Satellite Payload Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is looking for a Satellite Payload Engineer in Chantilly, VA to support systems engineering for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The role involves evaluating satellite payload performance and resolving technical issues while collaborating with Prime contractors.

Qualified candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and a strong background in SAR payload development and processing, with active Top Secret/SCI clearance. Join us for a significant role in next-generation satellite capabilities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in SAR payload development, integration, and performance assessment.
• Deep knowledge of SAR algorithms and image formation techniques.
• Hands-on experience with satellite payload hardware.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate satellite payload requirements compliance with the Prime contractor.
• Review test plans and results for payload performance evaluation.
• Analyze SAR processing chains and image formation algorithms.
• Assist with resolving anomalies and identifying corrective actions.
• Assess emerging technical and programmatic risks.
• Build productive relationships with Prime and Subcontractor teams.
• Evaluate criteria for major program reviews.
• Support trade studies for future satellite systems development.

Skills

SAR Payload Development

SAR Processing & Image Formation

Satellite Hardware

Radar Payload Systems

Interpersonal Skills

Leadership

Analytical Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree with 14+ years experience or Master's with 12+ years or PhD/JD with 9+ years

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Job ID 2613701

Location

Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted

2026-06-15

Category

Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory

Systems Engineer

Schedule

Full-Time

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes - 10% of the time

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain

TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work

ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is seeking a Satellite Payload Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of an SAIC Prime Program supporting the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

Note: Qualified candidates must have an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a Poly to be considered.

As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in satellite payload architecture, SAR payload development, SAR processing and image formation, and end‑to‑end image chain performance. You will apply hands‑on satellite hardware experience and radar payload system knowledge to assess performance, resolve issues, and ensure seamless integration across space and ground segments. You will also drive enterprise‑level trade studies to define and refine requirements for future satellite capabilities, supporting mission success across the full lifecycle.

Job Responsibilities

• Evaluate satellite payload requirements compliance by working with the Prime contractor to analyze evidence, assess technical adequacy, and drive closure of open issues.
• Review test plans and results to evaluate payload performance at the unit, subsystem, and system levels, including SAR and radar payload components.
• Perform detailed analysis of SAR processing chains, image formation algorithms, calibration/validation data, and payload‑to‑ground data flow.
• Assist with understanding and resolving anomalies, performing root cause analysis, and identifying corrective actions, including evaluating technical and schedule impacts.
• Identify and assess emerging technical and programmatic risks at the enterprise, system, and subsystem levels, and collaborate with Prime and Subcontractor teams to develop and evaluate mitigation strategies.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with Prime and Subcontractor counterparts, functional teams, and subject matter experts to ensure effective collaboration.
• Evaluate entrance and exit criteria for major program reviews, such as Pre‑Ship Reviews.
• Support trade studies to define and further develop requirements for future satellite systems, including next‑generation SAR and radar payload capabilities.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and fourteen (14) or more years of relevant experience; Master’s degree and twelve (12) or more years; PhD or JD and nine (9) or more years.
• Active Top Secret /SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly.
• SAR Payload Development — experience supporting the design, development, integration, verification, or performance assessment of SAR payloads.
• SAR Processing & Image Formation — strong understanding of SAR algorithms, image formation techniques, calibration/validation processes, and mission data processing chains.
• Satellite Hardware — hands‑on experience with payload hardware, test equipment, unit‑ or subsystem‑level integration, environmental testing, or hardware troubleshooting.
• Radar Payload Systems — experience in radar payload architectures, RF chains, waveform design, performance modeling, and radar‑to‑ground data interfaces.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, team‑building, and analytical problem‑solving skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in a government/contractor environment.