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Ground Software Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Setup automated testing of daily commits of new Ground and Flight Software and act as a peer ... Use Firefly Aerospace Software Engineering development processes and best practices. * Actively ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$103.90K - $134.90K/yr

Design and develop test procedures for testing our Ground and Flight Software in all-digital and ... Use Firefly Aerospace Software Engineering development processes and best practices * Actively ...

The team works closely with test engineers, electrical engineers, other flight and ground software teams, and information technologies to rapidly deploy high-performance software catering to unique ...

The team works closely with test engineers, electrical engineers, other flight and ground software teams, and information technologies to rapidly deploy high-performance software catering to unique ...

The team works closely with test engineers, electrical engineers, other flight and ground software teams, and information technologies to rapidly deploy high-performance software catering to unique ...

The team works closely with test engineers, electrical engineers, other flight and ground software teams, and information technologies to rapidly deploy high-performance software catering to unique ...

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Ground Software Engineer information

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.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Ground Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Ground Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in Texas 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.

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

$115.20K - $151.90K/yr

Other

Posted 13 hours ago


Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

As a Ground Software Engineer at Firefly Aerospace, you will design and build the mission-critical systems that operate our spacecraft and from the ground. This role requires full-stack expertise to deliver robust web applications, backend services, databases, and cloud infrastructure that power spacecraft commanding, telemetry, and real-time control.

You will develop ground systems that interface directly with our vehicles, supporting everything from pre-launch checkout to on-orbit operations. With strong skills in modern software technologies and a deep understanding of real-time control systems, you will create reliable, secure, and scalable software that ensures Firefly missions succeed from liftoff to lunar landing.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, implement, and maintain spacecraft ground software systems, spanning front-end, back-end, databases, and cloud services.
  • Develop real-time control interfaces for commanding and telemetry visualization.
  • Build and maintain React-based web applications for operator consoles and mission control tools.
  • Develop backend services in Python and integrate with spacecraft APIs and communication protocols.
  • Design, optimize, and maintain database solutions for mission telemetry and historical data.
  • Deploy and manage containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Implement cloud infrastructure and scaling solutions in AWS for mission operations.
  • Integrate CI/CD pipelines and DevOps best practices to accelerate development and deployment.
  • Collaborate with flight software, GNC, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless end-to-end vehicle integration.
  • Contribute to operations software for rehearsals, test campaigns, and live mission execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

  • BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience as a full-stack software engineer.
  • Proficiency in modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Node.js) and Python.
  • Strong experience with databases (SQL and/or NoSQL).
  • Experience deploying applications with Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Hands-on experience with AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, etc.).
  • Experience designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI, Jenkins, or similar).
  • Familiarity with DevOps practices including monitoring, observability, and infrastructure as code.
  • Experience developing and integrating real-time control systems.
  • Strong knowledge of networking, APIs, and secure software design.

Desired:

  • MS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Experience with spacecraft or aerospace ground systems.
  • Background in real-time data visualization and operator console development.
  • Experience with mission simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, or flatsat test environments.
  • Familiarity with aerospace communication standards (CCSDS, telemetry/command formats).
  • Security certifications or experience with mission-critical cybersecurity.
  • Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.