Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a Space RF Payload Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a mission-critical customer program based in El Segundo, CA. This position is a full-time, onsite role, working directly in customer facilities.
As a Space RF Payload SME, you will play a pivotal role in advising and guiding the development of advanced spaceborne RF signal processing payloads, ground processing systems, and mission capabilities. You will work side-by-side with government stakeholders, providing technical leadership and oversight across the full payload lifecycle-from concept design to on-orbit operations-in a high-visibility, high-impact national security environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the primary technical authority providing oversight across the development, build, verification, and deployment of space RF payloads.
Provide government leadership and actionable recommendations, including course corrections to payload design and implementation.
Lead requirements development and traceability, including evaluation of requirements flow-down and compliance assessments.
Conduct concept design evaluations and analysis of alternatives (AoA) to support mission decision-making.
Perform and assess:
Critical Technology Elements (CTEs)
Technology Readiness Assessments (TRAs)
Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRAs)
Develop and refine Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for payload systems.
Provide technical oversight for:
Payload integration onto spacecraft
Integration & Test (I&T) processes
Transition to operations, including training, checkout, and on-orbit support
Evaluate payload design updates, identifying impacts to performance, spacecraft interfaces, and mission objectives.
Assess risk reduction strategies to mature payload designs and hardware readiness.
Collaborate with prime contractors and subcontractors to ensure schedules, deliverables, and technical objectives are met.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field (Physics, Math, Aerospace), plus 14+ years of relevant experience, OR
Master's degree with 12+ years of experience.
Extensive experience with:
Spaceborne RF payloads
Digital signal processing and signals analysis
Mission data processing systems
Strong ability to analyze complex technical challenges and deliver effective solutions.
Working knowledge of:
Orbital mechanics
Environmental effects on RF payload performance
Experience applying Systems Engineering principles to payload development, integration, and deployment.
Excellent communication skills with both technical peers and senior customer leadership.
Active TS/SCI clearance (T5 or SSBI), with eligibility for SCI and enrollment in Continuous Evaluation.
Willingness to:
Be nominated for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Programs (SAP)
Undergo a polygraph examination
Compensation to include:
This job opens for applications on 2/24/26. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date
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Keywords: Space RF Payloads, Signal Processing, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Remote Sensing, Space Systems Engineering, Mission Analysis, RF Systems, Payload Integration & Test (I&T), Orbital Mechanics, CONOPS, TRL, MRL, Satellite Communications, Link Budget Analysis, Spacecraft Integration, RF Engineering, Aerospace Systems, DoD Acquisition, National Security Space, TS/SCI, Top Secret,