Lead Payload Systems Architect for Flight-Ready Integration

Strativ Group; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Strativ Group in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Lead Payload Systems Engineer to own the full payload lifecycle across programs, from interface definition and integration through flight readiness and mission delivery.

You will coordinate end-to-end payload integration (mechanical, electrical, thermal, RF, data), lead IV&V across lab, ground, and flight, manage vendors and ICD ownership, and drive design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) to ensure successful missions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in payload systems, integration, or operations on flight hardware.
• Experience with EO/IR sensors, comms payloads, and multi-sensor systems.
• Familiarity with CAD and system modelling tools.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end payload integration including mechanical, electrical, thermal, RF, and data interfaces.
• IV&V planning and execution across lab, ground, and flight environments.
• Vendor management, ICD ownership, and design-review leadership (PDR/CDR/TRR).
• Payload documentation, configuration management, and flight readiness sign-off.

Skills

Payload systems leadership

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Vendor management

System integration

Tools

CAD: SolidWorks/CATIA

Systems modelling tools

Job description

Strativ Group in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Lead Payload Systems Engineer to own the full payload lifecycle across programs, from interface definition and integration through flight readiness and mission delivery.

You will coordinate end-to-end payload integration (mechanical, electrical, thermal, RF, data), lead IV&V across lab, ground, and flight, manage vendors and ICD ownership, and drive design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) to ensure successful missions.