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Ground Software Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Sr Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

... with a ground-up technology transformation. Our engineering team in Raleigh is building a ... Minimum Qualifications * 5+ years of professional software engineering experience, including:

Sr Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$119K - $157K/yr

... with a ground-up technology transformation. Our engineering team in Raleigh is building a ... Minimum Qualifications * 5+ years of professional software engineering experience, including:

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Ground Software Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$61.7K

$143.4K

$199.8K

How much do ground software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground software engineer in Raleigh, NC is $143,405.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,600.00 and $168,200.00 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.

Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,405 per year, or $68.9 per hour.
Software Engineer Level 1 or 2

Software Engineer Level 1 or 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Morrisville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Sector is seeking multipleSoftware Engineersto support an innovative program in their development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software.

This position is located onsite on ourAurora, CO, Fairfax, VA, or Morrisville, NC campus.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to take ownership of hard problems and drive to a solution, while working in a team environment and provide leadership for its implementation. It is critical that you understand the software development life cycle. The Software Engineer will participate in the full life cycle of software development, to include requirements development, modeling and design, application development, unit to CSCI testing, integration, formal system testing, release, installation, and maintenance. The Software Engineer will apply technical expertise in solving complex integrations problems.

This position requires interfaces between systems analysts/programmers and users located in a specialized area to ensure that information technology designs meet the needs of the end users within an organization. Documents product/service requirements and develop test procedures to ensure user requests are carried out. The Software Engineer will interact with Program Management, and/or government customers.Therefore, excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills are required.A solid experience in bash scripting, Python, or other OOP languages, in a Linux environment is required.

About our organization:Our Aurora Software & Digital Engineering department comprises 200+ engineers, DevOps specialists, system administrators, DBAs, and network engineers-from entrylevel talent to chief architects. Engineers often serve as informal subjectmatter experts and may assume formal technicalleadership roles. Career progression into higherlevel technical or leadership positions is strongly supported.

What You'll Have an Opportunity to Do:

  • Full stack development at the OS, platform, and mission unique software layer

  • Applications will span languages and toolsets including GO, Python, Postgres, Kubernetes/Docker, AWS cloud infrastructure provisioning, PKI, and static code analysis execution and finding remediation.

  • Developer will be expected to be a self-starter capable of making decisions with overall project budget and schedule in mind.

  • Develop software which provides command and control functionality of a hardware system (sending commands, receiving acknowledgements, working on and integrating across interfaces)

  • Develop software which enables activity planning and constraint checking to achieve mission outcomes.

  • Develop software which enables the visualization of a complex and dynamic environment in both two and 3 dimensions, complete with decisions tools, intelligent context, and user-centric interface design.

This position may be filled at the Associate Software Engineer (level 1) or Software Engineer (level 2).

Basic Qualifications:

Associate Software Engineer Level 1:

  • Bachelor's degree with 0 years of development experience. 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

  • ActiveTop Secret clearancewithSCI eligibilityat time of application.

  • Knowledge of Agile programs

  • Knowledge of design, build, and deployment of software products

  • Knowledge of producing software architecture documentation

  • Experience with Python, GO, AWS, GitLab workflows, and Docker/Kubernetes

Software Engineer Level 2:

  • Bachelor's degree with 2 years of development experience. 0 years of experience with a Master's degree.4 additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

  • ActiveTop Secret clearancewithSCIeligibility at time of application.

  • 2 years with Agile programs

  • 2 years of experience with the design, build, and deployment of software products

  • 2 years of experience in producing software architecture documentation

  • 2 years of experience with Python, GO, AWS, GitLab workflows, and Docker/Kubernetes

  • Prior experience with development of microservice software architecture

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing satellite ground software with any of the following applications for spacecraft missions is highly preferred: Command and Control, Mission Planning, Visualization, and/or Astrodynamics

  • Experience with the creation and use of planning software and constraint checking applications utilized in complex and dynamic space mission planning

  • Experience with the creation and implementation of visualization tools for space missions, including dynamic renderings of space vehicles, depiction of space vehicle missions, simulation of space vehicle sensor and mission outputs, and configuration displays of complex contextual and situational awareness information

  • Linux, Ansible, Docker, UI/UX experience

  • Active CI polygraph

Primary Level Salary Range: $76,200.00 - $114,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939