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Ground Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FTS International LLC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$149K - $170K/yr

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 ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

This position is for a Ground Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Ground Engineer is focused on acquiring and integrating ground solutions to ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This position is for a Ground Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Ground Engineer is focused on acquiring and integrating ground solutions to ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This position is for a Ground Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Ground Engineer is focused on acquiring and integrating ground solutions to ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Ground Systems Engineer to support the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 3 Program Integration (T3PI) program. This position requires an active TS/SCI ...

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 ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to work on complex projects crucial to our national security objectives. They will provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description The Ground Systems Engineer - Factory Liaison provides Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to a Government Program Office Contracting Officer's Technical ...

KBR

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

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

Aurora, CO · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to work on complex projects crucial to our national security objectives. They will provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to work on complex projects crucial to our national security objectives. They will provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description The Ground Systems Engineer - Factory Liaison provides Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to a Government Program Office Contracting Officer's Technical ...

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Ground Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$79K

$110.2K

$131.5K

How much do ground systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ground systems engineer?

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 is a ground systems engineer?

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.

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:
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Ground Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,228 per year, or $53 per hour.

Ground Systems Engineer

FTS International LLC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$149K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

FTS International, LLC (FTS) is committed to providing the Federal Government with quality consultants and support. To ensure mission success we focus on putting our customers first while minimizing corporate bureaucracy on our staff. We provide Subject Matter Experts (SME) free of Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) focused on independent analysis and mission support services within the disciplines of Engineering, Counter Terrorism Operations, Management, Information Technology, Signals Analysis, Administration, Cyber Security and Linguistics.
FTS has an opportunity for a Ground Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA.
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.
Responsibilities
  • Provide engineering expertise across the system lifecycle and serves as a trusted advisor for ground software, system architectures, integration activities, and operational processes
  • 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 Skills/Qualifications
  • TS/SCI with polygraph
  • BS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) in engineering 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

Desired Skills/Qualifications
  • MS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) in engineering discipline
  • Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures

Expected Salary Range: $149,000 - $170,000 per year. Placement within the range is determined by qualifications, job-related criteria, experience, internal equity and market considerations. In addition, FTS International, LLC has benefits offerings in addition to salary to include Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.
FTS International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer - vets/disabled.

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