Director, Ground Infrastructure

HawkEye 360; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in satellite communications is seeking a Director of Ground Infrastructure to lead the development and optimization of ground systems. This role involves strategic leadership, program execution, vendor management, and coordination with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years' experience in related fields and hold a relevant degree.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in satellite ground system implementation.
• Proven track record of leading global infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of satellite communications and RF systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute ground segment implementation roadmap.
• Lead ground station deployment projects managing budgets and timelines.
• Ensure systems meet regulatory requirements and security protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Vendor Management

Cross-Functional Coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science

Job description

Join to apply for the Director, Ground Infrastructure role at HawkEye 360

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Director, Ground Infrastructure role at HawkEye 360

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

HawkEye 360 is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Ground Implementation to lead the development, deployment, and optimization of our ground infrastructure. Reporting directly to the COO, this role is critical to ensuring mission success through efficient, scalable, and secure ground systems that support our growing satellite constellation and data processing capabilities.

You will lead cross-functional efforts to design, implement, and manage the expansion of ground stations, network infrastructure, and related systems—supporting satellite communication, data downlink, and mission control.

Location: Herndon, VA (Hybrid)

As the Director, Ground Infrastructure, your main responsibilities will be:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the ground segment implementation roadmap aligned with company objectives and satellite mission timelines.
• Program Execution: Lead ground station deployment projects from planning through commissioning—managing vendors, budgets, timelines, and integration with flight operations and engineering teams.
• Infrastructure Optimization: Drive improvements in latency, throughput, and resiliency of RF downlink and data processing chains.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Source and manage relationships with global ground station providers, antenna system integrators, and network infrastructure suppliers.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Work closely with space operations, systems engineering, product, and data analytics teams to ensure seamless ground support for end-to-end mission requirements.
• Compliance & Security: Ensure ground systems meet regulatory requirements, cybersecurity standards, and operational safety protocols.
  
  

Your skills and qualifications:

Essential Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of experience in satellite ground system implementation, space mission operations, or related aerospace/defense fields.
• Proven track record of leading multi-site, global infrastructure or implementation projects.
• Strong understanding of satellite communications, RF systems, and network architecture.
• Experience with government or commercial space programs and familiarity with regulatory environments (e.g., FCC, ITU).
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
  
  

Desirable:

• Hands-on experience with ground station automation, TT&C systems, and RF data workflows.
• Familiarity with cloud integration for satellite ground systems.
• Knowledge of space situational awareness and tasking systems.
  
  

Base Salary Range: $155,000 - $200,000 annually

HawkEye 360 offers a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.

Company Overview

HawkEye 360 is delivering a revolutionary source of global knowledge based on radio frequency (RF) geospatial analytics to those working to make the world a safer place. The company operates a commercial satellite constellation that detects, geolocates, and identifies a broad range of signals & behaviors. We employ cutting edge AI techniques to equip our global customers with high-impact insights needed to make decisions with confidence. HawkEye 360 is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.

HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

To all recruitment agencies: HawkEye 360 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, HawkEye 360 employees or any other organization location. HawkEye 360 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Information Technology

• Industries

  Defense and Space Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at HawkEye 360 by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Infrastructure” roles.

Washington, DC $145,000.00-$175,000.00 1 day ago

Chief Deputy Director, Public Works, Utilities, and Transportation

Director of Regional Mobility & Infrastructure

Washington, DC $125,000.00-$135,000.00 1 month ago

Director of Facilities Services, Planning and Facilities Management

Washington, DC $80,429.00-$157,238.94 1 week ago

Gaithersburg, MD $156,047.20-$234,070.80 1 week ago

Washington, DC $155,000.00-$165,000.00 1 day ago

Washington, DC $50,000.00-$170,000.00 5 days ago

Potomac, MD $80,000.00-$100,000.00 5 days ago

Clarksburg, MD $175,000.00-$250,000.00 4 days ago

Director, Health Systems Strengthening and Integration (HSSI)

Washington, DC $119,000.00-$132,000.00 1 month ago

Technical Director - Operational and Technical Due Diligence

Gaithersburg, MD $192,500.00-$233,000.00 23 hours ago

Facilities & Engineering Deputy Director

Business Development Director - Environment & Infrastructure

Director, Cyber Security (Clearance Required)

Business Development Director - Environment & Infrastructure

Deputy Director / T&ES Environmental Services

National Director of Engineering and Product

Washington, DC $125,000.00-$135,000.00 6 days ago

Director of Project and Integration Management

Washington, DC $186,900.00-$283,800.00 1 day ago

Washington, DC $133,407.00-$160,089.00 3 weeks ago

Senior Vice President, Operations and Finance

Washington, DC $140,000.00-$210,000.00 1 week ago

Director of Product Management - Critical Facilities

Ashburn, VA $150,000.00-$175,000.00 6 days ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.