Ground systems engineer

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.

SSI is seeking a Lead Ground Systems Engineer to serve as a key Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) advisor to a critical Government Customer in Chantilly, VA. In this role, you will represent the customer’s technical interests by overseeing a Prime Contractor developing a bespoke satellite ground solution. This program focuses strictly on Vehicle Command & Control (C2), Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), Health & Safety, and Mission Management. Operating on an aggressive operational deployment timeline, you will evaluate system-level architectures, oversee contractor design milestones, and ensure seamless integration into the customer's broader Enterprise framework.

Role and Responsibilities include:

• Act as the government customer's trusted technical advisor to evaluate ground system designs, identify risks, and recommend technical acceptance throughout the development lifecycle.
• Review Prime Contractor architectural deliveries, system interfaces, and write/evaluate Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure compatibility with larger Enterprise systems.
• Lead system-level evaluations during early-to-mid program milestones, including Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
• Perform deep-dive evaluations into ground concepts and module interactions. (Note: This is a system architecture and oversight role; hands-on code development or line-by-line code audits are not required).
• Oversee contractor testing execution and V&V activities to verify that ground system performance satisfies mission requirements prior to operational fielding.
• Drive rapid technical resolution and balance program trade-offs to keep the program on track for accelerated fielding.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Space Ground Systems Engineering, Ground Segment Architecture, or SETA/Advisory support.
• Strong background in Satellite Command & Control (C2), Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), Spacecraft Health & Status, or Mission Management.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating contractor performance through PDR, CDR, ICD development, and V&V/testing phases.
• Understanding of high-level system-of-systems integration and network interfaces.
• Familiarity with modern enterprise cloud architecture paradigms (AWS/Cloud frameworks, microservices, containerized deployments like Kubernetes) to effectively evaluate ground system designs.
• TS/SCI CI Poly

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on rapid acquisition programs or fast-paced operational deployments.
• Prior experience as a SETA / FFRDC advisor representing government program offices against Prime Contractors.
• Familiarity with AWS C2S or secure government cloud environments.

$180,000 - $220,000 a year

Target salary range: $180,000 - $220,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.

Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.