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Ground Systems Software Engineer

Ground Systems Software Engineer
Location: Remote (Preferred: San Jose, CA or Littleton, CO)
Compensation: $145,000 – $165,000 USD
About the Opportunity
Join an innovative space technology company designing, building, and operating advanced satellite systems supporting Earth observation, communications, scientific missions, technology demonstrations, and exploration programs.
We are seeking a Ground Systems Software Engineer to architect, integrate, and maintain the digital backbone connecting spacecraft to mission control. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with external Ground Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS) providers, Satellite Operations, IT, and Ground Software teams to ensure secure, automated, and reliable telemetry, tracking, command (TT&C), and payload data flows.
Success in this role requires the ability to understand complex network topologies and software architectures, synthesize requirements from multiple stakeholders, and deliver robust, scalable solutions that support mission success.

Key Responsibilities
Provider Integration

  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external ground station providers, managing API integrations, software configurations, and operational interfaces.
  • Work with commercial GSaaS networks and understand their operational nuances.

Network Architecture

  • Design, implement, and maintain secure networking infrastructure, including VPNs, IPsec tunnels, cloud routing, and firewall configurations.
  • Ensure seamless connectivity between ground stations, cloud infrastructure, and mission control systems.

Data Flow Management

  • Lead software and network bring-up activities for new ground stations.
  • Coordinate end-to-end testing, packet routing validation, and system characterization with Satellite Operations teams.

Systems Engineering

  • Develop and maintain ground segment Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
  • Translate provider requirements into actionable software configurations and operational procedures.

Troubleshooting & Operations Support

  • Act as the first line of defense for software, network, and data-flow issues during satellite operations.
  • Diagnose and resolve problems ranging from packet loss to mission-impacting communication failures.

Communications Security

  • Serve as the communications security (COMSEC) and network security focal point.
  • Ensure secure data transport through encryption, authentication, and key management practices across multiple providers.

Modem & Radio Software Integration

  • Work with software-defined radios (SDRs) and commercial software modems to ensure compatibility and reliable signal processing pipelines.
  • Support integration and optimization efforts for ground communication systems.

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 4+ years of experience in systems design, network engineering, ground software, or IT infrastructure.
  • Strong Linux administration and command-line experience.
  • Proficiency in Python or another scripting language for automation and API interaction.
  • Solid understanding of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, UDP, VPNs, routing, firewalls, and secure networking practices.
  • Experience integrating with REST APIs or gRPC services.
  • Familiarity with commercial ground modems, SDRs, or signal processing frameworks such as GNU Radio, Kratos, or qRadio.
  • Ability to solve problems independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong documentation practices.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience integrating with commercial ground station providers such as KSAT, Leaf Space, or RBC Signals.
  • Familiarity with satellite communications protocols and CCSDS standards.
  • Experience with cloud infrastructure environments such as AWS or GCP.
  • Experience with Infrastructure as Code tools including Terraform, Ansible, and Docker.
  • Amateur radio operator experience or a strong understanding of RF fundamentals and their relationship to networking and software systems.

Why Join Us?

  • Help build and maintain the infrastructure that connects spacecraft to mission operations.
  • Work with cutting-edge satellite communications technologies and global ground networks.
  • Collaborate with highly skilled engineering, operations, and software teams.
  • Influence the architecture and scalability of mission-critical ground systems.
  • Play a direct role in enabling successful satellite missions and future space capabilities.

 

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