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Senior Ground Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$150K - $200K/yr

The Role As a Senior Software Engineer on our Ground Software team, you are responsible for ... Experience with version control, continuous integration, build, deployment, monitoring * Experience ...

E-Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$135K - $178K/yr

E-Space is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our Ground Software team. You will ... Build high-performance APIs for mission-critical command and control operations * Create workflow ...

E-Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$135K - $178K/yr

E-Space is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our Ground Software team. You will ... Build high-performance APIs for mission-critical command and control operations * Create workflow ...

E-Space

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$135K - $178K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join their Ground Software team, responsible for ... control operations • Create workflow orchestration systems for automated satellite and ground ...

Inversion

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $201K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer (Ground Software) at Inversion, you will have an instrumental impact ... You will architect, build, and deploy software systems essential to the command and control of ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

The Senior Geotechnical Engineer works closely with Operations, Technical Services, and contractors ... Lead ground control planning and design for underground excavations, including selection and ...

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Senior Ground Control Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

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

As of Sep 11, 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, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

K2 Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about K2 Spaceexternal

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Role 

As a Senior Software Engineer on our Ground Software team, you are responsible for creating the software that is used to build, test, and fly our satellites and customer payloads. You will build upon the mission software platform used to fly K2's Gravitas satellite, developing new capabilities and automation as we scale to support multiple constellations. You will collaborate closely with internal Mission Operations and Flight Software teams to define and implement our overall mission architecture, and you will work with external customers to scope and deliver software that meets their payload needs. 

You will have the opportunity to work in exciting, interdisciplinary domains like: satellite command and control, constellation operations, mission automation, radio communications, astrodynamics, and more. 

Responsibilities 

  • Design and implement software that facilitates the build, test, and operations of K2's vehicles and our customers' payloads 
  • Collaborate with Mission Operators and Engineers across the company to identify and scope software solutions to complex technical and business problems
  • Facilitate software design reviews, architecture discussions, and code reviews to align stakeholders on technical direction
  • Work across our stack (Rust backend, TypeScript/Vue frontend) to support development, test, and operations milestones
  • Support internal and external customers in an on-call capacity as your software is used to drive ground test activities and on-orbit spacecraft operations
  • Mentor other engineers to build a strong team culture and software engineering practices 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a STEM discipline or 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering   
  • Additionally, 5+ years of experience building software solutions in a professional environment 

Nice-to-Have 

  • Experience working on space missions and/or the satellite ground segment 
  • Experience with Rust or another statically-typed backend programming language (Go, C++, Java, C#, TypeScript)
  • Experience with JavaScript/TypeScript and modern frontend development tooling (Vue, React, Svelte)
  • Experience with version control, continuous integration, build, deployment, monitoring
  • Experience developing HTTP or gRPC APIs
  • Experience with SQL databases (PostgreSQL or similar)
  • Experience designing and implementing event-driven architectures
  • Experience developing reliable, scalable systems
  • Experience with Docker and/or Kubernetes
  • Experience with WebSockets and/or Server-Sent-Events (SSE)
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and relevant certifications/standards (SOC2, FedRAMP)
  • Familiarity with networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, QUIC)
  • Familiarity with data streaming technologies such as NATS, Pulsar, or similar 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 
K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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