Ground Systems Engineer SME

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Ground Systems Engineer to support Golden Dome, a critical Department of Defense (DoD) initiative focused on space-based operations and national security. The Ground Systems Engineer will design, develop, integrate, and maintain ground segment architectures, systems, and operations that support Golden Dome’s space systems. The ideal candidate will have expertise in ground station operations, network infrastructure, satellite communication systems, and mission-critical technologies for real-time data acquisition and control.

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.

Job Responsibilities

• Ground System Design and Development: Develop ground system architectures to connect satellites, payloads, and command centers in support of Golden Dome operations. Ensure robust and resilient designs for data transmission, telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) systems. Design integration strategies for software, hardware, and communication subsystems supporting the ground segment.
• Integration and Testing: Support integration of ground systems into a comprehensive mission infrastructure, ensuring interoperability across all subsystems. Define and execute ground system test plans, including functional validation, network performance testing, and environmental testing. Troubleshoot and resolve issues with ground hardware, software, and communications interfaces.
• Real-Time Operations Support: Provide technical expertise during ground station setup, operations, and maintenance. Monitor performance of ground systems to ensure continuous support for satellite missions and space-based assets. Optimize ground station systems for real-time data acquisition, storage, and secure transmission.
• System Performance and Reliability: Perform system analyses and assessments to improve ground system performance, reliability, and scalability. Develop and implement disaster recovery procedures and fault-tolerant architectures to safeguard mission continuity.
• Collaboration and Technical Coordination: Work closely with satellite engineers, network experts, mission planners, and DoD stakeholders to align ground system capabilities with Golden Dome objectives. Serve as a liaison between ground systems teams and other functional teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Documentation and Reporting: Create and maintain technical documentation, including system designs, test procedures, operation manuals, and analytic reports. Present ground system updates, findings, and recommendations to Golden Dome leadership and relevant stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in ground systems engineering, satellite communication systems, or DoD mission-based architectures.
• Strong working knowledge of ground segment technologies such as TT&C systems, network infrastructure, and secure communications systems.
• Experience with system integration, validation, and troubleshooting in mission-critical environments.
• Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, STK, and data visualization platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to technical detail.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years’ related experience; Master’s degree preferred.

Required Security Clearance

• Must have an Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility #LI-AT1