Lead - Ground Systems Software Engineering

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Lead / Manager - Ground Systems Software Engineering to lead the architecture, development, integration, deployment, and lifecycle of mission-critical Ground Systems for command and control, telemetry, mission operations, situational awareness, monitoring, and data distribution.

The ideal candidate combines expertise in software engineering, systems integration, cloud-native and real-time distributed systems with strong delivery leadership, guiding multidisciplinary teams and cross-functional partners to build reliable, scalable, secure, high-performance solutions.

The role also drives technical strategy, architecture governance, resource and talent planning, risk management, and successful program execution.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development & Architecture

• Lead the architecture, design, development, and maintenance of Ground System software applications and services.
• Define technology roadmaps and software engineering best practices for Ground Systems.
• Drive architecture reviews, design governance, and technical decision-making across programs.
• Ensure software solutions meet performance, reliability, scalability, maintainability, and security requirements.
• Champion modern software engineering practices including DevSecOps, CI/CD, containerization, and microservices-based architectures.
• Establish coding standards, development frameworks, and software quality assurance processes.

Ground Systems Integration

• Oversee integration of software with telemetry systems, communication networks, databases, mission systems, sensors, and external interfaces.
• Lead system integration, verification, validation, and operational readiness activities.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, network, infrastructure, and systems engineering teams.
• Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of complex software and integration issues.
• Ensure seamless deployment and operational transition of Ground System solutions.

Program Delivery & Project Management

• Own end-to-end delivery of Ground System software projects from concept to deployment.
• Develop project plans, resource allocation strategies, and execution roadmaps.
• Monitor project schedules, technical milestones, budgets, and deliverables.
• Manage technical risks, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful program execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 12-18+ years of software engineering experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of technical leadership or engineering management experience.
• Proven experience leading large-scale software development and integration projects.
• Strong programming expertise in:
• Python, C/C++, Java (Preferred), Scripting Languages, Linux/Unix environments.
• Strong understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Experience with Agile methodologies, DevOps/DevSecOps practices, and CI/CD frameworks.
• Expertise in Git-based development environments and software configuration management.
• Strong knowledge of communication protocols including:
• TCP/IP, UDP, Qt, HTTP/HTTPS, WebSocket, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485
• Experience in software architecture, distributed systems, and system integration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with satellite ground systems, missile systems, mission control systems, or aerospace/defense applications.
• Strong understanding of Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems.
• Experience with C4ISR, Command & Control (C2), and Mission Planning Systems.
• Knowledge of distributed computing and real-time data processing architectures.
• Exposure to cloud-native platforms and container orchestration technologies.
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and secure defense software development practices.
• Experience in customer-facing program execution and technical leadership roles.
• Knowledge of aerospace and defense standards and mission-critical operational environments.

Technical Skills

Programming

• Python, C/C++, Java (Preferred), Shell Scripting, Qt

Technologies

• REST APIs, Microservices Architecture, Docker, Kubernetes, Distributed Systems, CI/CD Frameworks, Cloud-Native Applications

Tools

• Git, GitLab/GitHub, Jira, Jenkins, Linux Administration