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Satellite Ground Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting satellite ground system development, integration ... Systems engineering background; understanding of systems development life cycle from concept ...

KBR

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting satellite ground system development, integration ... Systems engineering background; understanding of systems development life cycle from concept ...

SAIC

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 ...

Astro Digital

Ground Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Network Engineer (Satellite Ground Systems) Remote Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business ...

Astro Digital

Network Engineer (Satellite Ground Systems) Remote Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business ...

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Satellite Ground Systems Engineer information

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$79K

$110.2K

$131.5K

How much do satellite ground systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite 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 is a satellite ground systems engineer?

Satellite Ground Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, maintain, and operate the ground-based infrastructure that communicates with and controls satellites. They ensure that data is reliably transmitted between satellites and ground stations, manage tracking and telemetry, and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise. Their work is crucial for the success of satellite missions in areas such as communications, weather monitoring, and scientific research.

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

To thrive as a Satellite Ground Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with satellite communications. Familiarity with ground station hardware, RF systems, network protocols, and tools such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, or satellite control software, along with certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication skills help engineers address complex technical challenges and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential to ensure reliable satellite operations, data integrity, and mission success.

What are some common challenges faced by satellite ground systems engineers during satellite launch and early operations phases?

Satellite Ground Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring seamless integration between ground infrastructure and satellite systems, troubleshooting unexpected communication issues, and maintaining real-time data flows during critical launch windows. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including mission controllers and software developers, is essential to quickly resolve anomalies and adapt ground systems to changing mission requirements. The high-pressure environment during launches demands strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.

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

AspectSatellite Ground Systems EngineerSatellite Communications Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CompTIA Satellite or CiscoAssociate's degree or technical certification in satellite systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and maintain ground station systems in offices or labsInstall, troubleshoot, and repair satellite communication equipment in field or site locations
Industry UsageUsed by satellite service providers, defense, aerospace companies
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in satellite ground systems and engineering

The Satellite Ground Systems Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining ground station systems, requiring engineering credentials and working mainly in labs or offices. In contrast, the Satellite Communications Technician handles installation and repairs in the field. Both roles are essential in satellite communication operations but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What cities are hiring for Satellite Ground Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Satellite Ground Systems Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Satellite Ground Systems Engineer jobs?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Satellite Ground Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,228 per year, or $53 per hour.

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

KBR, Inc.
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about KBR, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 454 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.

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About KBR

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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

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