Ground Systems Engineer at LV8D Solutions in Chantilly, VA

Mission Context

LV8D Solutions supports national security space and intelligence customers delivering next-generation sensing and exploitation capabilities. The Ground Systems Engineer serves as a key technical contributor responsible for the development, integration, testing, sustainment, and modernization of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations.

Position Overview

LV8D Solutions is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to provide engineering expertise across the system lifecycle and serves as a trusted advisor for ground software, system architectures, integration activities, and operational processes. The successful candidate will support complex ground system initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of critical mission capabilities. This role requires a strong understanding of ground-based space operations, systems engineering principles, software integration, and operational mission support. The engineer will also play a significant role in preserving institutional knowledge, and supporting branch-level planning and execution activities.

Interested candidates need to thrive in an innovative, fast-paced environment; are highly motivated and not afraid to take on uncharted territory; possess strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills; and be able to prioritize their time to be effective in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems supporting space operations.
• Provide technical expertise for ground software, operational workflows, system architectures, and mission support processes.
• Plan and execute system integration activities involving software, networks, databases, and operational systems to ensure interoperability and mission readiness.
• Support system verification, validation, performance assessment, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution efforts.
• Evaluate existing architectures and engineering processes and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, maintainability, security, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders, mission operators, software developers, systems engineers, and mission partners to define requirements and implement technical solutions.
• Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, operational procedures, system configurations, and engineering artifacts.
• Capture, document, and transfer critical program knowledge, engineering best practices, lessons learned, and operational insights to support long-term program sustainability.
• Assist leadership in prioritizing engineering efforts and aligning technical activities with mission objectives and program goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years of experience supporting ground systems engineering, software integration, systems development, testing, or mission operations within the defense, intelligence, aerospace, or space domains.
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex system integration and test activities within operational environments.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, software development lifecycles, configuration management, and verification and validation processes.
• Experience supporting operational ground systems, mission planning systems, command and control systems, or space mission operations.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and engineering artifacts.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI or FS polygraph; eligibility for required program access.
• Travel up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with ground control systems, satellite operations, mission management systems, and command-and-control architectures.

Performance & Recognition

Period of Performance (PoP) Bonus Opportunities
Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to contract or organizational performance.

Retention Incentive Benefit Bounty
Receive a payout for unused annual company contributions designated for health insurance premiums and professional training.

Referral Bonus
Earn up to $5,000 for each successful employee referral.

Customer Recognition Letter of Appreciation (LoA) Bonus Opportunities
Bonus opportunities based on customer recognition received through Letters of Appreciation.

Milestone Rewards
Celebrate your career achievements with anniversary awards on your 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20th years of service.

Financial & Retirement Benefits

Profit Sharing
Receive an annual contribution equal to 4% of your W-2 gross earnings into your 401(k), with immediate vesting.

401(k) Company Match
The company matches your 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of your monthly contribution, with immediate vesting.

Career Development

The company invests in your professional growth through:

• Annual financial support for professional training and industry certifications.
• Enhanced financial support for employees actively pursuing a degree at an accredited institution.

Work-Life Balance

Support for a healthy work-life balance includes:

• Flexible work hours
• Competitive paid time off (PTO)
• Company holidays

Health & Wellness Benefits

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family.

Medical Coverage

Three comprehensive Medical/Rx insurance plan options to meet the unique and individualized benefit needs of our employees

Dental & Vision

• Comprehensive dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
• Comprehensive vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.

Income Protection

• 100% Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Company-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

• 100% Company-Paid Basic Term Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Optional employee-paid Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance.