Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer

Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer

Job ID: 2615421

Location: El Segundo, CA, United States

Date Posted: Aug 7, 2026

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Specialty Engr

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS/SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: On-Site

Benefits: Click here

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Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer to provide critical technical expertise to Government mission managers. In this pivotal role, you will support all phases of planning, development, and execution for national security satellite operations. The position will be part of the System Engineering and Integration Team for a new space-based SDA acquisition for the USSF.

Your primary focus will be on the initial development, future operations, and logistics of an advanced constellation of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) satellites dedicated to the space-based surveillance and reconnaissance mission. As a key technical advisor, you will bridge the gap between initial program planning and active mission execution, ensuring the seamless operation and long-term sustainment of critical space assets. In addition, this position will champion the integration of autonomous operations, while assisting with overseeing multiple payload development for optical systems and satellite communications alongside the government customer. Working in our El Segundo, CA office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive payload and space vehicle engineering support to Government mission managers across all lifecycle phases-from initial concept development through active flight operations and logistics.
• Develop, maintain, and execute detailed program plans to guide constellation deployment and operational readiness.
• Define, identify, monitor, and verify mission-unique requirements to align spacecraft capability with evolving mission objectives.
• Provide critical mission integration services to Government Mission Manager for space vehicle and payload operations, logistics and sustainment and launch.
• Develop and review technical assessments and presentations for senior leadership reviews.
• Generate mission status reports and presentations for Weekly Staff Meeting, Executive Program Reviews, and mission status briefings for space domain awareness programs.
• Review and provides technical evaluations to key mission contractual documentation for sustainment contracts.
• Support the development and future operations of a sophisticated SDA satellite constellation designed for space-based surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Manage the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process, including formulating clear change definitions, conducting exhaustive technical evaluations, and assessing operational impacts.
• Collaborate with contractors and government stakeholders to review design modifications, ensuring payload compatibility and system integrity.
• Perform risk assessments on proposed hardware and software changes, presenting actionable findings to program leadership.

Qualifications

This is you:

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Engineering specialty with at least ten (10) years of applicable experience.
• Hands-on experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations, logistics, or phased deployment schedules.
• Direct technical experience with optical, RF, or radar payloads. Experience with communication payloads and link budgets.
• Experience developing long-term vehicle sustainment plans, orbital maneuvers, or end-of-life disposal strategies.
• Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and rolled in the Continuous Vetting program (if applicable).
• Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information and Special Access Programs and consent to a polygraph examination (as required).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Systems Engineering.
• Hands-on experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations, logistics, or phased deployment schedules.
• Direct technical experience with optical, RF, or radar payloads. Experience with communication payloads and link budgets
• Experience developing long-term vehicle sustainment plans, orbital maneuvers, or end-of-life disposal strategies.

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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