Ground Systems Engineer

Saic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience in Chantilly, VA to support a dynamic and innovative space program office. The Senior Ground Systems Engineer serves as a key technical contributor responsible for development, integration, testing, sustainment, and modernization of mission-critical ground systems.

This role requires strong understanding of ground-based space operations, systems engineering, software integration, and operational support, with

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience in ground systems engineering, software integration, or mission operations in defense/space.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph required.
• Experience with system integration, verification, and documentation.
• Strong communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems.
• Provide technical expertise on ground software, architectures, and workflows.
• Plan system integration across software, networks, databases, and operational systems.
• Support verification, validation, performance assessment, and troubleshooting.
• Evaluate architectures and improve reliability, maintainability, and security.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders and partners to define requirements.
• Develop, review, and maintain engineering documentation and interfaces.
• Capture program knowledge and best practices for long-term sustainability.
• Assist leadership in prioritizing engineering efforts and aligning with goals.

Skills

Ground systems engineering

Software integration

Systems engineering principles

Documentation artifacts

Cross-functional collaboration

Security clearance

Security clearance with poly

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Description

SAIC is looking for a Ground Systems Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA. The Senior Ground Systems Engineer serves as a key technical contributor responsible for the development, integration, testing, sustainment, and modernization of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations. This position provides engineering expertise across the system lifecycle and serves as a trusted advisor for ground software, system architectures, integration activities, and operational processes.

The successful candidate will support complex ground system initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of critical mission capabilities. This role requires a strong understanding of ground-based space operations, systems engineering principles, software integration, and operational mission support. The engineer will also play a significant role in preserving institutional knowledge and supporting branch-level planning and execution activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations.
• Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and mission support processes.
• Plan and execute system integration activities involving software, networks, databases, and operational systems to ensure interoperability and mission readiness.
• Support system verification, validation, performance assessment, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution efforts.
• Evaluate existing architectures and engineering processes and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, maintainability, security, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders, mission operators, software developers, systems engineers, and mission partners to define requirements and implement technical solutions.
• Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, operational procedures, system configurations, and engineering artifacts.
• Capture, document, and transfer critical program knowledge, engineering best practices, lessons learned, and operational insights to support long‑term program sustainability.
• Assist leadership in prioritizing engineering efforts and aligning technical activities with mission objectives and program goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years of experience supporting ground systems engineering, software integration, systems development, testing, or mission operations within the defense, intelligence, aerospace, or space domains.
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex system integration and test activities within operational environments.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, software development lifecycles, configuration management, and verification and validation processes.
• Experience supporting operational ground systems, mission planning systems, command and control systems, or space mission operations.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; eligibility for required program access.

Desired:

• Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.