Senior Satellite Ground Operational C2 Engineer with Security Clearance

Astrion; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Senior Ground Satellite Operational C2 Engineer to support the Golden Dome Space-Based Interceptor program. You will provide technical leadership for ground C2 systems, telemetry, tracking, and commanding, ensuring mission readiness for DoD space missions.

The role requires TS/SCI clearance and 12+ years in space systems engineering, with strong integration experience across ground and space segments, and collaboration with government, industry, and FFRDC

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in satellite ground systems, C2 architectures, or space system engineering supporting USSF/DoD missions.
• BA/BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience with space system operations, telemetry, tracking & commanding (TT&C), ground-to-space interfaces, and mission management systems.
• Understanding of DoD space acquisition frameworks and SETA support roles.
• System Integration & Test (I&T) experience across ground segment components.
• Familiarity with architectures supporting real-time space operations and defensive space mission systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support for the SBI ground architecture and operational C2 systems.
• Support development and verification of satellite command, telemetry, mission planning, and data processing capabilities.
• Lead integration between ground segment, space segment, test environments, and operational units.
• Assist government leads in requirements development, traceability, and acceptance criteria.
• Review system designs, architecture artifacts, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), risk registers, and integration plans.
• Track system performance, evaluate technical risks, and recommend engineering solutions to government leadership.
• Participate in mission readiness exercises, test events, verification/validation, and operational acceptance activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including cyber, space sensor, networking, and orbital operations engineering.
• Provide technical input to acquisition strategies, statements of work, milestone decisions, and fielding plans.

Skills

Satellite ground systems experience

C2 architectures

Security clearance TS/SCI

TT&C and telemetry

Ground-to-space interfaces

DoD/USSF frameworks

System Integration & Test

Real-time space operations

Education

BA/BS in Engineering / CS / Physics

MS in Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Overview Senior Ground Satellite Operational C2 Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Active TS/SCI TRAVEL: As Needed Astrion is seeking a Senior Ground Satellite Operational Command & Control Engineer to join our team supporting the Golden Dome Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) program in Huntsville, AL. This role provides direct engineering support to U.S. Space Force and program leadership for the design, development, integration, test, and sustainment of ground command & control (C2) systems enabling on-orbit missile defense operations. You will serve as a trusted technical advisor ensuring mission assurance for next-generation space defense capabilities, supporting system readiness, operational architecture development, and integration of SBI mission systems across ground and space segments.

Required Qualifications / Skills

• 12+ years of experience in satellite ground systems, C2 architectures, or space system engineering supporting USSF/DoD missions
• BA/BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical discipline
• Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance
• Experience with space system operations, telemetry, tracking & commanding (TT&C), ground-to-space interfaces, and mission management systems
• Understanding of DoD space acquisition frameworks and SETA support roles
• System Integration & Test (I&T) experience across ground segment components
• Familiarity with architectures supporting real-time space operations and defensive space mission systems

Preferred Qualifications / Skills

• MS in Engineering or related discipline
• Experience with missile defense operations, OPIR, MDA, SDA, or defensive space programs
• Background in Space C2 system development (e.g., JMS, NSDC, or equivalent)
• Experience with on-orbit test planning, mission readiness events, and operational acceptance
• Familiarity with digital engineering, MBSE (SysML), and interface control documents (ICDs)
• Ability to coordinate across government, FFRDC, and industry partners

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support for the SBI ground architecture and operational C2 systems
• Support development and verification of satellite command, telemetry, mission planning, and data processing capabilities
• Lead integration between ground segment, space segment, test environments, and operational units
• Assist government leads in requirements development, traceability, and acceptance criteria
• Review system designs, architecture artifacts, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), risk registers, and integration plans
• Track system performance, evaluate technical risks, and recommend engineering solutions to government leadership
• Participate in mission readiness exercises, test events, verification/validation, and operational acceptance activities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including cyber, space sensor, networking, and orbital operations engineering
• Provide technical input to acquisition strategies, statements of work, milestone decisions, and fielding plans #cj