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Ground Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$200K - $240K/yr

This position provides engineering expertise across the system lifecycle and serves as a trusted advisor for ground software, system architectures, integration activities, and operational processes.

LV8D Solutions

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The Ground Systems Engineer serves as a key technical contributor responsible for the development ... Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and ...

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All JobsGround Software Engineer JobsGround Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Ground Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do ground software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground software engineer in Washington, DC is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 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 are popular job titles related to Ground Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Ground Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ground Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Ground Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Ground Software Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested warfighting domain.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Software Engineer on Space Ground Software, you will own the architecture and deployment of software solutions that support customer missions for space operations and mission management. As a Software Engineer, you will develop modular capabilities to support the DoD and IC customers across the space domain. This will involve the architecture of the Space C2 system based on top of the Anduril Lattice software platform, to include infrastructure, algorithms, and integrations to support both orbital and ground systems. The Anduril Space C2 capability development will involve integration with legacy systems that have been part of our nation's critical defense for decades as well as new space systems being added to the cache of orbital and ground-based capabilities.
We work with mission partners and operators to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Own the software solutions that are deployed to customers
  • Own the development of Space C2 and Mission Management capabilities to enable delivery of end-to-end mission systems
  • Integrate with legacy systems to unlock 21st-century capabilities
  • Write code to improve products and scale the mission capability to different users more customers
  • Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality
  • Create and analyze metrics that are leveraged for debugging and monitoring
  • Triage issues, root cause failures, and coordinate next-steps
  • Partner with end-users to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics
  • Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements
  • Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight
  • Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material
  • 4+ years working with a variety of programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, Rust, Go, JavaScript, etc.
  • Experience with Space C2 software systems and spacecraft operations
  • A desire to work on critical software that has a real-world impact
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with Go, Rust, or C++
  • Experience with deployment tooling such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, or Helm
  • Previous exposure to space ground hardware like sensors, radars, telescopes
  • Previous exposure to space-related simulation and hardware integration
  • A desire to work on critical software in the space domain
  • Experience with existing space software standards and modular software services development

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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