Ground Systems Engineer

Ground Systems Engineer

Job ID: 2617127

Location: Chantilly, VA, United States

Date Posted: Sep 22, 2026

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Poly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: On-Site

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Job Description

Description

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations.
• Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and mission support processes.
• Plan and execute system integration activities involving software, networks, databases, and operational systems to ensure interoperability and mission readiness.
• Support system verification, validation, performance assessment, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution efforts.
• Evaluate existing architectures and engineering processes and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, maintainability, security, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders, mission operators, software developers, systems engineers, and mission partners to define requirements and implement technical solutions.
• Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, operational procedures, system configurations, and engineering artifacts.
• Capture, document, and transfer critical program knowledge, engineering best practices, lessons learned, and operational insights to support long-term program sustainability.
• Assist leadership in prioritizing engineering efforts and aligning technical activities with mission objectives and program goals.

Qualifications

• 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, aerospace, or space domains.
• 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.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; eligibility for required program access.

Desired:

• Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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