Ground Systems Engineer
$150,000–$200,000 year
On-siteChantilly, Virginia, United States
Job Summary
Lead the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations. Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and mission support processes. Plan and execute system integration activities involving software, networks, databases, and operational systems to ensure interoperability and mission readiness. Support system verification, validation, performance assessment, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution efforts. Evaluate existing architectures and engineering processes to recommend improvements enhancing reliability, maintainability, security, and operational effectiveness. Collaborate with government stakeholders, mission operators, software developers, and mission partners to define requirements and implement technical solutions. Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, operational procedures, system configurations, and engineering artifacts. Capture, document, and transfer critical program knowledge, engineering best practices, lessons learned, and operational insights to support long-term program sustainability. Assist leadership in prioritizing engineering efforts and aligning technical activities with mission objectives and program goals. Requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline, 9+ years of experience in ground systems engineering, and an Active TS/SCI clearance. Travel up to 10%.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
- 9+ years of experience supporting ground systems engineering, software integration, systems development, testing, or mission operations within the defense, intelligence, aerospace, or space domains.
- Demonstrated experience supporting complex system integration and test activities within operational environments.
- Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, software development lifecycles, configuration management, and verification and validation processes.
- Experience supporting operational ground systems, mission planning systems, command and control systems, or space mission operations.
- Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop effective engineering solutions.
- Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Active TS/SCI clearance with CI or FS polygraph; eligibility for required program access.
- Travel up to 10%
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.
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