Ground Systems of System Engineer SME

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI); Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) seeks a Ground – System of Systems Engineer – SME to support the Golden Dome initiative’s Common Ground Team.

This role focuses on designing, integrating, and optimizing ground architecture for space-based assets, ensuring interoperability and reliability to meet mission goals efficiently and securely. The candidate will engage in spacecraft operations, TT&C, and ground-to-space communications, with emphasis on system integration, testing, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Master’s degree preferred with 15+ years experience.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and optimize common ground architecture for space-ground interoperability.
• Hands-on spacecraft operations, commanding, and real-time mission operations.
• TT&C, ground stations, RF communications, and end-to-end telemetry.
• Systems integration, testing in SIL/HIL environments, flatsats, or operational test environments.
• Work on DoD programs like Golden Dome and national security initiatives.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

STK

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

We are seeking a highly capable and collaborative Ground – System of Systems Engineer – SME to support the Golden Dome initiative’s Common Ground Team, a key component of the program focused on ensuring seamless integration and operation of ground systems for space-based assets. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in space and ground systems to design, integrate, and optimize common ground architecture supporting Golden Dome’s mission‑critical objectives. As a vital member of the team, you will ensure the interoperability and reliability of ground systems to achieve mission goals efficiently and securely.

Contract Overview

Golden Dome is a national‑level, whole‑of‑nation initiative in which you will play a critical role in advancing next‑generation homeland defense capabilities. If you are seeking a fast‑paced position focused on developing innovative software for the Space‑Based Interceptor mission, this opportunity is designed for you.

Responsibilities

As a Ground Systems Engineer for the Common Ground Team, your responsibilities will include:

Spacecraft Operations & Commanding

• Hands‑on experience flying, operating, and commanding on‑orbit spacecraft, including real‑time mission operations and command execution.

TT&C & Ground‑to‑Space Communications

• Strong understanding of telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), uplink/downlink operations, ground stations, RF communications, and end‑to‑end command and telemetry paths.

Orbital & Constellation Operations

• Knowledge of orbital mechanics, ephemeris, orbit determination, station keeping, maneuver execution, collision avoidance (COLA), contact planning, and constellation operations.

Command & Telemetry Architecture

• Experience with spacecraft command databases/dictionaries, command sequences, telemetry definitions, CCSDS protocols, packetization/framing, and command validation and verification.

Ground Systems & Mission Operations

• Experience with mission/satellite operations centers, ground‑system architectures, antenna networks, mission applications, and interfaces between ground software, networks, RF systems, and spacecraft.

Systems Integration, Test & V&V

• Experience integrating and testing spacecraft and ground systems using simulators, SIL/HIL environments, flatsats, or operational test environments, including requirements verification and test‑result analysis.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field. Master’s degree preferred with 15 years experience.

Technical Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering for space and ground assets, with emphasis on ground systems integration.
• In‑depth knowledge of ground station operations, telemetry, tracking, command systems, and communication architectures.
• Proficiency in engineering tools such as STK, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar modeling platforms.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a focus on large‑scale system optimization.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Required Security Clearance

• Must have an Active Top‑Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working on DoD programs, such as Golden Dome or similar national security‑focused initiatives.
• Familiarity with industry standards for ground and space systems (e.g., CCSDS, MIL‑STD protocols).
• Certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), Network+, or Security+.
• Hands‑on experience with advanced networking technologies, virtualization, and cloud‑based ground operations platforms.