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Ground Software Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Robotics Software Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

MORSE is seeking a talented Robotics Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will ... Handle system configuration, ground station setup, and data management during local and remote ...

Robotics Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Pickle is on the hunt for a dynamic and driven Robotics Software Engineer to revolutionize the ... About Pickle Robot Want to get in on the ground floor of a fast-growing, VC‑backed robotics ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

We aim to bring ground-breaking 3D printers to the desks and shops of designers, artists, and ... We are looking for a Embedded Software Engineer for our Embedded team with a user focused mindset ...

As a Software Engineer III, you will be responsible for the design, development, testing ... from the ground up, and effective unit and integration tests. Testing: Build testable software ...

As a Software Engineer III, you will be responsible for the design, development, testing ... from the ground up, and effective unit and integration tests. Testing: Build testable software ...

GNC Software Engineer

Waltham, MA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

GNC Software Engineer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States Compensation: $146,000 - $194 ... ground, air, or maritime platforms tasked through C2 systems. * Familiarity with map ...

Role Description You'll work closely with the founders and early engineers to build core product systems from the ground up. * Build and ship backend systems (APIs, services, data models) * Develop ...

Proficiency in algorithm design, software development, and mathematical modeling with programming ... ground, air, or maritime platforms tasked through C2 systems. * Familiarity with map ...

Senior Software Engineer

Burlington, MA · On-site +1

$133K - $175K/yr

Enigma Aerospace is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the development and test of our ... Experience with UAS, ground control stations, or telemetry systems * Familiarity with autonomy ...

Showing results 21-40

Ground Software Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$69K

$160.3K

$223.3K

How much do ground software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground software engineer in Boston, MA is $160,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,400.00 and $187,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Ground Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Ground Software Engineer job openings:

Robotics Software Engineer

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Architect systems with multiple microcontrollers, defining component roles and managing requirements.

  • Implement custom navigation algorithms, autonomy logic, and control systems for aerial vehicles.

  • Develop, test, and debug software, including drivers and algorithms, for prototype and flight systems.


Job description

MORSE Corp is an employee owned, small business based in Cambridge, MA, Arlington, VA, and Seattle, WA with a history of fielding cutting-edge technology. MORSE boasts a specially selected team of scientists, engineers, and software developers to deliver best-in-class technical solutions that solve difficult multidisciplinary problems faced by the US National Security Ecosystem.
MORSE is seeking a talented Robotics Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in embedded systems, navigation algorithms, and autonomy. You will be responsible for architecting systems, implementing custom algorithms, and integrating novel control systems into our aerial vehicles. This role will involve developing and debugging software, configuring systems for flight tests, and supporting the end-to-end development of prototype vehicles. A passion for innovation and the ability to bring novel Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) from concept to flight is essential.
Responsibilities:
  • Architect systems with multiple microcontrollers, defining component roles and managing requirements.
  • Implement custom navigation algorithms and autonomy logic in Rust and C++.
  • Analyze vehicle flight logs and debug GNC and autonomy issues
  • Develop and write LIDAR sensor drivers in C++ and Rust.
  • Handle system configuration, ground station setup, and data management during local and remote flight tests.
  • Develop control and path planning algorithms for aerial vehicles and integrate them into the PX4 ROS communications layer.
  • Implement drivers for novel control actuation and integrate them into PX4 or other flight controllers.
  • Incorporate flight models into the existing Python flight simulator and use the simulator for algorithm development.
  • Develop Software-In-the-Loop (SWIL) and Hardware-In-the-Loop (HWIL) testing capabilities.
  • Aid in system architecture, selection, and integration of flight controllers, electronics, and sensors.
  • Support the development, integration, and testing of prototype vehicles.
  • Write, test, and debug drivers such as CANopen actuators and beyond line-of-sight radios in C++ and Python.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with low-level embedded programming concepts such as memory management, data structures, algorithms, and bit manipulation.

Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • Strong skills in C++, Rust, and Python.
  • Experience in navigation algorithms (SLAM, path planning) and autonomy logic.
  • Experience with low-level embedded programming and microcontrollers.
  • Experience with PX4 or other flight controllers
  • Skilled in system architecture, component definition, and integration of prototype vehicles.
  • A passion for taking novel UAS from concept to flight!

MORSE Corp's salary range for this role carefully considers a wide range of compensation factors, including but not limited to, prior experience, education, skills and expertise, location, internal equity, and other factors that are job related and consistent with business need. Therefore, final offer amounts may vary from the amount stated. Depending on role eligibility, total compensation may also include bonus, stock, 401(k) match, paid time off, medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year. MORSE maintains an "open" leave policy that does not restrict exempt, regular full-time employees to a specific number of paid sick or vacation days. However, this policy is not an "unlimited" paid leave policy.
Compensation
$90,000-$210,000 USD
The team at MORSE takes pride in being the smart team that is easy to work with. We focus on steady, long-term success with an emphasis on exceptionalism and delivering mission-critical impact to our customers. For more information, please visit www.morsecorp.com.