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Ground Software Engineer Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

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Ground Software Engineer information

See Denver, CO salary details

$65.4K

$151.8K

$211.5K

How much do ground software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground software engineer in Denver, CO is $151,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $178,100.00 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 are popular job titles related to Ground Software Engineer jobs in Denver, CO?

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

What job categories do people searching Ground Software Engineer jobs in Denver, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Ground Software Engineer jobs in Denver, CO are:

What cities near Denver, CO are hiring for Ground Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Denver, CO with the most Ground Software Engineer job openings:

Ground Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,843 per year, or $73 per hour.

Software Engineer, Ground Software

Katalyst Space Technologies

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Review and understand the current Ground software stack.

  • Identify gaps in current Ground Software features and help maintain high coding standards.

  • Become an owner of a part of the Ground Software stack and support its integration into other parts of the company.

Job description

What You'll Do 

  1. Review and understand current Ground software stack
  2. Understand the needs of other teams within Katalyst, and translate this to Ground Software requirements and functionality
  3. Identify gaps in current Ground Software features
  4. Identify and reduce technical debt in Ground Software
  5. Help maintain high coding standards through your own code and actively reviewing merge requests

What you will own in the next 30 days: 

  1. Become an owner of a part of the Ground Software stack
  2. Integrate Ground Software into other parts of the company
  3. Help enforce and improve culture around code quality and standards
  4. Be an advocate and example of testing and integrating work into other areas in the company
  5. Help give technical expertise to fill out user stories and epics

What We Value:

  1. System level thinker understanding cloud based scalable micro service systems
  2. Strong desire to build and design something from the ground up
  3. Able to understand and communicate customer needs into actionable items
  4. Someone who strives for clarity and understanding, but can make do without perfect requirements
  5. An operations first developer
  6. A strong executor and someone that excels in producing valuable and reliable code
  7. A passion for automation and creating systems that streamline operations
  8. An innovative approach to the challenges of ground software, mission operations and remote sensing and command-and-control
  9. Reliability-first mindset

Your Ideal Background:

Required:

  1. 3-8 years of experience with cloud based scalable micro service architecture
  2. Experience with owning  services in production environments
  3. Willingness to support mission critical services
  4. Deep technical fluency in cloud, backend, frontend, and streaming systems
  5. Technical fluency in Python, Rust or Typescript
  6. Experience with Docker and AWS managed services
  7. Familiarity working with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure proper feature creation and execution
  8. Minimum bachelor's degree in computer science or other related STEM fields

Preferred: 

  1. Master's degree in computer science or other related STEM fields
  2. Experience with owning high reliability production environments
  3. Experience supporting mission critical services
  4. Technical fluency in some of the following:
    1. Orchestration (Kubernetes)
    2. Databases (MongoDB, InfluxDB or other time-series)
    3. Pub-sub/caching (Redis, Valkey)
    4. Infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Pulumi)
    5. Satellite domain standards (CCSDS, XTCE)

Compensation and Benefits:  
Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.  The anticipated salary range for this role is $120,000 - $165,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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