What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ground Systems of System Engineer SME position at Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.?
We are seeking a highly capable and collaborative Ground - System of Systems Engineer - SME to support the Golden Dome initiative's Common Ground Team, a key component of the program focused on ensuring seamless integration and operation of ground systems for space-based assets. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in space and ground systems to design, integrate, and optimize common ground architecture supporting Golden Dome's mission-critical objectives. As a vital member of the team, you will ensure the interoperability and reliability of ground systems to achieve mission goals efficiently and securely.
Contract Overview:
Golden Dome is a national-level, whole-of-nation initiative in which you will play a critical role in advancing next-generation homeland defense capabilities. If you are seeking a fast-paced position focused on developing innovative software for the Space-Based Interceptor mission, this opportunity is designed for you.
Responsibilities:
As a Ground Systems Engineer for the Common Ground Team, your responsibilities will include:
Spacecraft Operations & Commanding:
- Hands-on experience flying, operating, and commanding on-orbit spacecraft, including real-time mission operations and command execution.
TT&C & Ground-to-Space Communications:
- Strong understanding of telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), uplink/downlink operations, ground stations, RF communications, and end-to-end command and telemetry paths.
Orbital & Constellation Operations:
- Knowledge of orbital mechanics, ephemeris, orbit determination, station keeping, maneuver execution, collision avoidance (COLA), contact planning, and constellation operations.
Command & Telemetry Architecture:
- Experience with spacecraft command databases/dictionaries, command sequences, telemetry definitions, CCSDS protocols, packetization/framing, and command validation and verification.
Ground Systems & Mission Operations:
- Experience with mission/satellite operations centers, ground-system architectures, antenna networks, mission applications, and interfaces between ground software, networks, RF systems, and spacecraft.
Systems Integration, Test & V&V:
- Experience integrating and testing spacecraft and ground systems using simulators, SIL/HIL environments, flatsats, or operational test environments, including requirements verification and test-result analysis.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field. Master's degree preferred with 15 years experience.
Technical Requirements:
- 15 years of experience in systems engineering for space and ground assets, with emphasis on ground systems integration.
- In-depth knowledge of ground station operations, telemetry, tracking, command systems, and communication architectures.
- Proficiency in engineering tools such as STK, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar modeling platforms.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on large-scale system optimization.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Required Security Clearance:
- Must have an Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience working on DoD programs, such as Golden Dome or similar national security-focused initiatives.
- Familiarity with industry standards for ground and space systems (e.g., CCSDS, MIL-STD protocols).
- Certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), Network , or Security .
- Hands-on experience with advanced networking technologies, virtualization, and cloud-based ground operations platforms.
#LI-AT1
- Interesting Work: Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.
- Values: Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry.
- 100% Employee Owned: We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year.
- Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for:
- Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year 10 holidays/year
- Flexible schedules
- 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually
- Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and December)
- Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account
- Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement
- Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance
- Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan
- Track Record of Success: We have grown every year since our founding in 1993.
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance
MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.
For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com
MTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.
MTSI is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $9,000 - $10,000