Also called: Spacecraft operations engineer
Engineer who builds and runs the software and antennas that control satellites from the ground.
Ground systems engineers write command software, test antennas, and sit console during satellite launches and early operations. Many work for Space Force contractors or commercial satellite companies. Military satellite operators often move into these roles.
Estimate based on BLS aerospace and computer engineering data.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in aerospace, electrical, or computer engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college, Military. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering.
Growing faster than average. Growth tied to expanding military and commercial satellite fleets.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI coding tools speed command software; testing antennas and running live passes stay human.
Classes: AP Computer Science, AP Physics, Electronics CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.