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Ground Systems Software Engineer

Full Time Remote

Summary

Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking Ground Systems Software Engineers who want to help with spacecraft configurations and science and military missions in flight experiment programs working at Kirtland AFB, NM. Work alongside Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) / Integrated Experiments and Evaluation Division (RVE) to provide concept design, development, integration, test and evaluation, and engineering prototypes to demonstrate the viability of innovative space technologies along with cradle-to-grave support to ground, high-altitude balloon, near-space and spaceflight experiments and mission concepts. If you like Space and want to partner with cutting edge technology advancements, this is the job for you.

Fun stuff you will do on the job:
•    Perform full life-cycle software development for a networked, high-reliability Command and Control (C2) ground system for the United States Space Force (USSF).
•    Work with end user stakeholders, systems engineering, network, and cyber-security architects to analyze, develop, validate and flow down system and interface requirements to software requirements.
•    Work with integration and test engineers to deploy and test ground system software against spacecraft simulators. 
•    Debug distributed ground software system issues such as timing, transaction protection, missed satellite contact.
•    Support system test in operational test environment with physical spacecraft.
•    Work with across disciplines with compliance, safety, cyber-security, and OPSEC during all phases of development.
•    Perform software requirements analysis and functional decomposition. 
•    Prepare design documentation, test plans, and test procedures.
•    Perform internal and formal software tests, and retain and report test results
•    Prepare technical presentation materials for internal and external customers.
•    Work with integration & test engineers in performing root cause investigation of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.
•    Work with mission partner engineers to verify and validate system interface compatibility, compliance and performance.
•    Provide recommendations to chief engineer to help prioritize development, augment solutions, and improve developer implementations.

Qualifications

This is you:
•    Bachelor of Science in Engineering or relevant discipline and 3 to 10 years of experience (or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of degree).
•    Experience with modern software development processes, such as containerization, orchestration, DevSecOps, and Agile methodologies.
•    Experience working with software development compliance and quality documentation, including software development management plan, test plans, test procedures, test results, detailed design documents, software version description documents, software configuration management plans.
•    Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI and be willing to consent to a polygraph examination.
•    Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR) within prescribed business needs.
•    Diverse programming experience: C/C++, C#, Python, Ruby, Windows/Linux scripting.
•    Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams.
•    Ability to debug networking hardware and software.
•    Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git.
•    Ability to clearly document and report programmatic status to management.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Active TS/SCI clearance.
•    System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness.
•    Working knowledge of distributed, networked near real-time C2 systems.
•    Integration of key ground segment systems, such as a cloud-based Infrastructure, Platform as a Service (PaaS) baselines, and antennas.
•    "Zero-Trust" cybersecurity policies and implementation on software and hardware systems.
•    Experience with Software Systems Engineering, Design, and Architecture Development.
•    Experience with Software Systems Engineering, Design, and Architecture Development, Agile Software Development Techniques and Implementation, Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Pipelines.
•    Experience with Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Model Based Systems Engineering.
•    Experience with DOORs and Cameo.

About SAIC

SAIC

SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation) is one of the largest technology integrators supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, intelligence community, and federal civilian agencies. The company delivers mission-critical services across engineering, IT modernization, cybersecurity, intelligence, and systems integration, helping government customers operate and secure complex national security infrastructure at scale.

For job seekers, SAIC offers a wide range of career opportunities in software engineering, cybersecurity, cloud computing, systems engineering, data analytics, intelligence analysis, program management, and mission support. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and technologists seeking stable, long-term roles embedded in high-impact government programs across defense and intelligence missions.

Unlike defense manufacturers that build physical platforms, SAIC focuses on integrating, modernizing, and operating the digital and information systems that support government missions. Employees often work on large-scale federal programs involving network modernization, space and satellite systems support, cyber defense operations, and advanced data-driven decision-making tools used across defense and intelligence agencies.

As federal agencies continue investing heavily in cybersecurity, AI, cloud infrastructure, and digital transformation, SAIC remains one of the most important employers in the government services sector. For professionals seeking mission-driven work with strong stability and exposure to complex national security programs, SAIC continues to stand out as a leading destination in defense and federal technology services.

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