Ground Systems Engineer

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to join our team in El Segundo, CA. The 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:

- 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.

- 7+ 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; eligibility for required program access.

- Travel and international travel required

Salary range for the position is $160,000 - $200,000 per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge. We also offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at [email protected] and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.