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Senior Ground Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc

Senior Ground System Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Senior Ground System EngineerKBR is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer to provide System ... baseline control, risk/deficiency resolution, test readiness, mission partner onboarding, and ...

KBR

Senior Ground System Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Senior Ground System Engineer KBR is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer to provide System ... baseline control, risk/deficiency resolution, test readiness, mission partner onboarding, and ...

KBR

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 ... baseline control, risk/deficiency resolution, test readiness, mission partner onboarding, and ...

KBR

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 ... baseline control, risk/deficiency resolution, test readiness, mission partner onboarding, and ...

KBR, Inc.

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 ... baseline control, risk/deficiency resolution, test readiness, mission partner onboarding, and ...

KBR, Inc.

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 ... baseline control, risk/deficiency resolution, test readiness, mission partner onboarding, and ...

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Senior Ground Control Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior ground control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior ground control engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior ground control engineer?

Senior Ground Control Engineers are experienced professionals who design, implement, and oversee ground-based systems that communicate with and control spacecraft, satellites, or unmanned aerial vehicles. They are responsible for ensuring reliable operations, safety, and data integrity within mission control environments. Their duties often include developing procedures, troubleshooting technical issues, and leading teams during critical mission phases. Additionally, they collaborate with engineers from other disciplines to integrate hardware and software systems. Senior Ground Control Engineers typically have several years of experience and a deep understanding of aerospace systems and operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior ground control engineers in managing satellite operations?

Senior Ground Control Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating real-time responses to anomalies, maintaining reliable communication links, and ensuring the integrity and security of mission-critical systems. They must also manage complex schedules for multiple satellites and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including flight controllers and software engineers. Staying updated with evolving technologies and rapidly troubleshooting issues are key aspects of the role, which requires strong analytical skills and effective teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior ground control engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Ground Control Engineer, you need expertise in geotechnical engineering principles, ground stability analysis, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by professional certification. Familiarity with specialized software such as Rocscience, FLAC, and AutoCAD, as well as experience with ground monitoring systems, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and coordinating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the safe design and management of ground control systems, minimizing risks and optimizing operational efficiency in mining or tunneling projects.

What is the difference between Senior Ground Control Engineer vs Ground Control Engineer?

AspectSenior Ground Control EngineerGround Control Engineer
Required CertificationsTypically requires advanced certifications like FAA Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalentRequires basic certifications, such as drone operation licenses or equivalent
Work EnvironmentOversees drone operations, manages teams, and ensures safety protocols in various industriesPerforms drone flights, data collection, and basic maintenance in field settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, surveying, agriculture, and defense sectorsCommonly employed in construction, agriculture, and inspection services

The main difference between a Senior Ground Control Engineer and a Ground Control Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and certification levels. Senior Ground Control Engineers typically oversee operations, manage teams, and hold advanced certifications, while Ground Control Engineers focus on executing drone flights and data collection. Both roles are essential in industries utilizing drone technology, but the senior position involves more leadership and strategic planning.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Ground Control Engineer jobs?

For Senior Ground Control Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Ground Control Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Satellite Ground Operational C2 Engineer

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Astrion
5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Astrionexternal

$97K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview
Senior Ground Satellite Operational C2 Engineer
LOCATION: Huntsville, AL
JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE: Active TS/SCI
TRAVEL: As Needed
Astrion is seeking a Senior Ground Satellite Operational Command & Control Engineer to join our team supporting the Golden Dome Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) program in Huntsville, AL. This role provides direct engineering support to U.S. Space Force and program leadership for the design, development, integration, test, and sustainment of ground command & control (C2) systems enabling on-orbit missile defense operations.
You will serve as a trusted technical advisor ensuring mission assurance for next-generation space defense capabilities, supporting system readiness, operational architecture development, and integration of SBI mission systems across ground and space segments.
Required Qualifications / Skills
  • 12+ years of experience in satellite ground systems, C2 architectures, or space system engineering supporting USSF/DoD missions
  • BA/BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical discipline
  • Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance
  • Experience with space system operations, telemetry, tracking & commanding (TT&C), ground-to-space interfaces, and mission management systems
  • Understanding of DoD space acquisition frameworks and SETA support roles
  • System Integration & Test (I&T) experience across ground segment components
  • Familiarity with architectures supporting real-time space operations and defensive space mission systems

Preferred Qualifications / Skills
  • MS in Engineering or related discipline
  • Experience with missile defense operations, OPIR, MDA, SDA, or defensive space programs
  • Background in Space C2 system development (e.g., JMS, NSDC, or equivalent)
  • Experience with on-orbit test planning, mission readiness events, and operational acceptance
  • Familiarity with digital engineering, MBSE (SysML), and interface control documents (ICDs)
  • Ability to coordinate across government, FFRDC, and industry partners

Responsibilities
  • Provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support for the SBI ground architecture and operational C2 systems
  • Support development and verification of satellite command, telemetry, mission planning, and data processing capabilities
  • Lead integration between ground segment, space segment, test environments, and operational units
  • Assist government leads in requirements development, traceability, and acceptance criteria
  • Review system designs, architecture artifacts, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), risk registers, and integration plans
  • Track system performance, evaluate technical risks, and recommend engineering solutions to government leadership
  • Participate in mission readiness exercises, test events, verification/validation, and operational acceptance activities
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including cyber, space sensor, networking, and orbital operations engineering
  • Provide technical input to acquisition strategies, statements of work, milestone decisions, and fielding plans

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