnel responsible for handling aircraft while they are on the ground, rather than in flight. This includes tasks such as aircraft marshaling, baggage loading and unloading, refueling, catering, cleaning, and coordinating with maintenance teams. Ground Operations staff play a crucial role in ensuring that flights run on schedule, safety standards are met, and passengers’ needs are addressed during boarding and deplaning. They often work in fast-paced environments and must coordinate with various departments within the airport. Effective ground operations are essential for the overall efficiency and safety of airline services.

What are some common challenges faced by ground operations staff during irregular operations or flight delays?

Ground Operations staff often encounter significant challenges during irregular operations, such as flight delays or cancellations. These situations require rapid coordination with multiple teams including flight crews, customer service, baggage handlers, and maintenance personnel. Maintaining clear communication, managing passenger expectations, and efficiently reallocating resources are crucial to minimize disruptions. Adapting quickly to changing circumstances and problem-solving under pressure are essential skills for success in these scenarios.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ground operations professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ground Operations, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and knowledge of aviation safety protocols, often supported by relevant certifications or training in ground handling. Familiarity with ground support equipment, baggage handling systems, and airline operations software is typically required. Excellent teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you stand out in coordinating logistics and ensuring safety. These competencies are essential for maintaining efficient flight schedules, ensuring passenger and crew safety, and supporting overall airport operations.

What is the difference between Ground Operations vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectGround OperationsAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsTypically includes airport operations, safety, and ground handling certificationsRequires FAA or equivalent aircraft maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentAirport tarmacs, ground handling areas, customer service zonesAircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, repair stations
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, ground service providers, airportsAircraft manufacturers, airline maintenance departments, repair shops

Ground Operations and Aircraft Maintenance Technicians both work within the aviation industry but focus on different aspects. Ground Operations handles airport logistics, passenger services, and ground handling, while Aircraft Maintenance Technicians focus on inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and certifications.

Is ground operations a high paying job?

Ground operations jobs, such as those at airports or airlines, typically offer moderate pay that varies based on experience, location, and specific role. While some positions may provide competitive wages, they are generally not considered high-paying compared to other aviation or technical careers.

What do ground operations do?

Ground operations staff are responsible for preparing aircraft for flight, including tasks such as baggage handling, fueling, aircraft maintenance, and coordinating with flight crews. They ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations in the airport environment, often working with tools like radios and safety equipment. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ground Operations jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Ground Operations jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Ground Operations jobs in Washington?

For Ground Operations jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ground Operations jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Ground Operations jobs in Washington are:

Ground Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Operations job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,901 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Ground Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 453 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Ground Systems Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:
KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Ground Systems Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia and to support a major U.S. Government organization responsible for the acquisition, integration, and operation of proliferated satellite constellations. The selected candidate for this position will provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support focused on the satellite ground segment, including mission operations, command and control, data processing, dissemination, and user interfaces. The candidate will work as part of an integrated Government and contractor team delivering resilient, scalable space capabilities in support of national security missions
Responsibilities
  • Advise and assist the Government with the planning, engineering, integration, and O&M activities of ground systems.
  • Analyze and document site system architecture and impacts associated with system updates and deliveries.
  • Support requirements definition, architecture development, and trade studies for spacecraft ground systems.
  • Interface with spacecraft, payload, network, and user segment teams to define and manage end-to-end system interfaces.
  • Support integration and test (I&T) planning and execution across ground and space segments.
  • Evaluate contractor designs, test results, and operational concepts for compliance with mission requirements.
  • Assist in operational readiness activities, including rehearsals, exercises, and transition to sustainment.
  • Contribute to system documentation, reviews, and decision briefings for Government leadership.
  • Collaborate with Headquarters Directorates, site organizations, and mission partners to ensure understanding of project requirements and risks (cost, schedule, and technical).
  • Document, develop and deliver analyses, recommendations, plans, reports, and briefings to the Government.
  • Support the development and integration of automated test solutions and continuous improvement in software design and architecture.

Work Environment
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal (less than 25%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.
  • Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:
  • Citizenship: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, data analytics, or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
  • Relevant Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting satellite ground system development, integration, and test.
  • Knowledge of Government customer's space and ground domain mission and technical capabilities.
  • Systems engineering background; understanding of systems development life cycle from concept, requirements, engineering design, integration and test, deployment, maintenance, through decommissioning.
  • Experience in requirements definition, system architectures, systems analysis and design, interface and data architectures, validation, and verification.
  • Ability to take initiative, proactively address customer requirements with no supervision, and expertly define solutions for broad, abstract topics.
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering and digital engineering concepts and tools, Agile / DevSecOps development methodology, and cloud technologies.
  • Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones and review processes, and success in operating within this environment.
  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to all levels of Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's or Ph.D. degree in a related STEM technical discipline.
  • Relevant Ground Experience: Demonstrated 10+ years of experience supporting ground system development, integration, and test is preferred.
  • Breadth of Experience: Experience working across multiple satellite ground programs or production lines is preferred.
  • Experience in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling DoD or Intelligence Community projects or programs.
  • Deep knowledge of satellite Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) architectures.
  • Demonstrated experience in defining, developing, configuration managing, auditing and verifying large-scale ground system architectures.
  • Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence.
  • Familiarity with modeling languages such as Python, SysML, and UAFML.
  • Experience with cloud-based technologies and automation to optimize platform performance and reliability.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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