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

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 ...

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$131.25 - $175/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're building this engineering organization largely from the ground up, so we're looking for ... Solid software engineering experience, typically 5+ years* Strong full-stack development experience ...

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Our GG cloud team is in its infancy, and we are searching for someone to get in at the ground floor ... As a Lead Software Engineer, you will be responsible for working closely with our hardware and ...

This is how we are Breaking New Ground in our mission to sustainably advance the noble work of ... Job Purpose As a Software Engineer II at CNH, you will play a critical role in supporting the ...

This is how we are Breaking New Ground in our mission to sustainably advance the noble work of ... Job Purpose As a Software Engineer II at CNH, you will play a critical role in supporting the ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$106.72 - $163.65/hr

This is how we are Breaking New Ground in our mission to sustainably advance the noble work of ... Job Purpose A Senior Software Engineer is responsible for leading software development projects ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Aug 16, 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 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.

Sr. Software Engineer

Newcastle Associates

Chicago, IL • On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Are you a Sr. Software Developer seeking an opportunity to truly make a difference?  Does contributing to world-class scientific research get you out of the bed in the morning?
 
We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join a team a technology company, within world class research institution.  The work of this team supports ground breaking research.
 
As a part of the team, you will support scientific research by creating and supporting web interfaces that are part of the Software as a Service (SaaS) applications and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
 
This position will focus on the development of back-end services for data management tools. 
 
Highly proficient Python development skills, SQL knowledge and experience in developing for AWS cloud platforms in a collaborative are key to success in this role. 

Skills needed to be successful include:

  • 5+ years of relevant programming experience developing, implementing, debugging, and maintaining applications with Python.
  • Proficient with SQL databases (e.g. PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite).
  • Outstanding working knowledge with distributed systems..
  • Background with AWS.
  • Bachelors degree required.  

This is a hybrid onsite in Chicago.  

If this sounds like you and you''''''''d be inspired to be part of a team that supports large-scale scientific research, please reach out.