System Engineer for Satellite Operations and Ground Communications

Company: Lockheed Martin
Location: Sunnyvale
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description LM Space National Security Solutions has an open position for system engineering support across multiple areas related to the maintenance, operations, and recapitalization upgrades to a global satellite command and control and ground terminal communication enterprise. The System Engineer for Satellite Operations and Ground Communications will be responsible for contributing technically to a variety of Systems and Software Engineering tasks associated with supporting Operations and Maintenance (O&M) as well as system upgrades. This role will be a key technical member supporting a globally dispersed workforce with a focus on real-time satellite mission operations and longer term mission optimization, including enhancement tasks that expand beyond day to day O&M sustainment. The role will interface across system segments, program management, customers and subcontractors in successful completion of assigned tasks. Maintenance tasks include efforts to investigate and resolve Discrepancy Reports (DRs), system monitoring and trending, and factory support to the site Echelon 1 flight operations teams. Design tasks include designing and implementing upgrades associated with the command and control element (CCE) as well as the ground terminal element (GTE) environments, to include associated software, cyber, hardware equipment racks and data centers. Typical tasks would include the ability to review and troubleshoot a software and hardware ecosystem, and to draft, review, and revise console operator checklists and procedures, system drawings, edit and update system documents, ICDs, etc. Ability to travel 5-10% in completing mission assignments at various locations may be required. Other tasks include the tracking and documentation of system engineering integration and test (SEIT) phases, to include requirements review and management support, coordination, creation, and execution of verification plans with subcontracted vendors and as part of the larger Lockheed Martin system integration and test events. The role will capture issues, concerns, lessons learned, risks and opportunities and bring forth recommended ideas and improvements. The successful candidate will be a self motivated, proven learner and developing leader, able to acquire extensive system level and specific subsystem-level expertise, think independently and work collaboratively in representing the program at site installations and visits, and will pass on expertise to future candidates who enter the program. The successful candidate will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) after completion of training and will aid in the maintenance and development of operational procedures; support the creation, review, and updates to training materials; support development of trending reports and create database inputs to support system operations. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Attainment of Privileged User status is preferred. Basic Qualifications • Degree within an Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience/combined education • Must have an active TS/SCI clearance and be subject to a polygraph • Demonstrated knowledge of real-time mission operations • Ability to perform real-time troubleshooting and anomaly resolution • Experience developing, operating, and testing modern technical systems • Basic proficiency in Python, Perl, or similar programming languages • Experience working independently and in technical teams • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills • Ability to obtain Security certification within 9 months for system administration access to controlled systems Desired skills • Experience with satellite operations and subsystems • Experience with satellite ground control systems • Exemplary written and verbal communication skills coupled with strong interpersonal team building skills to effectively engage team members as well as elevate appropriate issues to management • Excellent communicator with proven ability to work well in a technical team • Systems engineering background or exposure which will ensure success at designing and implementing systems within a large, complex, real-time operational system • Technical experience in the following areas: - Familiarity with Linux distributions, Windows Operating and VMWare Environments - Exposure to Matlab, Visio, and other Engineering and Modeling Tools -Experience with satellite ground control systems, such as Kratos qRadio and C2 Environments - Systems integration and test knowledge - Configuration management workflow knowledge - Previous experience developing a test plan and procedures for sell-off of a Subsystem with customer witness and acceptance - Use and proper application of AIML tools Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics. The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration. * At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work. With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility. If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs , and apply for roles that align with your qualifications. Other Important Information By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings. Ability to work remotely Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility. Work Schedule Information Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits. Security Clearance Information This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration. Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $89,300 - $157,550. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year. This position is incentive plan eligible. Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $102,800 - $178,135. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. This position is incentive plan eligible.

Keywords: Lockheed Martin, Sacramento , System Engineer for Satellite Operations and Ground Communications, Engineering , Sunnyvale, California