Space RF Payload Specialist

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a cleared Space RF Payload Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a critical national security space mission in El Segundo, CA. This position is ideal for a highly experienced engineer with deep expertise in spaceborne RF payloads, digital signal processing, remote sensing, mission analysis, and systems engineering. You will work directly alongside government customers, providing technical leadership and oversight throughout the development, integration, deployment, and operational lifecycle of advanced RF payload capabilities.

Responsibilities of the Space RF Payload Subject Matter Expert (SME):

• Serve as the primary technical advisor and oversight authority for the development, build, verification, integration, and deployment of spaceborne RF payloads.
• Provide government leadership with technical assessments and recommendations regarding payload design, development progress, and risk mitigation efforts.
• Generate and refine system and payload requirements to support mission objectives.
• Conduct evaluations and compliance assessments of requirements implementation and requirements flow-down.
• Perform concept design reviews, trade studies, and analyses of alternatives.
• Assess Critical Technology Elements (CTEs), Technology Readiness Assessments (TRAs), and Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRAs).
• Support development and analysis of Concept of Operations (CONOPS) documentation.
• Provide technical oversight of payload integration and test activities onto candidate spacecraft platforms.
• Support transition-to-operations activities including operator training, payload initialization, checkout procedures, and on-orbit operations.
• Assess proposed payload design modifications and evaluate impacts to performance, spacecraft compatibility, and mission objectives.
• Review and assess risk reduction plans intended to improve payload design maturity and hardware readiness.
• Coordinate with prime contractors, subcontractors, and government stakeholders to ensure technical progress, schedule adherence, and successful mission execution.

Qualifications of the Space RF Payload Subject Matter Expert (SME):

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a technical discipline such as Physics, Mathematics, or Aerospace Engineering with 14+ years of relevant experience; or Master's degree in a related technical field with 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Extensive experience with spaceborne RF payloads, digital signal processing, signal analysis, and mission data processing systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Working knowledge of orbital mechanics and environmental effects impacting spaceborne RF payload performance.
• Experience applying Systems Engineering principles throughout payload development, integration, and spacecraft implementation efforts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively brief customer leadership and technical teams.
• Must possess an in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI), adjudicated for SCI eligibility, and be enrolled in the Continuous Evaluation Program (as applicable).
• Must be willing to be nominated for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) access and consent to a Polygraph examination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 16+ years of experience supporting RF payload development programs.
• Experience with integration and testing of spaceborne RF payloads on spacecraft platforms.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and lifecycle management.
• Experience serving as a Project Manager, Technical Lead, or Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead on space payload programs.
• Ability to develop and analyze end-to-end link budgets for space-to-ground communications systems and RF payload architectures.

Compensation of the Space RF Payload Subject Matter Expert (SME):

• Compensation: $160,000 - $220,000+ based on experience, qualifications, and technical expertise
• Full Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, Paid Holidays, and additional company-sponsored benefits.

This job opens for applications on 07/13/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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