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Ground Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

AST SpaceMobile

Ground Software Engineer (Senior)

Lanham, MD · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Ground Software Engineer with deep full-stack development experience to help design, build, and maintain software and infrastructure that supports mission ...

AST SpaceMobile

Ground Software Engineer (Senior)

Lanham, MD · On-site +1

$122K - $161K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Ground Software Engineer with deep fullstack development experience to help design, build, and maintain software and infrastructure that supports ...

Quantum Space

Software Systems Engineer III

Rockville, MD · On-site

$176K - $209K/yr

Working closely with flight software, ground software, autonomy, mission operations, guidance ... This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep software expertise with strong systems ...

Quantum Space

Flight Software Engineer II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Work with mission operations and ground software teams to design scheduling logic, command ... Engineering, or related field * 3+ years of experience with C++ or another object-oriented ...

Revolutionspace

Software Test Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$106.40 - $195.60/hr

Perform validation of Flight and Ground SW functional tests at the unit, integration, system, and ... Communication with software developers and engineers to verify requirements, review code, and ...

Revolution Space

Software Test Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site +1

$106K - $195K/yr

Perform validation of Flight and Ground SW functional tests at the unit, integration, system, and ... Communication with software developers and engineers to verify requirements, review code, and ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Software Engineer This permanent, full-time software engineering role supports rapidly growing ... Contribute to more ground-up software development efforts, particularly for unmanned systems, when ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Software Engineer - Columbia, MD This permanent, full-time software engineering role supports ... Contribute to more ground-up software development efforts, particularly for unmanned systems, when ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Exciting Software Engineer Role Supporting the Navy!! This permanent, full-time software ... Contribute to more ground-up software development efforts, particularly for unmanned systems, when ...

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Ground Software Engineer information

What is a ground software engineer?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a ground software engineer?

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 challenges does a ground software engineer face 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Ground Software Engineer jobs in Maryland?

For Ground Software Engineer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ground Software Engineer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Ground Software Engineer jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Ground Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Ground Software Engineer job openings:

Ground Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Ground Software Engineer (Senior)

Lanham, MD • On-site

AST SpaceMobile
Telecommunications • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about AST SpaceMobileexternal

$122K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Ground Software Engineer with deep full-stack development experience to help design, build, and maintain software and infrastructure that supports mission-critical ground systems and operations. This role plays a key part in developing reliable, scalable systems used for monitoring, communication, and control of space-based assets.
The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor and technical leader who thrives in complex, highly regulated environments, takes ownership of system design decisions, and proactively drives improvements through automation and best practices. This is a hybrid, U.S.-based role with occasional travel.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain full-stack software applications supporting ground and mission operations
  • Architect and support networked systems used for secure communication between distributed systems
  • Debug, troubleshoot, and resolve issues across application, infrastructure, and networking layers
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to identify gaps and improve operational workflows through automation
  • Contribute to system architecture decisions and lead development efforts for new tools and platforms
  • Serve as a technical leader within the ground software team while remaining hands-on as an individual contributor
  • Provide technical guidance, code reviews, and uphold industry best practices across software and DevOps processes

Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience
A minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in software engineering or application development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience building systems within regulated or compliance-driven environments
  • Advanced experience implementing DevOps practices in complex production environments
  • Experience developing platform-agnostic applications (web and mobile)
  • Strong front-end design and development expertise
  • Familiarity with modern UI/UX design and prototyping tools
  • Experience with scripting and automation across multiple operating systems
  • Exposure to formal security or compliance frameworks commonly used in enterprise or government-adjacent settings

Soft Skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across distributed teams
  • Proven ability to lead initiatives while remaining a hands-on technical contributor
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • High level of ownership, initiative, and self-direction
  • Meticulous attention to detail to ensure reliability and accuracy in mission-critical systems

Technology Stack
  • Programming languages such as Python, Java, C/C++, Go, or similar
  • Full-stack and API frameworks (e.g., Node-based or Python-based frameworks)
  • Front-end frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue
  • Cloud environments (primarily AWS)
  • Containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker)
  • Relational and non-relational databases
  • Version control and CI/CD tooling
  • Centralized logging and monitoring platforms
  • Linux and Windows operating systems

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work in a standard hybrid office environment
  • Prolonged periods of computer use for software design, development, and troubleshooting
  • Ability to participate in virtual meetings across time zones

Occasional travel as required
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment 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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