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

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 ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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.

KBR, Inc.

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Ground Software Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and ...

KBR

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Ground Software Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Systems Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

SAIC is looking for a Ground Systems Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA.  The Senior Ground Systems Engineer serves as a key technical contributor responsible for the development, integration, testing, sustainment, and modernization of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations. 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.

The successful candidate will support complex ground system initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of critical mission capabilities. This role requires a strong understanding of ground-based space operations, systems engineering principles, software integration, and operational mission support. The engineer will also play a significant role in preserving institutional knowledge and supporting branch-level planning and execution activities.
Key Responsibilities

    Lead and support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations.
    Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and mission support processes.
    Plan and execute system integration activities involving software, networks, databases, and operational systems to ensure interoperability and mission readiness.
    Support system verification, validation, performance assessment, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution efforts.
    Evaluate existing architectures and engineering processes and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, maintainability, security, and operational effectiveness.
    Collaborate with government stakeholders, mission operators, software developers, systems engineers, and mission partners to define requirements and implement technical solutions. 
    Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, operational procedures, system configurations, and engineering artifacts.
    Capture, document, and transfer critical program knowledge, engineering best practices, lessons learned, and operational insights to support long-term program sustainability. 
    Assist leadership in prioritizing engineering efforts and aligning technical activities with mission objectives and program goals.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

    Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
    9+ years of experience supporting ground systems engineering, software integration, systems development, testing, or mission operations within the defense, intelligence, aerospace, or space domains.
    Demonstrated experience supporting complex system integration and test activities within operational environments.
    Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, software development lifecycles, configuration management, and verification and validation processes.
    Experience supporting operational ground systems, mission planning systems, command and control systems, or space mission operations.
    Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop effective engineering solutions.
    Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts.
    Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
    Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; eligibility for required program access.

Desired:
    Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.

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