📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Ground Systems Engineer
Company: KIHOMAC
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: June 18, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves system engineering for satellite ground systems, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and mission system decomposition. It requires strong problem-solving skills and experience with DoDAF/UAF products.
The Ground Systems Engineer will play a crucial role in improving the efficiency and sustainability of Ground System Elements and Mission Suites within the Mission Data Services and Engineering Area (MDSEA). This involves utilizing troubleshooting and critical thinking skills to analyze complex mission systems and develop new IT solutions.
Key responsibilities include executing studies, analysis, detailed requirements definition, system engineering, and architecture designs for enterprise services, satellite ground systems, and operations centers. The role also involves maintaining alignment with team leads, developing implementation and test plans, and collaborating with cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of the System Engineering V Model and experience in requirements analysis and management.
Troubleshooting and Critical Thinking: Utilize these skills to identify and resolve issues related to IT system dependencies, impacts, and sustainability.
System Engineering: Develop and design new IT solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability of Ground System Elements and Mission Suites within MDSEA.
Studies and Analysis: Execute studies and analysis to support the development, fielding, tests, and operations of planned space capabilities.
Requirements Management: Conduct project initiation, requirements management, task management, and development of artifacts for the Technical Baseline.
Documentation: Document designs and develop implementation and test plans to be installed by sustainment personnel.
Collaboration: Work with various teams, including cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams, to ensure integration and compliance.
Project Management: Work with Project Managers to produce artifacts to support preliminary, detailed, and critical design reviews with stakeholders.
Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned to support the team's goals and objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelors Degree in any IT or STEM related field required

Experience:

3+ years of system engineering experience
Documented experience developing and editing Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) or Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) products for IT systems
Experience in the decomposition of complex mission systems into manageable components
Experience in developing detailed implementation plans for new solutions and systems
Experience in systems engineering related to IT and satellite ground systems
Experience with Requirements Analysis and Management
Demonstrable understanding of the System Engineering V Model and engineering lifecycle

Required Skills:

Troubleshooting and critical thinking skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience with DoDAF/UAF products
Knowledge of the System Engineering V Model
Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
Strong communication and documentation skills

Preferred Skills:

Experience with satellite ground systems and operations centers
Familiarity with enterprise services and infrastructure
Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices
Experience with project management tools and methodologies
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required, demonstrating relevant projects and case studies can strengthen your application.

Portfolio Essentials:
- Examples of system engineering projects, focusing on satellite ground systems and mission system decomposition
- Documentation of implementation plans and test plans for new solutions and systems
- Case studies demonstrating problem-solving skills and critical thinking in complex mission systems
Technical Documentation:
- Detailed requirements definitions and system engineering artifacts
- Examples of DoDAF/UAF products developed and edited
- Documentation of alignment with team leads, including infrastructure, networks, integration, logistics plans, cybersecurity, and physical security protection plans

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000 per year

Benefits:

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Wellness Resources

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: KIHOMAC operates in the defense and aerospace industry, focusing on mission data services and engineering. This role involves working on satellite ground systems and operations centers, requiring a strong understanding of mission systems and IT infrastructure.

Company Size: KIHOMAC is a medium-sized company, allowing for close collaboration and direct impact on projects. As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will work closely with various teams, including cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams.

Founded: KIHOMAC was founded in [Year], with a focus on providing mission-critical data services and engineering solutions to the defense and aerospace industry.

Team Structure:

The Ground Systems Engineer will work within the Mission Data Services and Engineering Area (MDSEA), collaborating with various teams to support the development and operations of planned space capabilities.
The role reports directly to the Team Lead, with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with designers, marketers, and other stakeholders.

Development Methodology:

KIHOMAC follows the System Engineering V Model, with a focus on requirements management, design, implementation, and testing.
The company emphasizes collaboration, with regular project initiation, requirements management, task management, and design reviews to ensure alignment with stakeholders.

Company Website: KIHOMAC Website

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a mid-level position, requiring a strong foundation in system engineering, with a focus on satellite ground systems and mission system decomposition. The Ground Systems Engineer will have the opportunity to grow their skills and take on more complex projects as they gain experience.

Reporting Structure: The Ground Systems Engineer reports directly to the Team Lead, with opportunities for collaboration with various teams, including cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams.

Technical Impact: The Ground Systems Engineer will have a direct impact on the efficiency and sustainability of Ground System Elements and Mission Suites within MDSEA. They will work on developing new IT solutions, executing studies and analysis, and maintaining alignment with team leads to support the development, fielding, tests, and operations of planned space capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in satellite ground systems, mission system decomposition, and system engineering. You may also have the chance to explore emerging technologies and trends in the defense and aerospace industry.
Technical Leadership: With experience and demonstrated success, you may have the opportunity to take on more complex projects and mentor junior team members, ultimately growing into a technical leadership role.
Career Progression: As you gain experience and develop your skills, you may have the opportunity to progress into more senior roles within the company, such as Senior Systems Engineer, Technical Lead, or even a management position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: KIHOMAC operates a hybrid work environment, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork. The Ground Systems Engineer will work on-site, collaborating with various teams to support the development and operations of planned space capabilities.

Office Location(s): Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The Ground Systems Engineer will work in a collaborative workspace, with opportunities for cross-functional interaction with designers, marketers, and other stakeholders.
Development Tools: The company provides access to various development tools, including project management software, system engineering tools, and collaboration platforms.
Testing Devices and Multiple Monitors: The Ground Systems Engineer will have access to testing devices and multiple monitors to support their work on satellite ground systems and mission system decomposition.

Work Schedule: The Ground Systems Engineer will work a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. The role may require occasional overtime or on-call duties to support the company's mission-critical operations.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment: The interview process will include a technical assessment, focusing on system engineering skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking. You may be asked to complete a case study or project, demonstrating your ability to analyze complex mission systems and develop new IT solutions.
Behavioral Questions: The interview process will also include behavioral questions, designed to assess your fit with the company's culture and your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Final Evaluation: The final evaluation will focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required, demonstrating relevant projects and case studies can strengthen your application.
Project Case Studies: Highlight projects that demonstrate your system engineering skills, focusing on satellite ground systems and mission system decomposition. Include detailed requirements definitions, implementation plans, and test plans.
Problem-Solving Examples: Include examples of complex mission systems you've analyzed and the new IT solutions you've developed to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Documentation: Include documentation of your alignment with team leads, including infrastructure, networks, integration, logistics plans, cybersecurity, and physical security protection plans.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical assessment will focus on system engineering skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Familiarize yourself with the System Engineering V Model and prepare for case studies or projects that involve analyzing complex mission systems and developing new IT solutions.
System Engineering Fundamentals: Brush up on your system engineering fundamentals, including requirements management, design, implementation, and testing. Be prepared to discuss your experience with DoDAF/UAF products and the System Engineering V Model.
Problem-Solving Strategies: Develop strategies for approaching complex mission systems and developing new IT solutions. Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach and how you've applied it in previous projects.
Collaboration and Communication: Prepare for questions about your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss your experience with project management tools and methodologies, as well as your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

ATS Keywords:

System Engineering
Satellite Ground Systems
Mission System Decomposition
DoDAF/UAF Products
System Engineering V Model
Requirements Analysis and Management
Troubleshooting and Critical Thinking
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Teams
Project Management
Technical Documentation
Cybersecurity
DevSecOps
Infrastructure
Application Integration
Architecture Design
Implementation Planning
Technical Baseline Management

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role does not involve web development or web infrastructure directly, a strong understanding of IT infrastructure and systems engineering is required.

System Engineering Tools: Familiarity with system engineering tools, including project management software, requirements management tools, and system engineering platforms, is required.
Cybersecurity Tools: Experience with cybersecurity tools and best practices is preferred, as the role involves collaborating with cybersecurity teams and ensuring integration and compliance.
Infrastructure Tools: Experience with infrastructure tools, including network management tools, server management tools, and cloud platforms, is preferred, as the role involves working with infrastructure teams and supporting the development and operations of planned space capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

📝 Enhancement Note: KIHOMAC values collaboration, innovation, and a customer-focused approach. The company emphasizes strong communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.

Web Development Values:

Customer Focus: KIHOMAC places a strong emphasis on understanding and meeting the needs of its customers. As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will work closely with various teams to ensure that the solutions you develop align with the company's mission and customer requirements.
Innovation: KIHOMAC encourages its employees to think creatively and explore new technologies and approaches. As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and contribute to the company's innovation efforts.
Collaboration: KIHOMAC values collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on cross-functional interaction and knowledge sharing. As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will work closely with various teams to support the development and operations of planned space capabilities.
Attention to Detail: KIHOMAC places a strong emphasis on quality and precision. As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for developing detailed implementation plans and test plans, ensuring that the solutions you develop meet the company's high standards.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The Ground Systems Engineer will work closely with various teams, including cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams, to ensure integration and compliance.
Code Review Culture: KIHOMAC emphasizes a culture of continuous improvement, with a focus on regular code reviews and peer programming.
Knowledge Sharing: KIHOMAC encourages its employees to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues, fostering a culture of learning and growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Mission System Complexity: The Ground Systems Engineer will face complex mission systems that require decomposition and analysis. Developing new IT solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability will require strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of the System Engineering V Model.
Integration and Compliance: The role involves collaborating with various teams, including cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams. Ensuring integration and compliance with the company's standards and best practices will require strong communication and documentation skills.
Technical Baseline Management: The Ground Systems Engineer will be responsible for maintaining the technical baseline, including detailed requirements definitions, implementation plans, and test plans. Ensuring that these artifacts are up-to-date and accurate will require strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: As a Ground Systems Engineer, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in satellite ground systems, mission system decomposition, and system engineering. You may also have the chance to explore emerging technologies and trends in the defense and aerospace industry.
Conference Attendance and Certification: KIHOMAC encourages its employees to attend industry conferences and pursue relevant certifications to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in system engineering and IT infrastructure.
Technical Mentorship: As you gain experience and develop your skills, you may have the opportunity to mentor junior team members, ultimately growing into a technical leadership role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

System Engineering Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the System Engineering V Model, requirements management, design, implementation, and testing. Be ready to provide examples of your experience with DoDAF/UAF products and system engineering tools.
Problem-Solving Strategies: Develop strategies for approaching complex mission systems and developing new IT solutions. Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach and how you've applied it in previous projects.
Collaboration and Communication: Prepare for questions about your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss your experience with project management tools and methodologies, as well as your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Research KIHOMAC's company culture, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and a customer-focused approach. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's values and how you can contribute to its mission.
Technical Challenges: Prepare for questions about how you would approach the technical challenges associated with the Ground Systems Engineer role, including mission system complexity, integration and compliance, and technical baseline management.
Growth Opportunities: Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how you plan to develop your skills and grow within the company. Prepare for questions about your interest in technical leadership roles and your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required, demonstrating relevant projects and case studies can strengthen your application.
Project Case Studies: Highlight projects that demonstrate your system engineering skills, focusing on satellite ground systems and mission system decomposition. Include detailed requirements definitions, implementation plans, and test plans.
Problem-Solving Examples: Include examples of complex mission systems you've analyzed and the new IT solutions you've developed to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Documentation: Include documentation of your alignment with team leads, including infrastructure, networks, integration, logistics plans, cybersecurity, and physical security protection plans.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Ground Systems Engineer position:

Submit your application through the application link
Customize your portfolio with live demos and responsive examples: While not explicitly required, demonstrating relevant projects and case studies can strengthen your application. Focus on projects that highlight your system engineering skills, satellite ground systems, and mission system decomposition.
Optimize your resume for system engineering roles: Highlight your experience with system engineering, DoDAF/UAF products, and the System Engineering V Model. Include specific examples of your problem-solving skills and collaboration experience.
Prepare for technical interviews: Familiarize yourself with the System Engineering V Model, requirements management, design, implementation, and testing. Develop strategies for approaching complex mission systems and developing new IT solutions. Prepare for questions about your collaboration and communication skills.
Research KIHOMAC's company culture: Understand KIHOMAC's focus on collaboration, innovation, and a customer-focused approach. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's values and how you can contribute to its mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and system engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Ground Systems Engineer