Payload Systems Engineer

Payload Systems Engineer

Job ID: 2617924

Location: Chantilly, VA, United States

Date Posted: Oct 14, 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 seeking a Senior Payload Systems Engineer to provide 100% onsite Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a classified Government customer in Chantilly, VA. This role directly supports the development, integration, test, launch, checkout, and on‑orbit operations of national security space systems carrying electro‑optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payloads. The selected candidate will provide independent technical analysis, technical review, monitoring of development contractor activities, test data review, and anomaly resolution support, while serving in a customer‑facing advisory role to Government stakeholders.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a primary technical advisor and customer‑facing liaison to Government stakeholders on EO and/or SAR payload development, integration, test, launch, checkout, and on‑orbit operations.
• Support planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of multiple payload systems across the full space system lifecycle, ensuring end‑to‑end mission closure and satisfaction of mission needs.
• Assist the Government in developing concepts of operations (CONOPS), employment approaches, technical requirements, Statements of Work (SOWs), and other acquisition and contract documentation.
• Provide independent technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs and activities, participating in major design and program reviews and identifying progress, risks, issues, and mission impacts.
• Review contractor deliverables (e.g., CDRLs, test plans/reports, analyses) for technical accuracy, completeness, and sufficiency, including test data review and anomaly resolution support.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise technical documents and briefings to senior Government customers and stakeholders, communicating study results, technical findings, and program status.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM discipline; an additional 4 years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 8+ years of experience in space systems or payload systems engineering, focusing on remote sensing payloads such as EO and/or SAR, RF, or optical payloads.
• Demonstrated experience supporting U.S. Government, Intelligence Community, or DoD space programs, including familiarity with acquisition lifecycles, requirements development, and major milestone reviews.
• Experience in a customer‑facing or advisory role, including presenting technical material and recommendations to Government stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical issues and clearly articulate findings and recommendations in writing and in person.
• Ability to work 100% onsite in a classified, multi‑contractor environment, collaborating closely with Government and industry partners.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with a current CI polygraph is required for consideration.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field.
• Direct experience with NRO missions, processes, and program structures.
• Hands‑on experience with EO and/or SAR payload design, performance analysis, integration and test, calibration, or on‑orbit operations.
• Experience with test planning, test data analysis, and anomaly investigation/resolution for space or payload systems.
• Prior SETA, FFRDC, or Government lab experience providing independent technical oversight of development contractors.
• Familiarity with systems engineering best practices and tools (e.g., requirements management, MBSE, risk management, configuration management).

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in an office and classified facility environment.
• Ability to work on a computer and remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to participate in in‑person meetings, technical reviews, and walkthroughs within office and secure facility spaces.
• Some local travel between customer and contractor sites may be required.

2026.10.2

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. 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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