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Ground Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Ground Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Ground Software Engineer Department: Software Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $125,000 - $175,000 / year Description As a Ground Software Engineer , you will create ...

Quantum Space

Ground Software Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Ground Software Engineer II to lead the development, integration, and operational support of software systems that enable spacecraft testing, mission operations, and ...

AnySignal LLC

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a versatile Ground Segment Software Engineer to join our team. This role is central to our mission, focusing on building robust ground segment software for space communications. You ...

AnySignal

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a versatile Ground Segment Software Engineer to join our team. This role is central to our mission, focusing on building robust ground segment software for space communications. You ...

Umbra

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127.40K - $168K/yr

About the Job We are looking for a Senior Ground Software Engineer to join the Ground Software team in Mission Solutions. In this role, you will implement modular, secure ground software systems for ...

Umbra

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$136.30K - $179.70K/yr

About the Job We are looking for a Senior Ground Software Engineer to join the Ground Software team in Mission Solutions. In this role, you will implement modular, secure ground software systems for ...

Umbra

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127.40K - $168K/yr

About the Job We are looking for a Senior Ground Software Engineer to join the Ground Software team in Mission Solutions. In this role, you will implement modular, secure ground software systems for ...

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Ground Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do ground software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ground Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ground Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in languages like C++, Java, or Python), a background in computer science or engineering, and knowledge of satellite ground systems. Familiarity with software development tools, real-time operating systems, and experience with mission control systems or telemetry processing platforms are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure reliable software that supports mission-critical ground operations and fosters collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical challenges a Ground Software Engineer faces when integrating new systems with existing ground infrastructure?

Ground Software Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new software with legacy ground systems, such as ensuring compatibility between different hardware interfaces and communication protocols. They may also need to address issues related to real-time data processing, security requirements, and system scalability. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including hardware engineers, network specialists, and mission operations personnel—is essential to identify potential integration issues early and develop effective solutions.

What are Ground Software Engineers?

Ground Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain software systems that support space missions from the ground. Their work typically involves building tools for mission control, telemetry processing, satellite communication, and data management. These engineers ensure that spacecraft can be monitored, commanded, and controlled from Earth, often collaborating closely with hardware engineers and mission operators. They play a crucial role in mission success by enabling real-time data analysis, automation, and troubleshooting for space operations.

What is the difference between Ground Software Engineer vs Satellite Software Engineer?

AspectGround Software EngineerSatellite Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields; experience with embedded systems and real-time softwareSimilar credentials; focus on embedded systems, real-time software, and aerospace standards
Work EnvironmentGround stations, control centers, labs, often in aerospace or defense industriesSatellite onboard systems, spacecraft, aerospace facilities
Employer & IndustryAerospace, defense, satellite communication companiesSatellite manufacturers, space agencies, aerospace firms
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in satellite ground control and software developmentRoles related to satellite onboard software development

While both roles involve embedded and real-time software skills, Ground Software Engineers focus on developing and maintaining ground station systems and control software, whereas Satellite Software Engineers work on onboard satellite systems and firmware. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in environment and specific responsibilities.

More about Ground Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Ground Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Ground Software Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Ground Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Ground Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ground Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Software Engineer jobs are:
Ground Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Ground Software Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Ground Software Engineer
Department: Software
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $125,000 - $175,000 / year
Description
As a Ground Software Engineer, you will create and implement intuitive, high-performance user interfaces, utilizing time-series databases for real-time testing and interfacing with space vehicles. You will design software systems that enable operators to conduct missions reliably and efficiently. Your work will support a wide range of activities, from near-Earth payload deliveries to geostationary orbit operations.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, integrate, test, and deliver large-scale ground software and mission control systems, including operator GUI's and automation tools
  • Develop and implement software tools for operational automation, to reduce day-to-day operator responsibilities
  • Support design and operation of the ground segment, including command and control, mission planning, mission data processing, and the associated infrastructure to support all activities.
  • Develop continuous integration and testing systems in order to confidently deploy new software.
  • Support end-to-end spacecraft testing to prepare Impulse hardware for flight
  • Implement specific mission data processing applications into existing systems to support payloads and end data users
  • Manage mission databases and data distribution
  • Integrate and test ground software with satellite, ground stations, and network infrastructure
  • Implement real-time data acquisition, processing, and visualization systems for satellite telemetry

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Math, Physics, Engineering, or related degrees.
  • 2+ years of experience with spacecraft, ground station, or other communication system operations
  • 2+ years of experience in software development encompassing both back-end and front-end development, as well as database management.
  • Demonstrated experience working in Python for backend services, scripting, and data processing
  • Experience with modern web frameworks such as Vue.js or React for building responsive UIs
  • Experience with networking protocols (UDP, TCP, etc)

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Demonstrated experience working with time-series databases
  • Familiarity with Docker and Kubernetes containerization and service orchestration systems.
  • Experience using Grafana and setting up Grafana dashboards
  • Familiarity with modern cloud providers, preferably AWS
  • Strong knowledge of satellite communication protocols, such as CCSDS
  • Familiarity with source code configuration management and version control concepts
  • Familiarity with database management and data visualization

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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