Ground Systems Engineer - Ground Station at Plan-S Satellite and Space Technologies

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Ground Systems Engineer - Ground Station
Company: Plan-S Satellite and Space Technologies
Location: Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Systems Engineering, Hardware Development
Date Posted: July 18, 2025

🚀 Role Summary

Design and develop ground station architectures for Plan-S' satellite communication network
Define hardware and software requirements, and perform system-level detailed designs
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure continuous development and improvement of ground stations
Take initiative and ownership in ground station infrastructure reconstruction and maintenance

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in hardware design, integration, and testing, with a focus on satellite ground stations and RF systems. Familiarity with Software Defined Radios and GNU Radio is a plus.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

System Architecture & Design:
- Define hardware and software requirements for Plan-S' ground stations
- Design and develop ground station architectures and perform system-level detailed designs
Hardware Development & Integration:
- Plan, coordinate, and perform assembly, integration, test, and verification activities of ground stations
- Design, prepare, and verify test setups for ground stations
Ground Station Maintenance & Health:
- Keep ground stations healthy and operational
- Investigate ground station installation sites and conduct necessary analysis (link budget, noise figure measurements, etc.)
Collaboration & Communication:
- Collaborate with systems engineers, RF engineers, and software engineers for continuous development of ground stations
- Take initiative and ownership in ground station infrastructure reconstruction and ensure task follow-through

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams to ensure the successful development and maintenance of ground station infrastructure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering or relevant fields

Experience: 2 to 4 years of hands-on experience in hardware/system development

Required Skills:

Strong background in hardware design, integration, and testing
Basic knowledge of motor control and rotator systems
Familiarity with satellite ground stations (a plus)
Basic understanding of RF systems and willingness to learn and develop in this area
Initiative and proactivity to take ownership and follow up tasks persistently

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge in Software Defined Radios and GNU Radio
Experience in hardware development for satellite ground stations
Familiarity with system engineering processes

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is crucial for this role, as it is required for reading, writing, and speaking.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in hardware design, integration, and testing through previous projects
- Showcase understanding of satellite ground stations and RF systems through relevant case studies or projects
Technical Documentation:
- Provide detailed documentation of hardware design, integration, and testing processes for past projects
- Include system-level detailed designs and test setup descriptions

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves collaboration with various teams, it is essential to highlight communication skills and teamwork through examples in your portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive compensation package (region-appropriate salary range based on experience level and location)

Benefits:

Wide range side benefits package

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours (40 hours/week)

📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range is not explicitly stated, research indicates that competitive compensation packages are offered for similar roles in the satellite and space technologies industry in Ankara, Turkey.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Satellite and Space Technologies

Company Size: Large (over 1,000 employees)

Founded: Not specified (implied to be a well-established company)

Team Structure:

Cross-functional teams consisting of systems engineers, RF engineers, and software engineers
Strong work and team culture empowering autonomy, self-discipline, and personal growth

Development Methodology:

Plan-S follows systems engineering processes for hardware and software development
Agile methodologies are used for project management and collaboration

Company Website: Plan-S Satellite and Space Technologies

📝 Enhancement Note: Plan-S is Turkey's largest private initiative in satellite and space technologies, offering end-to-end satellite as a service solutions. This role involves working on ground stations for small satellites, geostationary satellites, and even small spacecraft for the moon and beyond.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level Ground Systems Engineer

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Ground Station Manager or a similar position within the Systems Engineering department

Technical Impact: Design and develop ground station architectures, ensuring effective communication between satellites and the ground control center

Growth Opportunities:

Technical skill development in RF systems and satellite ground stations
Leadership and management opportunities within the Systems Engineering department
Architecture decision-making and technical mentorship opportunities as the team grows

📝 Enhancement Note: As Plan-S is a well-established company in the satellite and space technologies industry, there are ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, located in the most amazing location of the city, at the heart of R&D

Office Location(s): Ankara, Turkey

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with cross-functional teams
Access to necessary tools and equipment for hardware development and testing
Opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (40 hours/week) with flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance tasks

📝 Enhancement Note: Plan-S offers a great work environment with a strong work and team culture, empowering autonomy, self-discipline, and personal growth. The company is located in the most amazing location of the city, at the heart of R&D.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Online application review and initial screening
Technical phone or video screen (hardware design, integration, and testing questions)
On-site interview with the Ground Station Manager or a similar position within the Systems Engineering department
- System-level design questions
- Problem-solving and analytical questions
- Behavioral questions focusing on initiative, proactivity, and teamwork
Final decision and job offer

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in hardware design, integration, and testing
Include case studies or projects demonstrating understanding of satellite ground stations and RF systems
Showcase communication skills and teamwork through examples in your portfolio

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on hardware design, integration, and testing skills
Familiarize yourself with satellite ground stations and RF systems
Prepare for system-level design questions and problem-solving scenarios

ATS Keywords:

Hardware Development
Systems Engineering
Ground Station
Satellite Communication
RF Systems
Motor Control
Rotator Systems
GNU Radio
Software Defined Radios
Initiative
Proactivity
Teamwork

📝 Enhancement Note: To optimize your resume for this role, focus on relevant hardware development, systems engineering, and satellite communication keywords. Highlight your experience in hardware design, integration, and testing, as well as your understanding of satellite ground stations and RF systems.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Hardware & Software Tools:

Hardware design tools (e.g., Altium, Eagle, or similar)
Hardware programming tools (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar)
RF system analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, GNU Radio, or similar)
GNU Radio and Software Defined Radios (a plus)

Satellite Ground Station Equipment:

Antennas and feed systems
Low-noise amplifiers (LNAs)
Modems and transceivers
Power amplifiers (PAs)
Ground station control software

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with specific hardware design, programming, and RF system analysis tools is essential for this role. Additionally, experience with satellite ground station equipment is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation and continuous learning
Collaboration and teamwork
Autonomy and self-discipline
Personal growth and development

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional collaboration with systems engineers, RF engineers, and software engineers
Regular team meetings and progress updates
Open communication and active listening

📝 Enhancement Note: Plan-S emphasizes a strong work and team culture that empowers autonomy, self-discipline, and personal growth. Collaboration and teamwork are essential for the successful development and maintenance of ground station infrastructure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Designing and developing ground station architectures for various satellite missions
Ensuring effective communication between satellites and the ground control center
Troubleshooting and maintaining ground station infrastructure
Keeping up with the latest advancements in satellite and space technologies

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical skill development in RF systems and satellite ground stations
Leadership and management opportunities within the Systems Engineering department
Architecture decision-making and technical mentorship opportunities as the team grows

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers numerous technical challenges and growth opportunities, allowing you to develop your skills in hardware design, integration, and testing, as well as satellite ground stations and RF systems.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Hardware design, integration, and testing questions
System-level design questions
Problem-solving and analytical questions
Questions focused on initiative, proactivity, and teamwork

Company & Culture Questions:

Questions about Plan-S' mission and values
Questions about the Ground Systems Engineer role and team dynamics
Questions about career growth and development opportunities within the organization

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight experience in hardware design, integration, and testing
Include case studies or projects demonstrating understanding of satellite ground stations and RF systems
Showcase communication skills and teamwork through examples in your portfolio

📝 Enhancement Note: To excel in the interview process, focus on your technical skills in hardware design, integration, and testing, as well as your understanding of satellite ground stations and RF systems. Highlight your initiative, proactivity, and teamwork through examples in your portfolio and during the interview.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Ground Systems Engineer - Ground Station position:

Submit your application through the application link provided
Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in hardware design, integration, and testing, as well as your understanding of satellite ground stations and RF systems
Prepare for technical phone or video screen by brushing up on your hardware design, integration, and testing skills, and familiarizing yourself with satellite ground stations and RF systems
Research Plan-S' mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit for the role and organization

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

Ground Systems Engineer - Ground Station