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Satellite Ground System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting satellite ground system development, integration ... software. * Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.

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Satellite Ground System Software Engineer information

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$83K

$177.7K

$206K

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

As of Sep 13, 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 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,719 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

Ground System Software Engineer (R4787)

Washington, DC

Shield AI
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Shield AIexternal

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated Ground System Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain software systems for the X-BAT Platform. This role focuses on building robust ground control stations, mission planning tools, communication interfaces, and infrastructure that enable the X-BAT mission, and supports operational requirements safe and efficient drone operations.

You'll work at the intersection of all major components of the X-BAT Platform and its systems, providing user-facing applications to operate X-BAT and supporting equipment or vehicles, and will be collaborating closely with our Aircraft Software, Hivemind, and Flight Test teams to design this state-of-the-art ground system.

What you'll do
  • Design, develop, and optimize next-gen ground control software that enables low-latency communication with UAVs and other autonomous platforms.
  • Build high-performance full-stack applications that support telemetry processing and fusion, mission planning, and real-time situational awareness.
  • Implement responsive user interfaces with React and TypeScript for telemetry readout and sensor feeds, operator workflows, and mission/vehicle state.
  • Collaborate closely with teams across autonomy, embedded systems, human factors, and UX to deliver integrated, field-ready solutions.
  • Contribute to architectural decisions and system designs that ensure responsiveness, scalability, and fault-tolerance.
  • Lead and/or participate in development efforts on key features or subsystems, from early design through deployment and iteration.
  • Write high-quality, well-tested code and participate in peer design/code reviews.
Required qualifications:
  • Senior: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a related field with 5+ years of professional software development experience, or Masters with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years.
  • Staff: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a related field with 7+ years of professional software development experience, or Masters with 6+ years, or PhD with 4+ years.
  • Senior Staff: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a related field with 9+ years of professional software development experience, or Masters with 8+ years, or PhD with 6+ years.
  • Proficiency in a strongly typed programming language (e.g. C#, TypeScript, Java, C++) with exposure to lower-level systems or protocol integration. 
  • Experience with web technologies, especially React, TypeScript/JavaScript, and Node.js.
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals including version control, testing, debugging, and performance profiling. 
  • Proven ability to deliver high-quality software as part of a collaborative engineering team. 
  • Experience building distributed systems or networked applications
  • Experience developing user interfaces (e.g., React, Vue, QT, or similar frameworks)
  • Strong debugging, problem solving, and system integration skills
  • Speed and proficiency without the use of Generative AI tools (due to the nature of our work, these are prohibited)
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment
  • Ability to obtain security clearance
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with GCS software, mission planning tools, or real-time visualization platforms. 
  • Familiarity with API-driven systems using REST or gRPC, and communication protocols like WebSocket or custom telemetry formats. 
  • Knowledge of standards such as STANAG 4586, Cursor on Target (CoT), or MAVLink.
  • Experience with UAS platforms and AI/ML systems.
  • Familiarity with containerized environments (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD practices. 
  • Exposure to distributed systems and cloud integration for telemetry data pipelines and sensor fusion. 
  • Understanding of security best practices in control systems and networked applications.
  • Exposure to cybersecurity best practices for embedded or distributed systems, preferably within Gov and/or Defense environments
#LI-AA1
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.