ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ground Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: Ground 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 ...

KBR

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: Ground 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 +1

As the Ground Systems Engineer you will track deliveries, performance requirements, and integration activities across three major system acquisitions spanning five system program offices, providing ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Description SAIC is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to support the LANDMARK AOS program, a large SETA contract supporting the customer's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED) and its end to end ...

Lockheed Martin

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

As Ground Systems Engineer you will: • Work multiple shifts on a rotating 24x7 schedule • Utilize strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, as required • Perform software maintenance ...

Lockheed Martin

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO

As Ground Systems Engineer you will: Work multiple shifts on a rotating 24x7 schedule Utilize strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, as required Perform software maintenance support Linux, AIX ...

KSAT, INC.

Lunar Ground Systems Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

In the near term, the Satellite Ground Systems Engineer will be part of the lunar integration and operations team, in coordination with the global KSAT team, performing additional antenna ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Ground System Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site +1

$99K - $225K/yr

As a Ground Systems Engineer on our team, you will work with Booz Allen colleagues and the military to develop and deploy the next generation of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) ground systems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsGround Systems Engineer Jobs

Ground Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$79K

$110.2K

$131.5K

How much do ground systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground systems engineer in the United States is $110,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,500.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ground Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ground Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in systems engineering, computer science or electrical engineering, and experience with satellite or aerospace ground systems. Familiarity with technical tools such as Linux/UNIX environments, scripting languages, network protocols, and commonly required certifications like Security+ or CompTIA Network+ is important. Strong problem-solving skills, clear communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure ground systems are designed, integrated, and maintained effectively, supporting reliable space mission operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Ground Systems Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Ground Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, maintaining minimal downtime during upgrades, and addressing cybersecurity concerns. Balancing the need for innovation with the reliability requirements of mission-critical ground operations can be demanding. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including software developers, network specialists, and mission operators—is essential to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing system performance.

What are Ground Systems Engineers?

Ground Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the infrastructure and hardware on Earth that supports space missions and satellite operations. Their work involves creating and managing systems that communicate with spacecraft, such as tracking stations, control centers, and data processing facilities. They ensure reliable communication between ground facilities and spacecraft, troubleshoot technical issues, and often collaborate with other engineering teams. Ground Systems Engineers play a crucial role in the success of satellite launches, ongoing mission operations, and data retrieval from space assets.

How much is the salary of a system engineer?

The salary of a Ground Systems Engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or security clearances can earn higher salaries.

What is the difference between Ground Systems Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectGround Systems EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, certifications in systems or satellite technologyBachelor's in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentGround-based facilities, control centers, labsSatellite design, testing, and integration facilities
Industry UsageSpace agencies, defense, telecommunicationsSatellite manufacturing, space agencies, defense
Job FocusDesign, operate, and maintain ground control systemsDesign, develop, and test satellite systems

Both roles require engineering expertise and often similar certifications. Ground Systems Engineers focus on ground control and support infrastructure, while Satellite Systems Engineers work on satellite design and development. They collaborate closely in space projects but have distinct technical focuses.

More about Ground Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Ground Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Ground Systems Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Ground Systems Engineer jobs? The top employers for Ground Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Ground Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Ground Systems Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ground Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Systems Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Ground Systems Engineer jobs? For Ground Systems Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Ground Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,228 per year, or $53 per hour.
Ground Systems Engineer

Ground Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

KBR rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 350 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Ground 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 intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:
KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Ground Systems Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia and to support a major U.S. Government organization responsible for the acquisition, integration, and operation of proliferated satellite constellations. The selected candidate for this position will provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support focused on the satellite ground segment, including mission operations, command and control, data processing, dissemination, and user interfaces. The candidate will work as part of an integrated Government and contractor team delivering resilient, scalable space capabilities in support of national security missions
Responsibilities
  • Advise and assist the Government with the planning, engineering, integration, and O&M activities of ground systems.
  • Analyze and document site system architecture and impacts associated with system updates and deliveries.
  • Support requirements definition, architecture development, and trade studies for spacecraft ground systems.
  • Interface with spacecraft, payload, network, and user segment teams to define and manage end-to-end system interfaces.
  • Support integration and test (I&T) planning and execution across ground and space segments.
  • Evaluate contractor designs, test results, and operational concepts for compliance with mission requirements.
  • Assist in operational readiness activities, including rehearsals, exercises, and transition to sustainment.
  • Contribute to system documentation, reviews, and decision briefings for Government leadership.
  • Collaborate with Headquarters Directorates, site organizations, and mission partners to ensure understanding of project requirements and risks (cost, schedule, and technical).
  • Document, develop and deliver analyses, recommendations, plans, reports, and briefings to the Government.
  • Support the development and integration of automated test solutions and continuous improvement in software design and architecture.

Work Environment
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal (less than 25%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.
  • Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:
  • Citizenship: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, data analytics, or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
  • Relevant Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting satellite ground system development, integration, and test.
  • Knowledge of Government customer's space and ground domain mission and technical capabilities.
  • Systems engineering background; understanding of systems development life cycle from concept, requirements, engineering design, integration and test, deployment, maintenance, through decommissioning.
  • Experience in requirements definition, system architectures, systems analysis and design, interface and data architectures, validation, and verification.
  • Ability to take initiative, proactively address customer requirements with no supervision, and expertly define solutions for broad, abstract topics.
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering and digital engineering concepts and tools, Agile / DevSecOps development methodology, and cloud technologies.
  • Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones and review processes, and success in operating within this environment.
  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to all levels of Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's or Ph.D. degree in a related STEM technical discipline.
  • Relevant Ground Experience: Demonstrated 10+ years of experience supporting ground system development, integration, and test is preferred.
  • Breadth of Experience: Experience working across multiple satellite ground programs or production lines is preferred.
  • Experience in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling DoD or Intelligence Community projects or programs.
  • Deep knowledge of satellite Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) architectures.
  • Demonstrated experience in defining, developing, configuration managing, auditing and verifying large-scale ground system architectures.
  • Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence.
  • Familiarity with modeling languages such as Python, SysML, and UAFML.
  • Experience with cloud-based technologies and automation to optimize platform performance and reliability.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

What KBR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

KBR logo

About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

View All KBR Jobs

Apply