1

Satellite Ground System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ... Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness * Resolve ...

... satellite ground software and command-and-control systems. The selected candidate will act as a ... engineering, software, test, configuration management, risk management, and program review ...

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ... Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness * Resolve ...

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation ... Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness * Resolve ...

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... satellite ground software and command-and-control systems. The selected candidate will act as a ... engineering, software, test, configuration management, risk management, and program review ...

Senior Ground System Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Senior Ground System Engineer KBR is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer to provide System ... satellite and ground systems, software architectures, interface requirements, and operational ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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.

Sr. Ground System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Ground Systems Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) in the Space Rapid Capabilities Directorate within the Agile Acquisition Division will support the development and integration of a critical ground system for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO). The SpRCO is rapidly developing and fielding highly classified critical space capabilities for the space enterprise. The Ground Systems Engineer will actively participate in all phases of the ground development to ensure operationally dominant space capabilities are delivered at the speed of warfighting relevance. This includes technical support for vehicle to ground system integration, development of command and control services, providing engineering support and contractor oversight of the acquisition, development of evolving system architectures to support operations testing, readiness, and on-orbit operations.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Coordinate with Government, SETA, and contractor teams to field a critical ground system
  • Support program reviews, design, development, test, and transition to operations efforts
  • Understand and ensure implementation of requirements for ground system design, mission concept of operations, prototype and test, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition support
  • Provide mission assurance and assist with ground architecture development and integration efforts in a commercial cloud environment
  • Identify risk areas and mitigation efforts to meet mission objectives
  • Work closely with Program Manager (O-5)
  • Solicit and oversee members of the Aerospace Engineering Technical Group (ETG) to employ their expertise on critical problems the local program office may find difficult to solve
  • Routinely present status updates to Senior Material Leaders (O-6) and Space SpRCO Director (SES-2)
  • Interface with multiple government agencies to provide capability to the warfighter

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements - Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering:

  • BS degree in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or related STEM field is required
  • Space experience is required (satellite ground development and operations)
  • 12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering or program management
  • Demonstrated ability to work within teams
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of government, FFRDC, and SETA personnel
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information
  • Travel is required
  • This position requires a current TS/SCI security clearance with SAP eligibility, which is issued by the US Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Advanced degree in technical discipline (engineering, science or math)
  • Extensive satellite operations experience to include satellite ground system development and / or testing
  • Extensive satellite design / integration Systems Engineering experience
  • Systems Engineering experience with rapid operational systems
  • An excellent personal technical reputation and a record of personal technical achievement
  • Program office and management experience
  • Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations with the ability to support customer needs

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.