Ground Software Engineer

The Ground Software Engineer designs, develops, and supports web-based ground systems used for commanding, telemetry monitoring, and mission planning. This role owns the full software development lifecycle, from architecture and implementation through testing, deployment, and operational support. The engineer works closely with mission operations and hardware teams to integrate software solutions that enable reliable, high-performance ground systems in support of complex missions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop web-based ground software systems for spacecraft commanding, telemetry monitoring, and mission planning.
• Own the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and operational support.
• Develop and maintain backend services and APIs using modern backend frameworks such as ASP.NET or Flask.
• Contribute to Agile development cycles, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, integration, and verification activities.
• Implement, integrate, and maintain C and C software components within ground software architectures.
• Collaborate closely with Mission Operations teams to support system integration, operational readiness, and on-console use of ground tools.
• Support mission operations simulations by developing and integrating software capabilities that enable realistic test scenarios.
• Integrate software solutions within a multi-disciplinary engineering team, ensuring compatibility with other subsystems and tools.
• Interface with hardware design and development teams to support hardware–software integration and resolve interface issues.
• Provide technical input and status updates during major project milestones, design reviews, and program reviews.
• Use GitLab or GitHub for version control, code review, branching, and continuous integration workflows.
• Develop, test, and deploy software in Linux-based environments, following best practices for reliability, performance, and security.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize ground software to improve stability, usability, and mission effectiveness.

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with ground software development, particularly for commanding, telemetry monitoring, or mission planning systems.
• Strong proficiency in C and C for software development and integration.
• Experience with backend frameworks such as ASP.NET or Flask for building web-based or service-oriented applications.
• Proficiency with Linux environments for software development, deployment, and troubleshooting.
• At least 5 years of experience using GitLab or GitHub for source control, collaboration, and code management.
• Solid background in software engineering principles, including design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.
• Experience with hardware–software integration in an engineering or technical environment.
• Ability to work effectively within Agile development processes, including participation in sprint planning and integration activities.

• Experience supporting mission operations or mission operations simulations.
• Familiarity with telemetry, commanding, and ground system architectures.
• Experience contributing technical content to design reviews and major program milestones.
• Strong collaboration skills for working within multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to interface effectively with hardware design and development teams.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in complex, integrated systems.

You will work as part of a collaborative Ground Software team of approximately 20 or more engineers. The environment is highly technical and mission-focused, with close interaction between software, hardware, and mission operations personnel. Development primarily takes place in Linux-based environments using tools such as GitLab or GitHub for version control and collaboration, and backend frameworks like ASP.NET or Flask for web-based ground systems. The team follows Agile development practices with regular integration and verification activities, and supports simulations and operational readiness for mission operations. The culture emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and shared responsibility for delivering reliable, high-quality ground software in support of critical missions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $60 - $75