Ground System Engineer

YOUR MISSION

We are seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to join our team. The Ground Systems Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of ground infrastructure supporting space, missile, and defense systems. This role involves working on complex ground segment architecture, ensuring seamless communication between ground and space-based assets, and supporting mission-critical operations for national defense missions. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ground System Design & Architecture:

• Collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams to define and document mission objectives, system requirements, and operational concepts. 
• Design and develop ground systems architectures, including command and control (C2), telemetry, tracking, and communications systems.
• Define and document system requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and system-level functional requirements to meet mission objectives.
• Lead trade studies and feasibility assessments to evaluate different ground system architectures, ensuring alignment with mission and program needs. 

System Integration & Testing: 

• Oversee the integration of hardware and software components within the ground segment, ensuring proper interfacing with space and missile systems.
• Create systems of systems approaches, architecture assessments, and detailed roadmaps for enhancement opportunities
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and configurations for ground systems, including end-to-end testing and validation of communications and control links.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful integration of ground and space components, supporting seamless mission operations. 

Operations & Maintenance Support: 

• Provide support for mission operations, ensuring that ground systems are configured and maintained to meet operational requirements.
• Develop procedures and best practices for ground system maintenance, upgrades, and system health monitoring.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for ground system anomalies, working with system operators to resolve issues promptly and maintain system availability. 

Cybersecurity & Compliance: 

• Ensure that ground systems comply with cybersecurity regulations and standards, implementing security protocols to protect mission data and communications.
• Work with cybersecurity teams to assess and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with DoD, NASA, or other relevant security policies. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred). 
• 5+ years of experience in ground systems engineering on space systems. 
• Demonstrated experience in designing, integrating, and testing ground systems for space or missile defense missions. 
• Knowledge of space-ground communications systems (e.g., RF, SATCOM, TT&C) and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, CCSDS). 
• Proficiency in systems engineering principles, including requirements development, integration, and verification. 
• Experience with ground systems tools and software, such as MATLAB, STK, or custom communication systems. 
• Knowledge of RF engineering, telemetry, and networked systems for mission-critical operations. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, or other government space/defense programs.
• Familiarity with ground systems architecture standards (e.g., CCSDS, MIL-STD) and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Knowledge of mission operations centers and experience with real-time space operations.
• Active U.S. security clearance (TS/SCI or higher). 

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary:  $133,000-$162,000 for Ground Systems Engineer II and  $150,000-$191,000 for Senior Ground Systems Engineer 

• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Colorado Springs. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below.

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