Payload Integration Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly (VA)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 160,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

SAIC is looking for a Payload Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on supporting innovative space programs by guiding the development, verification, and deployment of critical space systems. The candidate will track integration efforts, assess risk, lead impact studies, and support verification and validation processes. A bachelor's degree plus 14 years of experience in a relevant field is required. Candidates must have active TS/SCI clearance with a current polygraph.

Qualifications

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience.
Prior experience with satellite systems design, requirements, development, integration and test.
Active TS/SCI with current Poly Required.

Responsibilities

Support the System Program Office in a technical capacity for acquisition planning.
Provide programmatic and technical support on payload trades.
Assist in the development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

Skills

System integration and test experience with space systems

Knowledge and application of Systems Engineering processes

Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills

Ability to communicate with diverse audiences

Education

Bachelor's degree and 14+ years experience

Master's degree and 12+ years experience

Job description

Description

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first‑of‑their‑kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast‑paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

SAIC is seeking self‑directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well‑prepared to excel.

Job Description

This position is for a Payload Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting‑edge and innovative space programs. The Payload Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to guide the development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system. In addition, the selected candidate will provide engineering expertise to oversee the payload integration activities (both technical and programmatic), track integration efforts, assess risk, and lead and support impact studies and trades.

Role Responsibilities

Support the System Program Office (SPO) in a technical capacity for acquisition planning, design, integration of payloads associated with space systems
Provide programmatic and technical support on payload trades and integration activities to support the fielding of a space system
Support Payload interface compatibility analyses
Perform system analysis and interface definition and management/execution
Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities
Participate in payload integration risk reduction planning and test execution
Develop plans to on‑ramp new mission capabilities
Assist in the development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs); defining the technical, electrical, and mechanical boundaries between satellites and launch vehicles
Support verification, validation, and test planning
Provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to assess progress, risks and issues, and the ability to achieve mission requirements
Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes.
Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.

Qualifications

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience
System integration and test experience with space systems
Knowledge and application of Systems Engineering processes and functions.
Prior experience with satellite systems design, requirements, development, integration and test.
Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.
Proven experience with satellite system requirement development, design, manufacturing, and test.
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem‑solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
Active TS/SCI with current Poly Required.
Previous SAP experience desired.