Senior Ground Systems Engineer – Space Operations

Systems Planning & Analysis; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arenatechnologies is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer with experience in the Space Domain in Chantilly, VA. This position is critical for supporting a dynamic space program, focusing on the development, integration, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems.

The successful candidate will play a key role in systems lifecycle management and collaborate with engineering teams to ensure operational capabilities are met. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline and have 9+ years of experience in ground systems engineering.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at the date of application.
• 9+ years experience in ground systems engineering or related areas.
• Experience supporting complex system integration within operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and integration of mission-critical ground systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission sustainability.
• Preserve institutional knowledge and support branch-level planning.

Skills

Ground systems engineering

Software integration

Systems engineering principles

Collaboration

Mission operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth,we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community. We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities. We provide highly technical support to ensure the government acquires cutting edge technology necessary for our National Defense. Our portfolio includes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Come where you will be part of our high-caliber team!

SPA has an immediate need for a Ground Systems Engineer.

Responsibilities

SPA is looking for a Ground Systems Engineer with Space Domain experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program. The 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at date of application
  • Please discuss specific polygraph requirements with an SPA Talent Acquisition professional

• 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 space domain

• 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

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide both paid and unpaid time away from work.The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Pay Transparency Range: $150k-195k

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $195,000.00/Yr.