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Ground Operations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Ground Ramp Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Ground Ramp Lead oversees daily ramp operations, ensuring the efficient and safe handling of aircraft on the ground. This role involves supervising a team of ramp agents, coordinating tasks, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Ground Operations information

See Washington salary details

$11

$27

$55

How much do ground operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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.

Is ground operations staff a good career option?

Ground operations staff play a vital role in airport and airline functions, handling tasks such as baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and customer assistance. The job often requires physical activity, attention to safety protocols, and may involve shift work, but it can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement within the aviation industry.

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 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 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.

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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Ground Operations job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,901 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

System Engineer (SDA) - Enterprise

QinetiQ US

Chantilly, VA

$175K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.


Join us in our fast-paced support to the Space Development Agency (SDA). Recognized as the Department of Defense's constructive disruptor for space acquisition, SDA delivers space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter to support terrestrial missions through development, fielding, and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. SDA capitalizes on a unique business model that values speed and lowers costs by harnessing commercial development to achieve a proliferated architecture and enhance resilience.  QinetiQ has an immediate opening for a systems engineer to support SDA’s enterprise operations.  The candidate will provide technical expertise to government program managers across multiple satellite vendor designs.  The candidate will review designs, test procedures and provide feedback and recommendations to ensure individual satellites will meet SDA’s architecture needs. 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 and hardware designs will be successfully integrated through a common ground operations control station.  Duties include:


  • Provide technical advice/input that lays the strategic foundation for critical, national capability and future initiatives in support of the Proliferated Space Warfighter Architecture
  • Coordinate the development of satellite system requirements; develop enterprise, system, functional, performance, and interface requirements; and consider the impact of the satellites’ requirements to the ground system, including ground entry point acquisitions, operations center set up and maintenance, and ground software solutions
  • Provide systems engineering guidance in the development of test and evaluation plans, system verification plans, and other systems engineering processes and documents
  • Oversee integration and test of satellites into the SDA’s ground system network design and with the other satellite vendors to create a mesh network
  • Assess technical maturity and risk of necessary changes and updates to ground systems to enable overall architecture capabilities
  • Develop Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for new capabilities and coordinate them across the affected organizations

  • Bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics
  • Minimum of 10+ years experience with satellite and ground systems
  • Technical and analytic understanding of satellite and ground system interaction
  • Experience in systems engineering
  • Ability to work in fast paced environment with excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • TS Clearance with SCI Eligibility; #qinetiqclearedjob

  • Masters degree in STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) or related discipline
  • Experience DoD and or IC customers
  • Active TS/SCI clearance

The salary range for this role is $175,000- $220,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.


Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.