RF Payload Engineer

International Executive Service Corps; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

FTS International, LLC is seeking an RF Payload Engineer in Chantilly, VA. The candidate will provide expert advice on SIGINT payload design and evaluation. Requirements include a BS in Electrical Engineering and extensive experience in RF payload or space systems development.

Ideal candidates will have a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance and strong communication skills to interact with government leaders. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical national missions.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of relevant RF payload or space systems development experience.
• 10+ years in RF payload development or systems engineering.
• TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and technical evaluations on SIGINT payload design.
• Evaluate contractor designs and performance data.
• Lead design reviews and risk assessments.

Skills

RF systems

SIGINT payload development

Communication skills

Antenna design

Digital signal processing

Systems engineering

Education

BS degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Model-based systems engineering tools

Job description

FTS International, LLC (FTS) is committed to providing the Federal Government with quality consultants and support. To ensure mission success we focus on putting our customers first while minimizing corporate bureaucracy onour staff. We provide Subject Matter Experts (SME) free of Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) focused on independent analysis and mission support services within the disciplines of Engineering, Counter Terrorism Operations, Management, Information Technology, Signals Analysis, Administration, Cyber Security and Linguistics.

FTS has an opportunity for an RF Payload Engineer in Chantilly, VA.

The RF Payload Engineer will provide subject matter expert (SME) advice, technical evaluations, technical assessments and alternative approaches to the customer.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice, technical evaluations and alternative approaches as subject matter expert and technical advisor to a government customer on SIGINT payload design, integration, and performance
• Evaluate contractor designs, test plans, and performance data against mission requirements and provide independent recommendations
• Provide independent assessments of technical issues and assess schedule and cost implications
• Lead and/or participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and risk assessments
• Support end-to-end system engineering activities, including requirements definition, verification, and validation and stakeholder engagement
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including RF engineers, systems architects, and mission analysts
• Conduct rigorous analysis of alternatives for payload solutions, evaluating technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and performance analysis in alignment with strategic objectives
• Assess, create, and maintain comprehensive interface control documents (ICDs)
• Create and deliver technical presentations to program office leadership and stakeholders.
• Identify system risks and opportunities, and advise on mitigation strategies

Required Skills/Qualifications

• TS/SCI with polygraph
• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering or a related field
• 14+ years of relevant RF payload or space systems development experience
• 10+ years specifically in RF payload development or payload systems engineering with a focus on RF, digital signal processing, or SIGINT systems
• SIGINT payload development or systems engineering experience
• Knowledge of link budgets, antenna design, and RF propagation in space environments
• Deep understanding of RF systems, digital signal processing, and payload architectures
• Experience with space system development lifecycles, from concept through on-orbit operations
• Proven ability to evaluate contractor deliverables and provide actionable technical recommendations
• Strong communication skills for interfacing with senior government leaders

Desired Skills/Qualifications

• MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering or a related field 5+ years’ experience working on SIGINT systems
• 5+ years’ experience as a SETA
• Hands‑on experience with payload integration and test (I&T)
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools
• Payload performance modeling, link budget analysis, and end-to-end system simulation experience

FTS International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer - vets/disabled.