Payload Systems Engineer

LV8D Solutions, LLC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

LV8D Solutions, LLC is seeking a Payload Systems Engineer to support national security space programs. You will advise the Payload Division on payload development, acquisition, and lifecycle management for EO and SAR systems, and assist with contract documents, CONOPS, and milestone reviews.

The role requires active TS/SCI clearance with Poly and the ability to operate onsite in a government/contractor environment, including up to 25% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Engineering or Similar Field with 5+ years of experience; Masters with 3+ years; PhD with 0 years is acceptable.
• Experience with satellite and/or payload system requirement development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Experience supporting satellite and payload design reviews (SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR, PSR).
• Experience supporting acquisition of multiple payload systems.
• Experience developing requirement documents, statements of work, and other contract documents for major programs.
• Proven ability to assess contractor designs, identify risks, and evaluate performance against mission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Advise the PROSPO Payload Division Chief on all aspects of payload development and acquisition.
• Support the SPO in planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of EO and SAR payload systems.
• Assist the Government in developing CONOPS and employment approaches for EO and SAR systems.
• Assist the Government in developing SOWs and other contract documents during program acquisition.
• Provide oversight of acquisitions to ensure end-to-end system closure and requirement satisfaction.
• Draft technical evaluations and serve as a technical advisor during source selections.
• Provide programmatic assessments of contractor designs at milestone reviews.
• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers and the COTR.
• Review CDRL deliverables for technical accuracy and sufficiency.
• Provide technical support to Government activities and program processes.
• Develop documents and briefings communicating study results and status.

Skills

Satellite payload experience

Systems engineering

Acquisition lifecycle understanding

EO/SAR payload knowledge

Leadership and communication

Education

Bachelors degree in Engineering or related field

Masters degree in Engineering or related field

PhD (relevant)

Job description

Mission Context

LV8D Solutions supports national security space and intelligence customers delivering next-generation sensing and exploitation capabilities. The Payload Systems Engineer will provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of a government program.

Position Overview

The Payload Systems Engineer will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems—both on‑orbit and in development. You will support the Payload Division SETA team in advising the government on technical, programmatic, and acquisition activities across EO and SAR payload portfolios. This role requires familiarity with government IC mission structures, acquisition processes, and satellite system lifecycles.

Note: An active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Polyis required to be considered for this role

Interested candidates need to thrive in an innovative, fast-paced environment; are highly motivated and not afraid to take on uncharted territory; possess strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills; and be able to prioritize their time to be effective in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise the PROSPO Payload Division Chief on all aspects of payload development and acquisition.
• Support the SPO in planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of multiple EO and SAR payload systems in development and acquisition.
• Assist the Government in developing CONOPS and employment approaches for EO and SAR systems.
• Assist the Government in developing requirement documents, statements of work (SOWs), and other contract documents during program acquisition and contract action preparation.
• Provide oversight of acquisitions to ensure end‑to‑end system closure and satisfaction of mission need.
• Draft technical evaluations and serve as a technical advisor during source selections.
• Provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to evaluate progress, risks, issues, and ability to meet mission requirements.
• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers and the COTR.
• Review CDRL deliverables for technical accuracy, completeness, and sufficiency to meet program objectives.
• Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes.
• Develop documents and briefings to communicate study results, technical findings, and program status to Government and industry stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors in Engineering or Similar Field and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience.
• Experience with satellite and/or satellite payload system requirement development, design, manufacturing, and test.
• Demonstrated experience supporting satellite and/or payload design reviews, including SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR, PSR, and related milestone reviews.
• Experience supporting the acquisition of multiple payload systems.
• Experience developing requirement documents, statements of work, and other contract documents for major acquisition programs.
• Proven ability to assess contractor designs, identify risks, and evaluate technical performance against mission requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, team‑building, and problem‑solving skills with demonstrated effectiveness in a government/contractor environment.
• Working knowledge of government organizations, major acquisition processes, and satellite systems.

Security Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance
• Active Counterintelligence (CI) or Full Scope (FS) Polygraph

Work Environment:

• On-site work in a government or contractor facility
• Occasional travel (up to 25%)

About LV8D Solutions

LV8D Solutions is an elite Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) company that delivers advanced systems engineering, integration, acquisition, mission operations, network communications, and cybersecurity support to our defense and intelligence customers. Founded in 2019, we apply our deep technical expertise, understanding, and mission-first mindset to design,acquire, and implement complex, high-impact solutions for our Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) customers. We specialize in every aspect of our customers’ space and ground mission systems while offering exceptional work-life balance and an exemplarycompensationand total rewards package designed to recruit, train, andretaintop talentandcommitted to national defense and career growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

LV8D Solutions LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.

Performance & Recognition

Period of Performance (PoP) Bonus Opportunities
Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to contract or organizational performance.

Retention Incentive Benefit Bounty
Receive a payout for unused annual company contributions designated for health insurance premiums and professional training.

Referral Bonus
Earn up to $5,000 for each successful employee referral.

Customer Recognition Letter of Appreciation (LoA) Bonus Opportunities
Bonus opportunities based on customer recognition received through Letters of Appreciation.

Milestone Rewards
Celebrate your career achievements with anniversary awards on your 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20thyears of service.

Financial & Retirement Benefits

Profit Sharing
Receive an annual contribution equal to 4% of your W-2 gross earnings into your 401(k), with immediate vesting.

401(k) Company Match
The company matches your 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of your monthly contribution, with immediate vesting.

Career Development

The company invests in your professional growth through:

• Annual financial support for professional training and industry certifications.
• Enhanced financial support for employees actively pursuing a degree at an accredited institution.

Work-Life Balance

Support for a healthy work-life balance includes:

• Flexible work hours
• Competitive paid time off (PTO)
• Company holidays

Health & Wellness Benefits

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family.

Medical Coverage

Three comprehensive Medical/Rx insurance plan options to meet the unique and individualized benefit needs of our employees

Dental & Vision

• Comprehensive dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
• Comprehensive vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.

Income Protection

• 100% Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Company-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

• 100% Company-Paid Basic Term Life Insurancewith Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Optional employee-paid Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance.