Director, Ground Infrastructure

Rocket Lab; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in aerospace technology is seeking a Director of Ground Implementation to oversee the development and optimization of its ground infrastructure. This key role will involve strategic leadership in project execution and cross-functional coordination to support satellite communication and data processing, ensuring mission success through scalable and secure ground systems.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Annual performance bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in satellite ground system implementation.
• Proven track record of leading multi-site infrastructure projects.
• Experience in government or commercial space programs.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the ground segment implementation roadmap.
• Lead ground station deployment projects from planning to commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and cybersecurity standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Understanding of Satellite Communications

RF Systems Knowledge

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

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.