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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 ...

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 ...

LV8D Solutions, LLC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$130 - $190/hr

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 ...

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 ...

KBR, Inc

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Ground Systems Software 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 ...

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 Sep 4, 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

LV8D Solutions

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Mission Context
LV8D Solutions supports national security space and intelligence customers delivering next-generation sensing and exploitation capabilities. The 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.
Position Overview
LV8D Solutions is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to provide 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.
Interested candidates need to thrive in an innovative, fast-paced environment; are highly motivated and not afraid to take on uncharted territory; possess strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills; and be able to prioritize their time to be effective in a dynamic environment.
Requirements
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.

Required Qualifications
  • 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 CI or FS polygraph; eligibility for required program access.
  • Travel up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.

Benefits
Performance & Recognition
Period of Performance (PoP) Bonus Opportunities
Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to contract or organizational performance.
Retention Incentive Benefit Bounty
Receive a payout for unused annual company contributions designated for health insurance premiums and professional training.
Referral Bonus
Earn up to $5,000 for each successful employee referral.
Customer Recognition Letter of Appreciation (LoA) Bonus Opportunities
Bonus opportunities based on customer recognition received through Letters of Appreciation.
Milestone Rewards
Celebrate your career achievements with anniversary awards on your 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20th years of service.
Financial & Retirement Benefits
Profit Sharing
Receive an annual contribution equal to 4% of your W-2 gross earnings into your 401(k), with immediate vesting.
401(k) Company Match
The company matches your 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of your monthly contribution, with immediate vesting.
Career Development
The company invests in your professional growth through:
  • Annual financial support for professional training and industry certifications.
  • Enhanced financial support for employees actively pursuing a degree at an accredited institution.

Work-Life Balance
Support for a healthy work-life balance includes:
  • Flexible work hours
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO)
  • Company holidays

Health & Wellness Benefits
The company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family.
Medical Coverage
Three comprehensive Medical/Rx insurance plan options to meet the unique and individualized benefit needs of our employees
Dental & Vision
  • Comprehensive dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Comprehensive vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.

Income Protection
  • 100% Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • 100% Company-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance
  • 100% Company-Paid Basic Term Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
  • Optional employee-paid Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance.

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