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Ground Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$189K/yr

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... ground - in your career and in our legacy. Pay Range : There are a host of factors that can ...

Newcastle Associates

Sr. Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Are you a Sr. Software Developer seeking an opportunity to truly make a difference? Does ... The work of this team supports ground breaking research. As a part of the team, you will support ...

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... ground - in your career and in our legacy. Pay Range : There are a host of factors that can ...

NinjaHoldings

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $150K/yr

This person has built systems from the ground up and had to deal with bad design assumptions and ... software engineer for non-trivial web applications * 3+ years of Ruby on Rails, bonus point for ...

NinjaHoldings

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $150K/yr

This person has built systems from the ground up and had to deal with bad design assumptions and ... software engineer for non-trivial web applications * 3+ years of Ruby on Rails, bonus point for ...

LHi Group Ltd

Data/Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $141K/yr

Data Engineer / Software Engineer Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid, 3 days/week onsite) Compensation ... the ground up. You'll be a foundational voice in how that gets built. What You'll Do * Design and ...

Lawrence Harvey

Data/Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Data Engineer / Software Engineer Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid, 3 days/week onsite) Compensation ... the ground up. You'll be a foundational voice in how that gets built. What You'll Do * Design and ...

Benelynk

Sr. Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$150K - $175K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a Sr. Software Engineer and or Jr. ... the ground up. While the position requires architect level technical thinking and hands on ...

Kunai

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join a high-impact digital payments modernization ... ground up. * Identify performance bottlenecks across legacy and modern service layers and drive ...

Rockstar

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$150K - $225K/yr

The team is seeking an early engineer to join them on the ground floor as they scale their product offering and customer base. Overview The company has a bold mission: bring transparency and ...

Kunai

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join a high-impact digital payments modernization ... ground up. * Identify performance bottlenecks across legacy and modern service layers and drive ...

Kunai

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join a high-impact digital payments modernization ... ground up. * Identify performance bottlenecks across legacy and modern service layers and drive ...

Kunai

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join a high-impact digital payments modernization ... ground up. * Identify performance bottlenecks across legacy and modern service layers and drive ...

Automox Inc.

Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

WHO YOU ARE You are a seasoned software developer who is dedicated to your craft; you write code that you are proud of and can hit the ground running. You write beautiful, fast code to a high ...

Automox Inc.

Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

WHO YOU ARE You are a seasoned software developer who is dedicated to your craft; you write code that you are proud of and can hit the ground running. You write beautiful, fast code to a high ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGround Software Engineer JobsGround Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Ground Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.4K

$152K

$211.7K

How much do ground software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground software engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Chicago, IL? For Ground Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ground Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Ground Software Engineer jobs near you
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

CACI International, Inc.

Lisle, IL • On-site

$189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Software Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%
Type of Travel: None
* * *
The Opportunity
Join CACI's Wireless Group-an elite team of ~30 engineers specializing in digital signal processing, large-scale application development, wireless protocols, hardware integration, and mission-critical platform development. For nearly three decades, our solutions have supported U.S. Government missions with high-reliability systems ranging from small, custom hardware/software builds to 24x7 enterprise products used across multiple customers.
We are seeking a Software Engineer who enjoys solving non-standard technical challenges and contributing to innovative wireless and telecommunications solutions.
What You'll Do
  • Design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain complex telecommunications software-including physical layer, L2/L3 protocols, core network procedures, applications, and user interfaces.
  • Collaborate with product development teams to create concepts, evaluate feasibility, and deliver high-quality technical solutions.
  • Participate in systems-level engineering discussions to align multiple use cases into best-in-class designs.
  • Travel occasionally (0-15%) to CACI partner sites, customer sites, or other engineering locations.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant software engineering experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
  • Proficiency developing in Linux/Unix environments.
  • Strong software development skills in C++ and C, including Object-Oriented Design.
  • Experience using development tools (editors, compilers, debugging tools).
  • Ability to learn new technologies quickly and work with existing codebases.
  • Ability to read technical specifications and translate them into software implementations.
  • Strong oral/written communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Flexible and adaptable to evolving technical environments.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with willingness to expand beyond assigned tasks.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with wireless protocols (e.g., 3GPP, IEEE standards, ITU/ETSI mobile radio standards).
  • Experience with Python or other scripting languages.
  • Familiarity with multi-threaded applications and multi-processor systems.
  • Experience debugging system-level issues using lab equipment.
  • Knowledge of software engineering processes from requirements reviews to final delivery and sign-off.

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$90,300 - 189,600 USD
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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