Ground Software Engineer

Job Title:

Ground Software Engineer Job Description 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. Essential Skills + 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 experience 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. Additional Skills & Qualifications + 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. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX. Pay and Benefits 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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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.