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Ground Software Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Software Engineer

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

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 ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

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 ...

InvestedintheMission

Software Engineer

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

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 ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

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 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

Ground Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Ground Software Manager, Spacecraft

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. 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 the Manager, Spacecraft Ground Software at Firefly Aerospace, you will lead the organization responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and operating the software systems that enable Firefly's spacecraft throughout assembly, integration and test, launch, and on-orbit mission operations. You will establish the long-term technical vision for Firefly's spacecraft ground segment software suite while managing the engineering organization responsible for spacecraft command and control, mission operations software, telemetry processing, mission planning, data processing pipelines, operator interfaces, and the software platforms that enable mission operations.
This role combines organizational leadership with deep technical systems expertise. You will serve as the primary technical authority for Firefly's enterprise spacecraft ground software architecture, driving the evolution of a common, scalable ground software platform that supports multiple spacecraft programs, customers, and mission types. You will lead a growing engineering organization responsible for delivering highly reliable mission-critical software supporting lunar missions, national security programs, and future exploration initiatives.
Working closely with spacecraft operations, flight software, systems engineering, assembly, integration and test (AI&T), IT infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and enterprise engineering teams, you will ensure Firefly's spacecraft ground software suite provides secure, scalable, and operationally robust capabilities throughout every phase of a mission�from vehicle integration and testing through launch, on-orbit operations, and mission completion.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead the Spacecraft Ground Software organization in the design and development of software systems supporting spacecraft integration, testing, mission rehearsals, launch campaigns, commissioning, and on-orbit mission operations.
  • Establish the long-term technical vision and architecture for Firefly's enterprise spacecraft ground software ecosystem.
  • Build, mentor, and grow a high-performing engineering organization through recruiting, hiring, technical leadership, career development, and performance management.
  • Drive the evolution of service-oriented and distributed software architectures supporting mission-critical spacecraft operations.
  • Drive architectural standardization and reusable software platforms across Firefly spacecraft programs to reduce mission-specific development and improve operational consistency.
  • Partner with spacecraft operations, flight software, systems engineering, AI&T, IT infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and enterprise engineering teams to develop integrated operational solutions.
  • Oversee execution across the complete software lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture, implementation, verification, validation, deployment, operations, and sustainment.
  • Lead software systems engineering activities, translating mission concepts and operational requirements into scalable technical architectures and execution plans.
  • Ensure reliable spacecraft commanding, telemetry processing, mission planning, data processing, visualization, automation, and operator workflows across all spacecraft programs.
  • Guide deployment strategies spanning development environments, hardware-in-the-loop test beds, integration facilities, mission operations centers, cloud infrastructure, and operational venues.
  • Establish engineering processes including architecture reviews, design reviews, configuration management, release management, verification, operational readiness, and continuous improvement.
  • Coordinate closely with mission operations during rehearsals, launch campaigns, anomaly resolution, and real-time spacecraft operations.
  • Develop technical roadmaps supporting future multi-mission, multi-tenant, highly available, and cloud-enabled ground software architectures.
  • Foster a culture centered on engineering excellence, operational reliability, mission success, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience developing, architecting, or delivering software systems supporting spacecraft, aerospace, defense, robotics, or other mission-critical operational environments.
  • 5+ years of engineering management experience with direct responsibility for technical teams.
  • Strong background in software systems engineering, software architecture, or technical leadership for large distributed software systems.
  • Experience designing and deploying service-oriented, distributed, or microservice-based software architectures.
  • Demonstrated experience translating operational concepts into software architectures, interface definitions, technical roadmaps, and execution plans.
  • Experience managing software programs throughout the complete engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture, verification, validation, deployment, operations, and sustainment.
  • Strong understanding of cloud-based and on-premises deployment architectures for mission-critical software systems.
  • Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary organizations including software, systems engineering, operations, IT, and cybersecurity.
  • Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts across engineering disciplines, customers, and executive leadership.

Desired
  • Experience supporting national security space programs or classified spacecraft missions.
  • Experience leading the development or operation of spacecraft ground segments for operational missions.
  • Experience with mission planning systems, flight dynamics software, spacecraft scheduling, command generation, or mission automation systems.
  • Experience designing telemetry processing pipelines and transforming raw spacecraft telemetry into derived engineering and science data products.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft communications protocols and standards including CCSDS telemetry, telecommand, CFDP, SLE, SDLS, or related technologies.
  • Experience with cloud-native software deployment using Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, or similar technologies.
  • Experience with high-volume telemetry systems, streaming data platforms, messaging architectures, or time-series databases.
  • Experience with networking, enterprise identity management, cybersecurity frameworks, and secure deployment of operational software systems.
  • Experience supporting mission readiness reviews, mission rehearsals, launch campaigns, anomaly investigations, and real-time mission operations.
  • Advanced degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on 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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