Ground Systems Engineer Jobs
Ground Systems Engineer jobs are open across aerospace, defense, and government contracting, from early-career to senior and staff levels, with specializations in satellite command and control, launch vehicle support, and mission operations. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Description
Welcome to SSC Space, the perfect workplace for those passionate about technology in general and space in particular. We are now looking for a hands-on, analytical, and mission-driven Ground Systems Engineer to join our Spring House Innovation Park (SHIP) office based in Spring House, PA.Your Mission
As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will provide technical troubleshooting, maintenance, and operational support for remote satellite tracking stations, primarily from the SHIP office, with occasional travel to U.S. remote sites. You’ll work across multiple disciplines, collaborating closely with Operations, Software, IT, Systems Engineering, and Launch & Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) teams to ensure our ground stations and hosted systems remain reliable, safe, and ready for mission-critical activities.
This is a dynamic, hands-on engineering role that combines remote technical support, fieldwork, system testing, and operational readiness for satellite launches.
Deadline for applications: November 20th, 2026.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications- Mechanical aptitude and strong problem‑solving skills
- Knowledge of RF measurements and test practices
- Competency in using a spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, and signal generator
- Basic understanding of electrical and electronic circuits
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation
- Ability to follow and enforce safe work practices
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other common applications
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Ability to work at heights up to 15 meters, including use of elevated working platforms
- Physically capable of lifting, bending, and climbing
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all seasons
- Flexibility to work night/weekend shifts when required
- Ability to support occasional call-outs within 2 hours for emergency response
- Desire and ability to learn the technical aspects of satellite ground station systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with RF systems, satellite communications, or ground station/teleport operations
- Knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems
- IT/network troubleshooting experience
- Amateur radio or related communications experience
- Relevant trade school, associate degree, or engineering education
- Experience with diesel generators
- Familiarity with UPS units, HVACs, building systems, and general facility upkeep
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot, isolate, and repair faults in RF, mechanical, or electrical systems
- Perform preventive maintenance on antenna systems and site infrastructure
- Provide 24/7 emergency response support as part of the on-call rotation
- Conduct service, maintenance, and testing of operational equipment
- Operate ground station equipment during satellite launches and critical mission periods
- Support installation of new systems and equipment
- Bench-test hardware prior to deployment to a remote site
- Maintain accurate technical documentation, logs, and redlines
- Contribute to inventory and maintenance software administration
- Cooperate with Systems Engineering, Network Services, and Technical Operations teams
- Ensure strict adherence to safe workplace practices
Benefits
We Offer You- A full-time, hands-on engineering role supporting global space missions
- The opportunity to work at one of the most unique satellite infrastructure networks in the world
- Growth, training, and upskilling in satellite communications and ground systems engineering
- A mission-driven, collaborative environment focused on operational excellence
- Relocation support for qualified candidates
Location
This is a permanent full-time position based in Spring House, PA, in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Our office is located in Spring House Innovation Park, a 133-acre research and business campus featuring a café, fitness center, conference facilities, outdoor patios, and walking trails – designed to foster creativity and collaboration.
The Ground Systems Engineer must be available to travel to U.S. ground stations as required.
Next Step
If this opportunity sparks your interest, don’t wait to apply! We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
We Help Earth Benefit from Space
SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world gain access to space.
With a local presence on all continents and approximately 700 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services, and engineering consultancy for space missions.
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Find Ground Systems Engineer JobsGround Systems Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman17
- Relative Dynamics16
- SAIC9
- Rocket Lab USA8
- Blue Origin7
Top Industries Hiring
- Media & Entertainment
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in ground systems engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering or a related technical field
- Experience with satellite command and control systems or ground software architectures
- Active or eligible DoD security clearance, often Secret or Top Secret
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++ for telemetry analysis or simulation
- Familiarity with CCSDS standards, spacecraft communication protocols, or mission data handling
- Experience with systems integration, verification and validation, or ground segment test environments
Tips for Your Ground Systems Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to mission phases
Ground systems engineers work across launch, on-orbit, and decommissioning phases. Call out which phase each past role covered and what systems you owned. Hiring teams scan for direct mission lifecycle experience, not just software or hardware keywords.
Highlight clearance status up front
Many ground systems openings require a security clearance. Put your clearance level and status in your resume header or a dedicated credentials line. Active clearances move candidates past screening faster than sponsorable ones at most defense employers.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists ground systems engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target openings by ground segment specialty
Filter your search by terms like command and data handling, telemetry processing, or mission planning. Roles with these phrases signal a ground-software focus, while launch support and range operations roles lean toward hardware and test infrastructure.
Prepare for system-of-systems interview questions
Interviewers commonly ask how you've integrated subsystems from multiple vendors or teams under a single ground architecture. Prepare two or three specific examples where you resolved interface conflicts or drove interoperability between flight and ground segments.
Negotiate relocation before you accept
Ground systems roles are often tied to specific launch sites, test ranges, or mission operations centers. Confirm whether the employer covers relocation and what the on-site schedule looks like before signing, since hybrid flexibility is limited at many facilities.
Ground Systems Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most ground systems engineers?
The companies hiring the most ground systems engineers right now include Northrop Grumman, Relative Dynamics, and SAIC, with the largest share of openings in Virginia, Colorado, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is concentrated at aerospace primes, national laboratories, and civil space contractors supporting launch and on-orbit operations.
How many ground systems engineer jobs are remote?
About 17% of ground systems engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than most software engineering fields. Sub-disciplines that allow more remote work include ground software development, mission planning tool support, and systems architecture, while on-site presence is typically required for range operations, hardware integration, and real-time mission support roles.
How do you become a ground systems engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, electrical, or computer engineering. Build hands-on experience through internships, co-ops, or university cubesat programs that expose you to telemetry, command systems, or ground data processing. Obtain or pursue a security clearance early, since many employers require one. From there, focus on a ground segment specialty like command and control software, launch support, or mission operations to sharpen your profile for senior roles.
Can you break into ground systems engineering without direct experience?
Yes, entry-level ground systems roles exist at aerospace primes and government contractors, particularly for candidates with related coursework in embedded systems, RF communications, or spacecraft dynamics. Participating in a university small satellite program, contributing to open-source mission operations tools, or completing a relevant internship all demonstrate applied competency that substitutes for professional experience in early-career screenings.
What does the ground systems engineer interview process look like?
Most ground systems engineer interviews include a technical screening focused on systems integration, telemetry architecture, or ground software concepts, followed by a panel interview with engineers and a program manager. You may be asked to walk through a past project end to end, including design decisions and failure modes. Roles requiring a clearance add a separate adjudication step that runs independently from the technical hiring process.
Where can I find and apply to ground systems engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to ground systems engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your specialty and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
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