Satellite Payload Engineer

Satellite Payload Engineer

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.

Job Responsibilities to include:

• 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.

Qualifications

Required

Education and Experience:

• 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.