Satellite Payload Engineer

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Job

Chantilly, VA, US

Engineering and Sciences

Systems Engineer

Full-Time

Day Job

Yes - 10% of the time

TS/SCI with Poly

_SITE

SAIC is seeking a Satellite Payload Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of an SAIC Prime Program supporting the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

Note:

Qualified candidates must have an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a Poly to be considered.

As a Satellite Payload Engineer
, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in satellite payload architecture, SAR payload development, SAR processing and image formation, and end‑to‑end image chain performance. You will apply hands‑on satellite hardware experience and radar payload system knowledge to assess performance, resolve issues, and ensure seamless integration across space and ground segments. You will also drive enterprise‑level trade studies to define and refine requirements for future satellite capabilities, supporting mission success across the full lifecycle.

• Evaluate satellite payload requirements compliance by working with the Prime contractor to analyze evidence, assess technical adequacy, and drive closure of open issues.
• Review test plans and results to evaluate payload performance at the unit, subsystem, and system levels, including SAR and radar payload components.
• Perform detailed analysis of SAR processing chains, image formation algorithms, calibration/validation data, and payload‑to‑ground data flow.
• Assist with understanding and resolving anomalies, performing root cause analysis, and identifying corrective actions, including evaluating technical and schedule impacts.
• Identify and assess emerging technical and programmatic risks at the enterprise, system, and subsystem levels, and collaborate with Prime and Subcontractor teams to develop and evaluate mitigation strategies.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with Prime and Subcontractor counterparts, functional teams, and subject matter experts to ensure effective collaboration.
• Evaluate entrance and exit criteria for major program reviews, such as Pre‑Ship Reviews.
• Support trade studies to define and further develop requirements for future satellite systems, including next‑generation SAR and radar payload capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree and fourteen (14) or more years of relevant experience;
  Master’s degree and twelve (12) or more years;
  PhD or JD and nine (9) or more years.
• Active Top Secret /SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly.
• SAR Payload Development — experience supporting the design, development, integration, verification, or performance assessment of SAR payloads.
• SAR Processing & Image Formation — strong understanding of SAR algorithms, image formation techniques, calibration/validation processes, and mission data processing chains.
• Satellite Hardware — hands‑on experience with payload hardware, test equipment, unit‑ or subsystem‑level integration, environmental testing, or hardware troubleshooting.
• Radar Payload Systems — experience in radar payload architectures, RF chains, waveform design, performance modeling, and radar‑to‑ground data interfaces.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, team‑building, and analytical problem‑solving skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in a government/contractor environment.