Payload Space Systems Lead — EO​/IR Hardware

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The GEOINT Development Office (GDO) serves as the technical adviser for national intelligence electro‑optical programs. The Payload Department within GDO leverages Aerospace’s core competencies and understanding of cutting‑edge technologies to support payload hardware development, acquisition, and operation for the nation’s flagship national security space program. GDO Payload is seeking a Payload Space Systems Hardware Project Leader (Project Leader/Senior Project Leader ‑ Electro Optic al Engineering) to apply systems engineering approaches to provide sound and objective technical recommendations and solutions to our customer and contractor community.

In this unique leadership position, you will manage a bicoastal Aerospace team comprised of matrix engineering and laboratory resources in support of existing and next generation payload hardware.

This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA, or El Segundo, CA.

• Identify payload‑related hardware issues / risks, document mitigations, and make recommendations to government customers within a dynamic program office environment. Payload‑related hardware includes multiple advanced electro‑optical / infrared (EO/IR) imaging sensor subsystems and their respective electronics hardware – both analog and high‑speed electronics. Support and/or lead applicable hardware anomaly investigations.
• Serve as a principal technical representative on all payload related electronics hardware to the customer and facilitate communications with the broader customer payload community.
• Lead a diverse team of technical experts within Aerospace ETG to manage and mitigate all technical risks that arise throughout the entire acquisition life cycle, including worst‑case circuit analysis efforts during the hardware design phase.
• Ensure effective collaboration and communication related to space vehicle electronics hardware design, test, and operation across GDO and IPD, spanning Aerospace program offices and Aerospace ETG staff.
• Monitor and assist in development of budgets and other resource allocations to accomplish tasks within the payload group.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with electro‑optical engineering and/or electrical engineering hardware integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility, as well as leading teams in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks.
• Willing to travel domestically (up to 1 week per month).
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U. S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience with electro‑optical engineering and/or electrical engineering hardware integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility.
• Proven track record leading major technical projects / teams or complex multi‑disciplinary initiatives from initiation through completion.

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in a relevant engineering or remote sensing field.
• Expertise in visible and/or infrared (IR) electro‑optical sensors and associated technology as well as mentoring experience.
• Existing working relationships with relevant Aerospace matrix engineering organizations to quickly bring resources to address customer needs.
• Knowledge of the customer’s mission enterprise, existing remote sensing capabilities and mission partner’s needs.
• Experience evaluating remote sensing payload and/or electronics hardware trade studies and design assessments, and knowledge of typical remote sensing payload performance budgets.
• Communication with a broad…