Focal Plane Engineer

Focal Plane Engineer

Job ID: 2618587

Location: Chantilly, VA, United States

Date Posted: Oct 30, 2026

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Poly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: On-Site

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Job Description

Description

SAIC is looking for a Focal Plane Engineer with Space-domain experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA. In this position, you will provide technical support, coaching and mentoring Government points of contact (GPOCs) relative to ongoing capability development activities happening across diverse geographically located contractor facilities. You will also be coordinating other scopes of related work such as major program reviews.

The job requires knowledge of intelligence processes and plans, excellent communication and collaboration skills, the ability to create unique work products, while having the ability to be strategically proactive. This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Polygraph. The Focal Plane Engineer directly supports the GPOC overseeing the design and implementation of focal planes. The potential candidate needs to be proficient with sensor phenomenology and anomaly resolution, along with modern system manufacturing and implementation.

Role Responsibilities:

• Design, manufacture, and calibrate focal planes, focal plane assemblies, and focal plane electronics for electro-optical payloads.
• Evaluate detector technologies, array architectures, pixel configurations, and readout integrated circuits to meet system performance requirements.
• Apply specialized knowledge of the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) domain to support electro-optical sensor and instrument development.
• Lead the design and integration of focal plane assemblies and focal plane electronics with electro-optical sensors and instruments.
• Collaborate with optics and systems engineers to optimize detector performance within the overall imaging system.
• Support the development and troubleshooting of detector packaging, electrical interconnects, and thermal control systems.
• Perform focal plane characterization and calibration in factory and laboratory environments, as well as during mission operations.
• Support the development, integration, testing, and operational use of electro-optical payload focal plane systems.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field and 14 years of experience; Masters and 12 years of experience.
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph within the last 2 years
• Familiarity with DoW/IC programs and SOW compliance
• Strong organizational and communication skills within high pressure environments
• Experience in reviewing installation/test procedures, monitoring execution, identifying risks, discrepancy resolution and on-site support
• The ability to travel up to 25% of a given month, averaging 10% per year

Desired:

• INCOSE ESEP or CSEP
• Experience using systems engineering processes, methods, tools, and program roles to develop, implement, and deploy solutions for Satellite Systems.
• Experience reviewing implementation plans and other related documents.
• Thorough understanding of space systems design, integration and test requirements and test execution, including test equipment support.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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