Command and Control Ground Analyst

Spacesystemsintegration; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Systems Integration (SSI) in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Command and Control Ground Analyst to design, develop, and maintain state-of-the-art ground segment infrastructure for next-generation satellite missions. You will bridge spacecraft flight systems and ground control, enabling seamless command, control, and data dissemination.

The role demands hands-on experience in ground stations, flight operations, and fleet automation, with a focus on autonomous operations and robust operator

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline.
• 10+ years of space systems engineering focusing on ground segments and satellite operations.
• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility and adherence to Continuous Evaluation/Polygraph requirements.
• In-scope security background investigation (T5) and SCI access requirements.
• Hands-on scripting experience in Python, C++, or Bash.
• Formal training in Human Factors Engineering (NASA-STD-3001, MIL-STD-1472).
• Experience deploying ground data systems on AWS/Azure using modern DevSecOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations or fleet automation.
• Travel is 10%.

Responsibilities

• Assist govt mission manager with engineering, integration, and validation of satellite ground segment C2 systems.
• Support real-time satellite vehicle operations including LEOP, routine ops, and anomaly resolution.
• Liaise between spacecraft development and ground operations teams.
• Design and implement automation frameworks for ground system operations to reduce operator workload and improve reliability.
• Provide recommendations on critical design reviews and contractor docs for ground infrastructure.
• Help architect lights-out operations for multi-satellite constellations.
• Apply human factors engineering to ground control center layouts, UIs, and operator workflows.
• Assist with end-to-end data pipelines for spacecraft payload and telemetry; feedback on GFE and contractor ground architecture.
• Develop and review technical assessments and leadership-style presentations.

Skills

Ground station architecture

Flight operations

Satellite vehicle operations

Autonomous operations

Data pipelines

Python

C++

Bash

CCSDS standards

DevSecOps tooling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (STEM)

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

CI/CD

Job description

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.

SSI is seeking a Command and Control Ground Analyst for a role in El Segundo, CA.

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain our state-of-the‑art ground segment infrastructure. This critical role bridges the gap between spacecraft flight systems and ground control, ensuring seamless command, control, and data dissemination for next-generation satellite missions.

As our ideal candidate you will bring a robust background in ground station architecture combined with practical, hands‑on experience in flight operations and satellite vehicle operations. You will champion the integration of autonomous operations, optimize data dissemination architectures, and apply human factors engineering principles to create intuitive, resilient, and highly efficient operator interfaces. You will assist in the integration of autonomous operations, and overseeing multiple ground development activities for optical systems and satellite communications alongside the government customer working with them.

Role and Responsibilities include:

• Assist govt mission manager with the engineering, integration, and validation of satellite ground segment command and control (C2) systems.
• Support the government mission manager with the contractor development of real-time satellite vehicle operations, including launch and early orbit phases (LEOP), routine operations, and anomaly resolution.
• Assist mission manager with liaison between the spacecraft development team and the ground operations crew.
• Oversee the design and implementation of automation frameworks for ground system operations to reduce operator workload and maximize system reliability.
• Provide recommendation of critical design reviews and contractor developed documentation in support of ground infrastructure.
• Assist mission manager in architecting lights-out operational capabilities for multi-satellite constellations.
• Apply HFE principles for the mission manager of the contractor design of ground control center layouts, software user interfaces (UIs), and operator workflows.
• Assist the mission manager with the implementation of end-to-end data pipelines for spacecraft payload and telemetry data. This may include providing feedback and technical support for Government Furnished Equipment and systems and contractor developed ground architecture.
• Develop and reviews technical assessments and presentations for senior leadership reviews.
• Generate mission status reports and presentations for Weekly Staff Meeting, Executive Program Reviews, and mission status briefings for space situational awareness programs.
• Reviews and provides technical evaluations for key mission contractual documentation for sustainment contracts.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in space systems engineering, specifically focusing on ground segments and satellite operations.
• Solid understanding of network protocols, RF communications, ground station operations, and CCSDS packet standards.
• Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and rolled in the Continuous Vetting program (if applicable).
• Active TS clearance with in-scope T5/SSBI is required, along with SCI eligibility and participation in Continuous Evaluation.
• Must meet all requirements for SCI and SAP access and be willing to undergo a polygraph examination.
• Hands‑on experience with autonomous scripting or automated recovery routines in programming languages such as Python, C++, or bash.
• Formal training or practical experience applying Human Factors Engineering (HFE) standards (e.g., NASA-STD-3001, MIL-STD-1472).
• Experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations or fleet automation.
• Experience deploying ground data systems on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) using modern DevSecOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Travel is 10%.
  

Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.