📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Ground Systems Engineer Lead
Company: KIHOMAC
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: DevOps & Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 18, 2025
Experience Level: 6+ years of system engineering experience

🚀 Role Summary

Lead a team of Ground System Engineers throughout the entire lifecycle of the MDSEA program, from requirements analysis to sustainment and operations.
Develop and design new IT solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability of Ground System Elements and Mission Suites.
Collaborate with cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams to ensure integration and compliance.
Maintain alignment with team leads for infrastructure, networks, integration, logistics plans, cybersecurity, and physical security protection plans, and cost and schedule estimates.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in system engineering, with a focus on IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment. Candidates should have experience in model-based system engineering, SysML, and the decomposition of complex mission systems into manageable components.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Lead Ground System Engineers: Oversee activities such as requirements analysis, scheduling, documentation, design, test and evaluation, research and development, implementation, and sustainment.
Develop and Design IT Solutions: Create new solutions to enhance efficiency and sustainability of Ground System Elements and Mission Suites.
Execute Studies and Analysis: Conduct studies, analysis, detailed requirements definition, system engineering, and architecture designs for Enterprise Services, satellite ground systems, and operations centers.
Collaborate with Teams: Work with cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams to ensure integration and compliance with ground system elements and mission suites.
Maintain Alignment with Team Leads: Coordinate with team leads for infrastructure, networks, integration, logistics plans, cybersecurity, and physical security protection plans, and cost and schedule estimates.
Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional tasks as required by the organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in an IT or STEM-related field required.

Experience: 6+ years of system engineering experience, with a focus on IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment preferred. Documented experience developing and editing Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) or Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) products for IT systems required. Experience in model-based system engineering and SysML required. Demonstrated understanding of the System Engineering V Model and engineering lifecycle required.

Required Skills:

Requirements analysis and management
Model-based system engineering and SysML
Systems engineering related to IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment
Decomposition of complex mission systems into manageable components
Systems engineering V Model and engineering lifecycle

Preferred Skills:

Experience with the MDSEA environment
Familiarity with the System Engineering V Model and engineering lifecycle
Knowledge of DoDAF or UAF products for IT systems

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

System Engineering Projects: Highlight your experience in system engineering, with a focus on IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.
Model-Based System Engineering: Showcase your proficiency in model-based system engineering and SysML.
Decomposition of Complex Systems: Demonstrate your ability to decompose complex mission systems into manageable components.
System Engineering V Model: Illustrate your understanding of the System Engineering V Model and engineering lifecycle.

Technical Documentation:

DoDAF or UAF Products: Include examples of your experience developing and editing DoDAF or UAF products for IT systems.
Requirements Analysis and Management: Showcase your skills in requirements analysis and management.
System Engineering and Architecture Designs: Demonstrate your experience in system engineering and architecture designs for Enterprise Services, satellite ground systems, and operations centers.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,000 - $172,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards)

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: Full-time position with standard working hours, including occasional overtime as needed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: KIHOMAC operates in the defense and aerospace industry, focusing on mission-critical systems and infrastructure.

Company Size: As a mid-sized company, KIHOMAC offers a collaborative and agile work environment, with opportunities for growth and impact.

Founded: KIHOMAC was founded in [Year], with a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.

Team Structure:

Ground System Engineers (reporting to the Ground Systems Engineer Lead)
Infrastructure, Networks, Integration, Logistics, Cybersecurity, and Physical Security Teams (collaborating with the Ground Systems Engineer Lead)
Cross-functional teams, including application and development teams

Development Methodology:

Agile and iterative development processes
Collaboration and integration with cross-functional teams
Focus on system engineering, architecture design, and test and evaluation

Company Website: KIHOMAC Website

📝 Enhancement Note: KIHOMAC's focus on mission-critical systems and infrastructure requires a strong background in system engineering and a commitment to quality and reliability. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment and have a solid understanding of the defense and aerospace industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a strong background in system engineering and a deep understanding of IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.

Reporting Structure: The Ground Systems Engineer Lead reports directly to the Engineering Manager and oversees a team of Ground System Engineers.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the development, fielding, tests, and operations of planned space capabilities, requiring strong technical leadership and decision-making skills.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: Opportunities for growth into technical leadership roles, such as Engineering Manager or Technical Lead.
Architecture Decision-Making: Potential to influence architecture decisions and drive innovation in ground system elements and mission suites.
Emerging Technologies: Exposure to emerging technologies and trends in the defense and aerospace industry, with opportunities to specialize and develop expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for experienced system engineers looking to advance their careers in the defense and aerospace industry. Candidates should be prepared to take on leadership responsibilities and drive technical innovation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: KIHOMAC operates a hybrid work environment, with a combination of on-site and remote work options available.

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

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: KIHOMAC's office environment encourages collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with open workspaces and dedicated meeting areas.
Development Tools: Access to industry-standard development tools, including model-based system engineering tools and SysML software.
Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to work with various teams, including cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard working hours, including occasional overtime as needed. Some flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines may be available.

📝 Enhancement Note: KIHOMAC's hybrid work environment offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still being accessible to their teams.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A phone or video call to discuss your qualifications, experience, and career goals.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on your system engineering skills and experience with IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.
Behavioral Interview: A discussion of your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and cultural fit with KIHOMAC.
Final Review: A review of your application materials, technical assessment results, and interview performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

System Engineering Projects: Highlight your experience in system engineering, with a focus on IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.
Model-Based System Engineering: Showcase your proficiency in model-based system engineering and SysML.
Decomposition of Complex Systems: Demonstrate your ability to decompose complex mission systems into manageable components.
System Engineering V Model: Illustrate your understanding of the System Engineering V Model and engineering lifecycle.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

System Engineering Scenarios: Prepare for system engineering scenarios, focusing on your experience with IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.
Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrate your ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.
Communication Skills: Showcase your ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Programming Languages: Python, C++, Java, JavaScript
Web Frameworks: N/A (focus on system engineering and architecture)
Server Technologies: Linux, Windows Server, Docker, Kubernetes
Databases: SQL, NoSQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL
Tools: SysML, Model-Based System Engineering, DoDAF, UAF, requirements management tools
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, V Model, Systems Engineering
Soft Skills: Leadership, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, teamwork
Industry Terms: MDSEA, IT, satellite ground systems, defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure

📝 Enhancement Note: KIHOMAC's interview process focuses on assessing your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their system engineering experience and demonstrate their understanding of IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (focus on system engineering and architecture)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Linux and Windows Server operating systems
Docker and Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration
Relevant programming languages, including Python, C++, Java, and JavaScript

Development & DevOps Tools:

Model-based system engineering tools (e.g., IBM Rational Rhapsody, No Magic Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect)
SysML software (e.g., MagicDraw, Visual Paradigm)
Requirements management tools (e.g., Jama Connect, Helix ALM)
Version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN)
Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Slack)

📝 Enhancement Note: KIHOMAC's technology stack focuses on system engineering and architecture, with a strong emphasis on model-based system engineering, SysML, and requirements management. Candidates should be proficient in relevant programming languages, tools, and methodologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Quality and Reliability: A commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable systems that meet the needs of our customers.
Innovation: Encouraging creativity and continuous learning to drive technical innovation.
Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and deliver exceptional results.
Customer Focus: Understanding and addressing the unique needs of our customers to ensure their satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with various teams, including cybersecurity, DevSecOps, infrastructure, and application teams, to ensure integration and compliance.
Code Review Culture: Encouraging peer review and feedback to improve the quality and efficiency of our work.
Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture of learning and growth, with opportunities for mentoring, training, and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: KIHOMAC's team culture values quality, innovation, collaboration, and customer focus. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment and be committed to delivering high-quality, reliable systems that meet the needs of our customers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Complex Mission Systems: Decomposing complex mission systems into manageable components, requiring strong system engineering skills and experience.
MDSEA Environment: Working within the MDSEA environment, requiring a deep understanding of IT and satellite ground systems and their unique challenges.
Cybersecurity and Compliance: Ensuring the integration and compliance of ground system elements and mission suites with cybersecurity and physical security protection plans.
Cost and Schedule Estimates: Maintaining alignment with team leads for cost and schedule estimates, requiring strong project management and communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Opportunities to develop and enhance your technical skills in system engineering, architecture design, and emerging technologies.
Leadership Development: Opportunities to grow into technical leadership roles, with responsibilities for driving innovation and decision-making.
Architecture Decision-Making: Potential to influence architecture decisions and drive innovation in ground system elements and mission suites.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for experienced system engineers looking to advance their careers in the defense and aerospace industry. Candidates should be prepared to take on leadership responsibilities and drive technical innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

System Engineering Fundamentals: Questions focusing on your understanding of system engineering principles, the V Model, and engineering lifecycle.
MDSEA Environment: Questions related to your experience with IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment, including unique challenges and best practices.
Problem-Solving Skills: Scenario-based questions designed to assess your ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Questions designed to assess your understanding of KIHOMAC's company culture, values, and work environment.
Team Dynamics: Questions focusing on your ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
Customer Focus: Questions related to your understanding of KIHOMAC's customers and their unique needs, as well as your ability to deliver high-quality, reliable systems that meet those needs.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

System Engineering Projects: Highlight your experience in system engineering, with a focus on IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.
Model-Based System Engineering: Showcase your proficiency in model-based system engineering and SysML.
Decomposition of Complex Systems: Demonstrate your ability to decompose complex mission systems into manageable components.
System Engineering V Model: Illustrate your understanding of the System Engineering V Model and engineering lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: KIHOMAC's interview process focuses on assessing your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their system engineering experience and demonstrate their understanding of IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Ground Systems Engineer Lead position at KIHOMAC:

Submit Your Application: Visit the KIHOMAC Careers Page and submit your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio materials.
Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your system engineering experience, with a focus on IT and satellite ground systems in the MDSEA environment.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Review your system engineering skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with the MDSEA environment.
Research KIHOMAC: Familiarize yourself with KIHOMAC's company culture, values, and work environment to ensure a strong cultural fit.
Prepare for Behavioral Interview: Reflect on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and cultural fit with KIHOMAC.

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

Ground Systems Engineer Lead