Payload SME

Payload SME Belong. Connect. Grow. with K !

K ’s National Security Solutions team provides high‑end engineering and advanced technology solutions to customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Location: On‑site

Travel Requirements: May require travel up to 20% of time within the continental United States

Working Hours: Standard

• Advise Government program management on technical design, production trade space, and mission solutions related to SIGINT payloads.
• Support design, interpretation, and analysis of payload performance for complex SIGINT systems.
• Assist in the development of system architectures, requirements, and design trades, including cost, schedule, and technical impacts.
• Conduct technical analysis of system solutions, limitations, and performance capabilities.
• Evaluate feasibility of new antenna technologies and enhancements.
• Review and coordinate changes to specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and system‑level requirements for payload and antenna integration.
• Identify program risks and develop/evaluate mitigation and burn‑down strategies.
• Review antenna manufacturing specifications to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Perform antenna modeling and performance prediction analysis.
• Participate in payload and antenna design reviews and program management reviews; assess design maturity and provide recommendations to Government stakeholders.
• Interface with prime contractors, subcontractors, and Government organizations to validate system design, testing, performance, and delivery.
• Provide risk assessments related to performance, schedule, and budget impacts from contractor activities.
• Evaluate program deliverables to ensure quality, completeness, and alignment with mission objectives.
• Provide strategic technical guidance and support to program leadership, including recommendations and data analysis.
• Conduct detailed analysis to identify areas for performance improvement and optimization.
• Support proposal reviews and assist in development of acquisition strategies and processes.
• Perform programmatic analysis to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Support contract performance management, including CDRL reviews, program reviews, and quality assurance activities.
• Develop and deliver program briefings and advocacy materials to IC and DoD stakeholders.
• Maintain strong working relationships across the enterprise, including the Maryland Customer and DNI stakeholders.

• Current TS/SCI Poly clearance is required for this position.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a Technical Field.
• 10 years of DoD/IC, or relevant industry work experience related to payload and space systems components.
• Experience in the development and characterizing SIGINT payloads and SIGINT space systems.
• Knowledge of mission payload engineering, development, and manufacturing.
• Experience with integrating satellite bus and payloads.
• Ability to perform System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to Government program office.
• 5 years of experience specifically related to Government acquisition initiatives.
• Experience with Intelligence IC policies and procedures and fluency with IC organizations.
• Ability to work effectively in a high‑paced environment on a team and as an individual.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy – oral and written.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.

• Master’s Degree in a Technical Field.
• Small Satellite Development experience.

• 401K plan with company match.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• AD&D.
• Flexible spending account.
• Disability coverage.
• Paid time off and flexible work schedule.
• Professional training and development opportunities.

K  is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.