***To be considered for this role, you must be a US Citizen with an active US government security clearance. Additionally, you must either live near or be willing to move to the Boulder, CO area.***
About Centil
Centil, a Sabel Systems company, is a mission-focused engineering team supporting some of the highest-priority space defense programs in the U.S. Space Force portfolio, including missile defense and missile warning systems for Space Systems Command. Our work spans DevSecOps, CI/CD product development, and space-domain systems engineering, and our people are embedded directly in the programs they support.
In January 2026, Sabel Systems acquired Centil to expand its Advanced Engineering Services capabilities. For our team, that means access to a broader portfolio of programs, deeper corporate resources, and new career pathways - while preserving the technical ownership and small-team culture that defines how we work. It's an exciting time to join Centil: we're growing, the mission portfolio is expanding, and we're building the team that will define what comes next. If you are interested in learning more about Centil or our team, check out our website at www.centil.io.
We are looking for a Ground Systems Engineer to join our team onsite at Buckley SFB in Aurora, CO.
This role is expected to be full time onsite and also requires the willingness to work on a rotating schedule where shifts can vary based on program needs.
What you'll do
- Utilizes strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, as required
- Performs software maintenance support Linux, AIX, and PC compatible computers,
associating switching, network, and communications circuits and equipment - Provides limited PostgreSQL and SYBASE system administration support for
multiple system databases - Provides limited UNIX system and account management administration support
- Participates in software version testing and evaluation and provides feedback to the
engineering and development test community - Documents all software problems and follow up with accurate resolutions.
Interfaces with Space Force and contractor personnel to ensure proper operation of
software and hardware for satellite ground systems - Provides maintenance and support for on-going systems, including monitoring of
system performance and data backups. - Identifies sources of sofware and hardware problems and determines appropriate
solutions. - Document procedures, configurations, and troubleshooting steps based on notes
and instructions - Conduct on-the-job training and informal sessions on system design, data flow, and
operational procedures - Maintain systems within a customer-owned facility, adhering to security and
operational standards - Support 24/7 operational needs, including regular after-hours duties, under the
guidance of the GSE Team Lead - Ensure compliance with security standards, including DISA STIGs
- Facilitate communications between the operations and engineering groups on
system status and operational issues - Provide inputs to the collection and reporting of applicable metrics for status
briefings to Managers - Possible travel, not being added at this time
Required Qualifications
- Requires ability to support 24/7 shift work, including mid shifts
- Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a DoD TS/SCI Clearance
- Must have ability to cultivate and develop effective customer relationships and
work with senior technical management - Ability to learn and troubleshoot complex systems
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
- DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II Certification (CompTIA Security+) or must be obtained
within 60 days of hire - Strong communication and team motivation skills
Preferred/Bonus Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI Clearance
- Strong organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to rapidly resolve critical/complex technical or operational
problems, and/or space system anomalies - Experience as a Ground Systems Engineer
- Proficiency in one of the related: C, C++, C#, Java, XML, Windows, .NET, and UNIX,
PERL, system software and scripting development, Java programming, web
development, System analysis, System design, Software Design, Software
Development and Implementation, Software Test or Cyber Security - Experience with 24x7 operations support, to include recall of key personnel
- Experience with spacecraft anomaly response/resolution
- DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II Certification (CompTIA Security+)
- Best candidates will have a background in classified satellite programs
Other Company Requirements
In addition to job-specific requirements, Centil believes it is important for all employees to possess the following skills/characteristics:
- Strong communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills. Ability to passionately deliver high-level messaging to various types of audiences--this will eventually include senior leaders. Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical personnel
- Self-motivated individual who actively and independently seeks out opportunities for learning and development
- Collaborates well; enjoys working as part of a team
- DoD Secret or higher clearance is preferred. All applicants must be US citizens eligible for a US Government security clearance
Expected Salary Range
Depending on experience and skillset, most candidates will earn between $90,000 and $150,000 per year.
Please note that the salary range is a general guideline only. We consider many factors when determining salaries including, but are not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education, training, certifications, key skills, and mission/customer familiarity. We combine these factors with market and business considerations to extend a job offer.
Benefits
Centil offers a comprehensive benefits package including the following:
- Generous PTO for vacation, personal, or sick days
- Ten (10) paid holidays per year: 8 fixed holidays, plus 2 additional Floating Holidays per year (taken at Employee's discretion)
- Flex time and the ability to create your own schedule
- Discretionary bi-annual bonus plan, based on individual and company performance
- 401K retirement plan with immediately vested company contributions, no matching required
- Healthcare coverage plan through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA)
- Employer-paid Life, Long-Term Disability, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurances
- Access to optional, employee-paid Life, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity insurances
- Access to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid training and conference attendance
- Additional benefits, as needed, for significant life events: parental leave, bereavement leave, jury duty pay, military leave pay
- One-time home office reimbursement
- Phone plan reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, supporting emotional health and well-being of employees and their families
Centil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.