Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Best Practices, Communication Skills, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Configuration Management, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, Defense Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Emerging Technology, Establish Priorities, Government, Identify Issues, Information Technology & Information Systems, Integration Testing, Interoperability, Leadership, Operational Support, Operations Management, Operations Processes, Performance Analysis, Performance Reviews, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Professional Services, Reliability Engineering, Requirements Management, Satellite Operations, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Software Development, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Software Engineering, Space Operations, Sustainability, System Architecture, System Integration (SI), System Lifecycle, System Test, System Validation, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Technical Analysis, Technical Writing, Test Plan/Schedule, Top Secret Clearance, Validation Testing, Work From Home
Ground Systems Engineer
Job ID: 2613742
Location: Chantilly, VA, United States
Date Posted: Jun 16, 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 Qualifications
- Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.
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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Science Applications International Corp
SAIC is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation's digital transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, IT modernization, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.
We are a team of 26,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion. For more information, visit saic.com.