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Ground Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AstroForge

Ground Software Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Ground Software Engineer to support engineering teams by maintaining system uptime and accelerating workflows, while also troubleshooting software issues and developing solutions ...

K2 Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

The Role As a Senior Software Engineer on our Ground Software team, you are responsible for creating the software that is used to build, test, and fly our satellites and customer payloads. You will ...

Rocket Lab

Senior Ground Software Engineer I/II

Littleton, CO · On-site

$120.20K - $158.40K/yr

As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I/II, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software, defining and evolving the architecture of ground systems to ensure mission success.

Apex

Ground Software Engineer (Senior)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $215K/yr

... ground software experience. * Bachelor's degree in CS, EE or equivalent. * Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Go, TypeScript, Python, and Rust. * Familiarity with microservices ...

E-Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$135.10K - $178.10K/yr

E-Space is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our Ground Software team. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to build the mission-critical software that powers ...

E-Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$135.10K - $178.10K/yr

E-Space is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our Ground Software team. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to build the mission-critical software that powers ...

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Ground Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do ground software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Ground Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Ground Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Ground Software Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Ground Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Ground Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ground Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Software Engineer jobs are:
Ground Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Ground Software Engineer - Space Transportation

Associates Systems LLC

San Jose, CA

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Come join our growing team of enterprising engineers paving a way to the next frontier of space transportation.
This is a full time opportunity with a host of benefits.
All qualified resumes will be responded to in 24hrs or less.
Due to the nature of this work candidates must be a U.S. Citizen
Ground Software Engineer

Build and maintain ground software systems supporting spacecraft automation, testing, and on-orbit mission operations.

Desired Skills

  • Go programming

  • Networking fundamentals

  • Knowledge of spacecraft operations or astrodynamics

  • Experience with DoD/USG programs; ability to hold a clearance

Required Skills

Backend Core:

  • Python

  • Linux server configuration/administration

  • Kubernetes / Helm deployment

Intermediate Experience:

  • SQL, NoSQL, and time-series databases (Postgres, MongoDB, InfluxDB)

  • Bash/shell scripting

  • Frontend development (Vue.js, TypeScript/JavaScript)

  • AWS or Azure cloud services

  • Microservices, IoT applications, CI/CD

  • Event systems (Kinesis, ROS2, MQTT, RabbitMQ, etc.)

  • Ability to work independently

  • Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills

Core Responsibilities

  • Validate, test, and enhance vendor/open-source software

  • Build software supporting spacecraft automation and test infrastructure

  • Develop tools supporting on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution

Education

  • BS in Software Engineering or related field

  • 3-5 years experience
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