Job Title: Ground Software EngineerJob Description
This Senior Ground Software Engineer role focuses on designing and building the software and infrastructure that power ground software and mission operations for constellation-based satellites. You will develop and maintain full-stack applications and networked systems that enable communication with and control of satellites, while applying modern software design principles and operations-focused development practices. The position offers significant autonomy and ownership, making it ideal for a self-starting engineer who is ready to lead major initiatives and shape core systems in a fast-scaling aerospace environment.
Responsibilities
Design and implement software applications that support mission operations for constellation-based satellite systems.
Architect, implement, and maintain network infrastructure that enables reliable ground-to-satellite communication.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve software issues across full-stack applications and networked systems.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to identify operational challenges and build automation-focused software solutions.
Serve as a leader within the Ground Software team across geographically distributed groups in the U.S. and India.
Act as a strong individual contributor while providing technical guidance and thought leadership to peers.
Uphold and promote modern engineering best practices, including robust design, code quality, and operational excellence.
Develop, test, and deploy cloud-based services and tools that support satellite mission operations.
Create and maintain Dockerfiles and containerized services rather than relying solely on pre-built containers.
Implement and improve DevOps practices such as continuous integration, continuous testing, continuous deployment, and continuous monitoring.
Contribute to full-stack development efforts across backend, frontend, and mobile platforms as needed.
Work effectively in both Linux and Windows environments, including using the Linux command line to debug cloud systems and Windows for lab-based systems.
Integrate applications with relational and non-relational databases and centralized logging systems.
Participate in design reviews, provide feedback on architecture and implementation, and help refine technical standards for the team.
Essential Skills
5-10 years of strong software engineering experience, including hands-on application development.
Recent, practical experience with Go (Golang) for application development.
Comfort using the Linux command line for debugging cloud-based systems and working in Windows for lab environments.
Proficiency with version control systems, preferably Git, including running commands, managing branches, and checking in code.
Familiarity with major cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure, with direct cloud experience on AWS.
Ability to write Dockerfiles and build containerized applications, not just consume pre-built containers.
Proven experience in full-stack development, including backend, frontend, and potentially mobile applications.
Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and experience with networked systems.
Experience implementing DevOps practices, including continuous integration, continuous testing, continuous deployment, and continuous monitoring.
Comfort working in both Linux and Windows environments for development, debugging, and operations.
Experience with scripting languages such as Bash or PowerShell.
Hands-on experience with multithreaded and concurrent programming.
Proficiency with relational and non-relational databases.
Experience working with centralized logging systems such as Splunk or Elasticsearch.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred but not strictly required with strong experience.
Experience developing platform-agnostic applications across iOS, Android, and web platforms.
Strong front-end design and development experience using modern JavaScript frameworks such as Angular, Vue, or React.
Experience with backend frameworks and tools such as NodeJS, FastAPI, NextJS, Fiber, Express, OpenAPI, Swagger, or TypeORM.
Experience with mobile development tools and frameworks such as Flutter, Swift, or Android Studio.
Familiarity with design and mockup tools such as Adobe XD or Figma for UI/UX collaboration.
Proficiency with DevOps systems and workflows, including automated build, test, and deployment pipelines.
Experience building or supporting automation-focused solutions for operational teams.
Ability to act as both a technical leader and a strong individual contributor in a high-ownership environment.
Interest in or experience with cyber frameworks and secure software practices.
Motivation to work in a fast-scaling aerospace startup environment with high impact and rapid learning.
Work Environment
This position follows a hybrid work model based out of the Lanham office, typically requiring one to two days per week on-site, with additional in-person support for meetings, projects, demonstrations, or vendor visits as needed. You will work with a modern technology stack that includes cloud platforms such as AWS, containerization with Docker, Linux and Windows operating systems, centralized logging tools like Splunk or Elasticsearch, and a range of backend, frontend, and mobile frameworks. The environment emphasizes high ownership, rapid learning, and real-world impact, balanced against the intensity and pace of a fast-scaling aerospace startup building a first-of-its-kind global satellite-to-cellular network. The culture values collaboration across distributed teams, technical excellence, and continuous improvement in engineering practices.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lanham, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $150000.00/yr.
AST offers a benefits package
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Lanham,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
