Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Blue Ring (TS/SCI Required) Verified today

The Role

You will work within the Blue National Security business unit, developing ground-based systems that support space missions and advancing ground capabilities. This includes architecting secure systems, deriving requirements, and ensuring compliance with software development standards. You will report to the Blue National Security, Ground Capabilities Director.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate with multi-functional teams to capture requirements, define systems architecture, and develop detailed system design specifications.
• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain ground systems advancing capabilities to support national security space initiatives.
• Conduct system-level testing, problem-solving, and performance optimization to ensure robust and reliable operation of ground systems.
• Support the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture, design, testing, documentation, and maintenance support.
• Share technical expertise and mentorship on ground systems engineering standard methodologies, including security, scalability, and maintainability.
• Ensure that all ground systems deployments meet or exceed regulatory and security compliance requirements, including those mandated by the TS/SCI clearance level.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and processes; provide training and support to operational teams as required.
• Engage with external customers, including government agencies and contractors, to align ground systems engineering efforts with broader program objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in space mission ground systems, with a focus on national security software development, standards and requirements.
• Strong understanding of security protocols, encryption, and data integrity principles.
• Proven experience in system integration, testing, and performance tuning.
• Expertise in requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation (DNG).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work optimally in a dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Expertise in architecting and testing secure communication systems that are built or operate across multiple security domains.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to an audience.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering or scientific field.
• Experience with spacecraft subsystems and associated subsystem software.
• Experience with communications protocols for space applications (e.g. CCSDS, DDS, GMSEC).
• Familiarity with system safety analyses techniques including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).
• Background in working with and proposing to U.S. Government research agencies (e.g. NASA, AFRL, DARPA).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, or similar.
• Expertise in Agile, DevSecOps, AWS or Azure.

Compensation and Benefits

Base pay range for Washington applicants: $197,529.00 to $276,539.55 annually. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits include: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, education support program, stock options for regular employees (20+ hours/week), and up to four weeks paid time off plus 14 company-paid holidays annually.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Background check required for all positions.