Ground Systems Engineer

About the role

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.

The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community. We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at date of application
• 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 space domain
• 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

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures

Benefits

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide both paid and unpaid time away from work.

Pay

Pay Transparency Range: $150k-195k. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.