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Ground Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northwoodspace

Ground Software Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$104K - $226K/yr

We are looking for a Ground Software Engineer to develop the software that handles, processes, and delivers mission data across our satellite ground network. You will build systems that ingest data ...

AnySignal

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a versatile Ground Segment Software Engineer to join our team. This role is central to our mission, focusing on building robust ground segment software for space communications. You ...

AnySignal LLC

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a versatile Ground Segment Software Engineer to join our team. This role is central to our mission, focusing on building robust ground segment software for space communications. You ...

K2 Space

Ground Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

The Role As a 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 build ...

K2 Space

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

The Role As a 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 build ...

K2 Space

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

The Role As a 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 build ...

K2 Space

Ground Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

The Role As a 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 build ...

Quantum Space

Ground Software Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

They are seeking a highly skilled Ground Software Engineer II to lead the development, integration, and operational support of software systems that enable spacecraft testing, mission operations, and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGround Software Engineer Jobs

Ground Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do ground software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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 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.

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Ground Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Reflect Orbital

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build and maintain ground software for satellite operations, including telemetry ingestion, processing, display, and command workflows

  • Design and develop operator-facing tools and automation to support satellite operations and reduce manual workload

  • Deploy, operate, troubleshoot, and support ground software and hardware systems, including integration with ground station hardware, networks, and cloud infrastructure

Job description

At Reflect, you will be expected to move fast, have a lot of ownership and, most importantly, be able to effect change. If this excites you, we are interested in hearing about your best work and accomplishments across any domain and from any points in your life.
About the Role
As a Senior Satellite Ground Software Engineer, your core responsibilities will be to build and maintain the software our operations team uses to fly the spacecraft, owning major pieces of the ground segment from design through deployment and operation. This role blends hands-on software development with platform and network engineering.
You'll develop the services that move telemetry and commands between our satellites and mission control center, build the tools and automation that make operations safe and efficient, and integrate GSaaS providers into a reliable end-to-end system. You will deploy and operate what you build, troubleshoot issues that span software, networks, and hardware, and mentor other engineers on the team.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain ground software for satellite operations, including telemetry ingestion, processing, and display, and command generation and uplink workflows
  • Lead the design of operator-facing tools and dashboards to support the operations team
  • Design and build automation for pass execution, routine commanding, and alerting to reduce manual operator workload
  • Deploy and operate ground software on AWS and Kubernetes, maintaining CI/CD pipelines, configuration management, and infrastructure as code
  • Support integration of ground station hardware and network interfaces, including radios, routers, and antenna controllers
  • Lead Ground Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS) integrations and validate end-to-end data paths between satellites, ground stations, and cloud infrastructure
  • Validate ground software against simulators and test environments prior to operational use
  • Drive root-cause resolution of issues spanning software, networks, ground stations, and mission systems
  • Mentor engineers and review designs and code
  • Provide 24/7 on-call support for mission-critical ground systems

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience developing ground systems software (services, APIs, and applications)
  • Experience owning a system end to end, from design through deployment and on-call
  • Experience deploying and operating software on AWS, including container orchestration with Kubernetes and CI/CD systems
  • Strong understanding of networking protocols, routing, VPNs, and secure connectivity
  • Knowledge of satellite ground systems, including ground station networking, antenna interfaces, and RF subsystems
  • Experience working with Ground Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS) providers
  • Experience building services around databases and real-time data (relational or time-series)
  • Familiarity with Linux environments and command-line tools
  • Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, C++ preferred)
  • Experience with DevOps tools and practices (Git, Docker, CI/CD)
  • Experience building software for multi-satellite constellation operations is a plus
  • CCSDS protocol experience and ground station network integrations are a plus

Even if you don't meet 100% of the above qualifications, we are likely still interested in hearing from you. Hiring exceptional individuals is our #1 priority, and we believe that exceptional people often have highly unusual backgrounds.
We are also interested in carving out unique roles for unconventional people that we are excited about working with.
Benefits
Reflect Orbital's success will hinge on our team, which is why our compensation and benefits plan is designed to reward our employees and support their families as generously as we're able.
  • Broad choice of medical/dental/vision coverage, Reflect covers 100% of each base-policy
  • Access to HSA, FSA, and 401K
  • Unlimited paid time off, two-weeks per year encouraged
  • Healthy lunches provided daily
Equal Opportunity
Reflect Orbital is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Reflect Orbital is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
More about Reflect Orbital:
Learn more about our team here.

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