Command and Control Ground Analyst

SSI is seeking a Command and Control Ground Analyst for a role in El Segundo, CA.

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain our state-of-the-art ground segment infrastructure. This critical role bridges the gap between spacecraft flight systems and ground control, ensuring seamless command, control, and data dissemination for next-generation satellite missions.

As our ideal candidate you will bring a robust background in ground station architecture combined with practical, hands-on experience in flight operations and satellite vehicle operations. You will champion the integration of autonomous operations, optimize data dissemination architectures, and apply human factors engineering principles to create intuitive, resilient, and highly efficient operator interfaces. You will assist in the integration of autonomous operations, and overseeing multiple ground development activities for optical systems and satellite communications alongside the government customer working with them.

Role and Responsibilities include:

• Assist govt mission manager with the engineering, integration, and validation of satellite ground segment command and control (C2) systems.
• Support the government mission manager with the contractor development of real-time satellite vehicle operations, including launch and early orbit phases (LEOP), routine operations, and anomaly resolution.
• Assist mission manager with liaison between the spacecraft development team and the ground operations crew.
• Oversee the design and implementation of automation frameworks for ground system operations to reduce operator workload and maximize system reliability.
• Provide recommendation of critical design reviews and contractor developed documentation in support of ground infrastructure.
• Assist mission manager in architecting lights-out operational capabilities for multi-satellite constellations.
• Apply HFE principles for the mission manager of the contractor design of ground control center layouts, software user interfaces (UIs), and operator workflows.
• Assist the mission manager with the implementation of end-to-end data pipelines for spacecraft payload and telemetry data. This may include providing feedback and technical support for Government Furnished Equipment and systems and contractor developed ground architecture.
• Develop and reviews technical assessments and presentations for senior leadership reviews.
• Generate mission status reports and presentations for Weekly Staff Meeting, Executive Program Reviews, and mission status briefings for space situational awareness programs.
• Reviews and provides technical evaluations for key mission contractual documentation for sustainment contracts.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in space systems engineering, specifically focusing on ground segments and satellite operations.
• Solid understanding of network protocols, RF communications, ground station operations, and CCSDS packet standards.
• Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and rolled in the Continuous Vetting program (if applicable).
• Active TS clearance with in-scope T5/SSBI is required, along with SCI eligibility and participation in Continuous Evaluation.
• Must meet all requirements for SCI and SAP access and be willing to undergo a polygraph examination.

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with autonomous scripting or automated recovery routines in programming languages such as Python, C++, or bash.
• Formal training or practical experience applying Human Factors Engineering (HFE) standards (e.g., NASA-STD-3001, MIL-STD-1472).
• Experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations or fleet automation.
• Experience deploying ground data systems on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) using modern DevSecOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Travel is 10%.