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Satellite Ground System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$177K - $209K/yr

Ground Systems Software Engineer***Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!***KBR's National Security ... Prior ground system experience in a major satellite program office or commercial SATCOM office.

Reflect Orbital

Ground Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

This role blends hands-on software development with platform and network engineering. You'll ... Knowledge of satellite ground systems, including ground station networking, antenna interfaces, and ...

KBR

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Title: Ground Software Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Prior ground system experience in a major satellite program office or commercial SATCOM office.

KBR, Inc.

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Title: Ground Software Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Prior ground system experience in a major satellite program office or commercial SATCOM office.

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Satellite Ground System Software Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$177.7K

$206K

How much do satellite ground system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite ground system software engineer in the United States is $177,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a satellite ground system software engineer?

Satellite Ground System Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the software systems that allow ground stations to communicate with and control satellites. They work on applications that manage telemetry, tracking, command, and data processing for satellite operations. Their work ensures that data from satellites is accurately received and processed, and that commands sent from the ground are properly executed by the satellite. These engineers often collaborate with hardware engineers, mission planners, and operations teams to ensure mission success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite ground system software engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Ground System Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, software development, and systems engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with real-time or embedded systems. Familiarity with programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java, and experience with satellite communication protocols, ground station automation tools, and operating systems like Linux are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set exceptional engineers apart in this field. These competencies ensure reliable ground system operations, effective troubleshooting, and successful mission support in the complex and high-stakes environment of satellite communications.

What are some common challenges faced by satellite ground system software engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Satellite Ground System Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating complex hardware and software components, ensuring real-time data processing, and maintaining high system reliability. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, thorough testing protocols, and effective collaboration with hardware engineers, network specialists, and operations teams. Staying current with evolving communication protocols and industry standards also helps engineers proactively tackle integration and performance issues, resulting in smoother satellite operations and data transmission.

What is the difference between Satellite Ground System Software Engineer vs Satellite Operations Engineer?

AspectSatellite Ground System Software EngineerSatellite Operations Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping, testing, and maintaining ground software for satellite control and data processingMonitoring, controlling, and troubleshooting satellite operations in real-time
Required SkillsSoftware programming, systems integration, satellite communication protocolsSatellite systems knowledge, operational procedures, real-time system management
Work EnvironmentSoftware development labs, mission control centersMission control rooms, satellite operation centers
CertificationsTypically software engineering or systems certificationsOperational certifications, satellite systems training

While both roles involve satellite technology, the Satellite Ground System Software Engineer focuses on creating and maintaining the software that controls satellites from the ground, whereas the Satellite Operations Engineer manages satellite functions during missions. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What cities are hiring for Satellite Ground System Software Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Satellite Ground System Software Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Satellite Ground System Software Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Satellite Ground System Software Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Ground System Software Engineer jobs?

For Satellite Ground System Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Satellite Ground System Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $177,719 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

Director, Space Ground Systems Software (Reston)

Herndon, VA • On-site

Iridium Communications Inc
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Iridium Communications Incexternal

$264K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Iridium Communications Inc. is hiring a Director of Software Engineering Ground Systems Development in Reston, VA.

You will lead a large software organization responsible for ground system software for satellite constellations and related operations centers, directing design, test, and deployment. The role requires 15+ years in satellite ground development, prior management of software teams, and a current Top Secret/TS/SCI eligibility.

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