Ground Mission Software Engineer – Space Systems

📍 Costa Mesa, CA | OR Reston, VA. | Full-Time | Onsite Preferred

💰 Compensation: $138,000 – $207,000 (based on experience)

Work on Software That Powers the Future of National Security in Space

This position is with a confidential client of District Partners, supporting mission-driven work in the space and defense technology sector.

We’re supporting a cutting-edge product organization at the forefront of defense innovation. They’re building software that drives autonomy, real-time decision making, and command & control systems for space operations—and they need top-tier engineering talent to scale it.

If you're looking to take your software skills into a high-impact environment where agility meets national security, this is that rare opportunity.

Work on Software That Powers the Future of National Security in Space

This position is with a confidential client of District Partners, supporting mission-driven work in the space and defense technology sector.

We’re supporting a cutting-edge product organization at the forefront of defense innovation. They’re building software that drives autonomy, real-time decision making, and command & control systems for space operations—and they need top-tier engineering talent to scale it.

If you're looking to take your software skills into a high-impact environment where agility meets national security, this is that rare opportunity.

About the Role

As a Ground Mission Software Engineer, you'll be part of a team developing space-ground mission software and modernizing how space assets are managed and operated. You’ll architect modular software capabilities that integrate with both legacy and emerging space systems. This includes full lifecycle work across infrastructure, orbital analytics, and mission operations.

You’ll collaborate closely with mission users and technical teams to deliver real solutions on real timelines—supporting some of the country’s most vital space-focused initiatives.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own development and deployment of space command & control (C2) software systems
• Design robust mission management software for orbital and terrestrial integration
• Interface with legacy systems and develop modern enhancements
• Contribute across the stack: infrastructure, APIs, algorithms, and UI where needed
• Collaborate across internal product and engineering teams to deliver mission-ready software
• Partner with field operators to translate operational needs into functional features
• Build and analyze system metrics for monitoring and debugging
• Troubleshoot, resolve, and iterate on complex systems in production

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of professional experience in software engineering
• Strong background in Java, Python, C++, Rust, Go, or JavaScript
• Experience working with or building Space C2 or satellite operations systems
• Ability to navigate technical complexity and work independently
• Clear communicator, strong collaborator, highly adaptable
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, Engineering, Math, Physics, or related discipline
• Must be eligible for U.S. Secret-level clearance

Nice-to-Haves

• Hands-on experience with Go, Rust, or C++
• Familiarity with Kubernetes, Helm, OpenShift, or similar dev-ops tools
• Exposure to space-ground hardware (radars, sensors, telescopes)
• Experience with space simulations, modular software design, or service-based architectures
• Passion for advancing national security through software and innovation

This role is in support of a confidential District Partners client. If you’re energized by the idea of building mission-ready software for space-based defense systems—and want to work with one of the most innovative orgs in the industry—we’d love to talk.

#CJ