What does a ground systems engineer do?
Ground systems engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real ground systems engineer resumes:
- Secure remote work capability achieve by implementing Citrix virtual desktop technology for remote access to essential agency functions.
- Provide system administration support in UNIX, Linux, IRIX, SOLARIS, and SYBASE databases.
- Maintain smooth operation of a UNIX multi-user system for end users.
- Support missile defense system grind and flight test and evaluation activities.
- Assist with planning and conducting experimental, environmental, and operational testing of DoD systems.
- Provide risk mitigation by performing diligent unit, integration and regression testing of the software components of the application sub-systems.
- Assist in the integration, regression testing, and final implementation of new or upgrade ground systems into satellite operations.
- Sustain hardware/software for the system including hardware and software configurations, networking, installation of UNIX OS and application software.
- Maintain GMD post flight data analysis tools, develop new capabilities and incorporate analyst-developed MATLAB scripts.
- Provide estimates for improvements to database performance and reliability base on analysis, customer requirements, budget, and schedule.
- Develop, test, and implement COBOL programs and JCL.
- Coordinate and set up a new system test environment and conduct cluster runs in a COBOL II/DB2 environment.
- Provide local/remote desktop support by responding to, evaluating, and prioritizing incoming requests from end users/customers.
Ground systems engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Ground Systems Engineers are proficient in Systems Engineering, Software Development, and DOD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Detail oriented, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Ground Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Systems Engineering, 16%
Performed systems engineering and equipment design and selection for the USG Timing and Frequency Distribution Subsystem (UTFD).
- Software Development, 13%
Work closely with Flight Software development team to ensure software updates and patches meet all Launch requirements.
- DOD, 13%
Developed a computer and communication system support database repository in support of USNORTHCOM/J6 organizational architecture efforts using DOD Architecture Framework model.
- NASA, 9%
Participated in SC level environmental testing, mission planning, and mission simulations with NASA.
- Regression, 6%
Provided risk mitigation by performing diligent unit, integration and regression testing of the software components of the application sub-systems.
- Linux, 5%
Perform Unix Systems administration and maintenance duties on Linux workstations and servers in both Research and Development and Engineering Development environments.
"systems engineering," "software development," and "dod" are among the most common skills that ground systems engineers use at work. You can find even more ground systems engineer responsibilities below, including:
Creativity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a ground systems engineer to have is creativity. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Ground systems engineers often use creativity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintained inventory: equipment, specialized mil spec connectors, cots items and items built in house. "
Detail oriented. Many ground systems engineer duties rely on detail oriented. "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail.," so a ground systems engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways ground systems engineer responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "synchronize detail trade studies and technical feasibility analysis for ares mobile launcher element (mle) components. "
Interpersonal skills. ground systems engineers are also known for interpersonal skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to ground systems engineer responsibilities, because "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." A ground systems engineer resume example shows how interpersonal skills is used in the workplace: "team player with professional work ethic, positive attitude, and good interpersonal skills. "
Analytical skills. ground systems engineer responsibilities often require "analytical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." This resume example shows what ground systems engineers do with analytical skills on a typical day: "provided requirements analysis and customer interface for two major programs supporting the usaf stationary and mobile communications systems. "
Communication skills. Another crucial skill for a ground systems engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "communication skills." A big part of what ground systems engineers relies on this skill, since "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." How this skill relates to ground systems engineer duties can be seen in an example from a ground systems engineer resume snippet: "provided daily communications interface for nasa and usgs costumer spacecrafts (downlink, tracking and commanding). "
Problem-solving skills. While "problem-solving skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to ground systems engineer responsibilities. Much of what a ground systems engineer does relies on this skill, seeing as "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of ground systems engineers: "increased the data throughput by implementing software solutions to re-schedule secondary satellites at less busy cda ground stations. "
The three companies that hire the most ground systems engineers are:
Compare different ground systems engineers
Ground systems engineer vs. Embedded software developer
An embedded software developer designs and develops software embedded into systems and devices. They are primarily in charge of writing codes that implement systems and solutions, ensuring the embedded software adheres to project goals and requirements. They also develop test structures to find and improve weaknesses, troubleshoot issues, monitor systems, and perform regular maintenance checks. Most embedded software developers work in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between ground systems engineers and embedded software developer. For instance, ground systems engineer responsibilities require skills such as "systems engineering," "dod," "nasa," and "clean rooms." Whereas a embedded software developer is skilled in "c #," "python," "c," and "c++." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Embedded software developers tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $103,971. In contrast, ground systems engineers make the biggest average salary, $101,595, in the start-up industry.The education levels that embedded software developers earn slightly differ from ground systems engineers. In particular, embedded software developers are 17.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a ground systems engineer. Additionally, they're 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Ground systems engineer vs. Systems software specialist
As a senior firmware engineer, you will be in charge of designing software models such as special monitors, device drivers, and application firmware. You often need to test various software programs to improve the functionality of the products. You need to test the algorithms as well as optimize the products for the target audience. The algorithms which you structure should have practical applications so that the clients will meet their needs.
You also need to participate in the research and development process of the company so that you can understand the various requirements. From this discussion, you can create innovative ideas for the improvement of the products. Extensive knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, PCI, Linux, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering or a related field is required to qualify for this position.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, ground systems engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "systems engineering," "software development," "dod," and "nasa." Meanwhile, a systems software specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "python," "java," "computer system," and "windows server." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Systems software specialists may earn a lower salary than ground systems engineers, but systems software specialists earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $117,283. On the other hand, ground systems engineers receive higher pay in the start-up industry, where they earn an average salary of $101,595.In general, systems software specialists achieve similar levels of education than ground systems engineers. They're 3.7% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Ground systems engineer vs. Senior verification engineer
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, ground systems engineers are more likely to have skills like "systems engineering," "software development," "dod," and "nasa." But a senior verification engineer is more likely to have skills like "uvm," "python," "c++," and "object oriented programming."
Senior verification engineers earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $131,558. Comparatively, ground systems engineers have the highest earning potential in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $101,595.When it comes to education, senior verification engineers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to ground systems engineers. In fact, they're 11.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 2.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Ground systems engineer vs. Senior firmware engineer
Types of ground systems engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
