Payload Systems Engineer

SAIC • Chantilly, VA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Senior Payload Systems Engineer to provide 100% onsite Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a classified Government customer in Chantilly, Virginia. The role supports the development, integration, test, launch, checkout, and on-orbit operations of national security space systems carrying electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payloads. The engineer provides independent technical analysis and reviews, monitors development contractor activities, reviews test data, supports anomaly resolution, and advises Government stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM discipline; an additional four years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• At least 8 years of experience in space systems or payload systems engineering, focused on remote sensing payloads such as EO and/or SAR, RF, or optical payloads.
• Demonstrated experience supporting U.S. Government, Intelligence Community, or DoD space programs, including familiarity with acquisition lifecycles, requirements development, and major milestone reviews.
• Experience in a customer-facing or advisory role, including presenting technical material and recommendations to Government stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical issues and clearly articulate findings and recommendations in writing and in person.
• Ability to work 100% onsite in a classified, multi-contractor environment and collaborate closely with Government and industry partners.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with a current CI polygraph.
• U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field.
• Direct experience with NRO missions, processes, and program structures.
• Hands-on experience with EO and/or SAR payload design, performance analysis, integration and test, calibration, or on-orbit operations.
• Experience with test planning, test data analysis, and anomaly investigation or resolution for space or payload systems.
• Prior SETA, FFRDC, or Government lab experience providing independent technical oversight of development contractors.
• Familiarity with systems engineering best practices and tools, such as requirements management, MBSE, risk management, and configuration management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary technical advisor and customer-facing liaison to Government stakeholders on EO and/or SAR payload development, integration, test, launch, checkout, and on-orbit operations.
• Support planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of multiple payload systems across the full space system lifecycle, ensuring end-to-end mission closure and satisfaction of mission needs.
• Assist the Government in developing concepts of operations (CONOPS), employment approaches, technical requirements, Statements of Work (SOWs), and other acquisition and contract documentation.
• Provide independent technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs and activities; participate in major design and program reviews and identify progress, risks, issues, and mission impacts.
• Review contractor deliverables, including CDRLs, test plans and reports, and analyses, for technical accuracy, completeness, and sufficiency; support test data review and anomaly resolution.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise technical documents and briefings to senior Government customers and stakeholders, communicating study results, technical findings, and program status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior