Command and Control Ground Analyst, Satellite Ground Systems
Overview
You will design, develop, and maintain ground segment infrastructure for next-generation satellite missions, bridging spacecraft flight systems and ground control. You will work with a government mission manager to ensure seamless command, control, and data dissemination. In this role, you will champion autonomous operations and apply human factors engineering to create intuitive, resilient operator interfaces. You will also oversee ground development activities for optical systems and satellite communications. This position offers the chance to shape ground systems for multi-satellite constellations in a classified environment.
What You'll Do10
- 1Assist the government mission manager with engineering, integration, and validation of satellite ground segment command and control (C2) systems, focusing on CCSDS standards and RF communications.
- 2Support real-time satellite vehicle operations, including launch and early orbit phases (LEOP), routine operations, and anomaly resolution, ensuring mission success.
- 3Act as liaison between the spacecraft development team and ground operations crew, translating technical requirements into actionable operator workflows.
- 4Oversee design and implementation of automation frameworks for ground system operations, reducing operator workload and maximizing reliability.
- 5Provide recommendations during critical design reviews and evaluate contractor documentation for ground infrastructure.
- 6Architect lights-out operational capabilities for multi-satellite constellations, enabling unattended ground operations.
- 7Apply human factors engineering principles to the design of ground control center layouts, software UIs, and operator workflows.
- 8Implement end-to-end data pipelines for spacecraft payload and telemetry data, ensuring smooth data flow from satellites to ground systems.
- 9Develop technical assessments and presentations for senior leadership reviews, including mission status briefings.
- 10Generate mission status reports for weekly staff meetings and executive program reviews, supporting space situational awareness programs.
Requirements8
- 1Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field with 10+ years of experience in space systems engineering, focusing on ground segments and satellite operations.
- 2Solid understanding of network protocols, RF communications, ground station operations, and CCSDS packet standards.
- 3Active TS clearance with in-scope T5/SSBI and SCI eligibility, plus participation in Continuous Evaluation.
- 4Ability to meet all requirements for SAP access and willingness to undergo polygraph examination.
- 5Hands-on experience with autonomous scripting or automated recovery routines in Python, C++, or bash.
- 6Formal training or practical experience applying human factors engineering standards such as NASA-STD-3001 or MIL-STD-1472.
- 7Experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations or fleet automation.
- 8Experience deploying ground data systems on AWS or Azure using modern DevSecOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
Salary Insight
$170 - $210k per year
Similar open positions
Explore active roles that match your skills and interests.
631 Booz Allen Hamilton_United States
VerifiedSoftware Engineer - Mission Management Software for Satellite Constellations
Design and deliver mission management software for heterogeneous satellite constellations. Lead Agile development of mission planning automated tasking and replanning. Ensure seamless integration with classified cloud environments while maintaining modular scalable architecture. Join a high-security defense program. The role offers competitive compensation and total benefits.
The Boeing Company
VerifiedCommand and Data Handling Networking Subsystem Engineer Space Autonomy Systems
Develop and manage C&DHN Subsystems for Boeing secured autonomous satellite networks in El Segundo California. Lead multidisciplinary teams to define requirements integrate systems design and ensure flight readiness. Ensure hardware and software meet aerospace standards throughout the lifecycle.
University of California Berkeley
VerifiedGround Software Systems Manager Mission Operations
The Ground Software & Systems Manager - Mission Operations leads the team managing hardware and software connecting the Berkeley Mission Operations Center to global ground stations. This role ensures the lab remains at the bleeding edge of technology while leading junior engineers to achieve ambitious science goals. It is a full-time career position offering competitive compensation.
BAE Systems Inc.
VerifiedPrincipal Systems Engineer, Ground Systems
You own ground system design, development, and integration for DoD and government satellite programs at BAE Systems. In this role, you'll lead technical efforts across the full lifecycle, from requirements analysis through verification, while mentoring a cross-functional team in an Agile environment. Our ESA Strategic Capabilities Unit delivers high-impact technologies, so you'll collaborate with software, hardware, and test engineers to ensure mission success. Working on-site in Denver, you'll drive innovation and shape critical ground architectures for national security.
Space Ground System Solutions
VerifiedSite Reliability Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure & AWS GovCloud
You will own the reliability and expansion of satellite ground system software on hybrid and private cloud infrastructure for Space Ground System Solutions (SGSS), a Parsons subsidiary. You will architect and automate AWS GovCloud environments, manage Kubernetes and OpenStack platforms, and embed security into CI/CD pipelines. Your team supports developers building systems with government-off-the-shelf, commercial, and open-source software. You will drive a 98% uptime mandate while performing root cause analysis and building infrastructure as code with Terraform and Ansible. This role demands a rare blend of software development and operations expertise, with daily focus on network engineering and security hardening.
BAE Systems Inc.
VerifiedPrincipal Software Engineer, Ground & Embedded Satellite
You will own development of satellite command and control, mission planning, and data analysis software at BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems. Your work spans C/C++, Rust, Python, and Ruby across a portfolio of space programs. You will join a cross-functional team of engineers in Denver, Colorado, delivering high-impact technology for national security missions. This role stands out for its breadth: you will work across the full software lifecycle, from requirements to integration, and shape CI/CD pipelines with Docker and Kubernetes. You will also collaborate with the Engineering, Science, and Analysis unit, driving innovation and continual learning in a mission-focused environment.