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Full Time Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Spacecraft Payload SME

Chantilly, VA

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Transition to operations to include: development; operator training; payload initialization and ...

SCEYE INC

Lead Payload Systems Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

Moriarty, New Mexico Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth ... operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies. At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you ...

Excel Personnel Services

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Payload Processing Facility Manager

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Demonstrated track record operating or managing shared or multi-tenant payload processing ... We help match you with both temporary and full-time jobs that are a terrific fit for your skills ...

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$171K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and ...

The Aerospace Corporation

As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly ... This is a full-time position based in Chantilly VA, which requires 100% onsite work. What You'll Be ...

The Aerospace Corporation

As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly ... This is a full-time position based in Chantilly VA, which requires 100% onsite work. What You'll Be ...

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Full Time Payload Operator information

What is the difference between Full Time Payload Operator vs Part Time Payload Operator?

AspectFull Time Payload OperatorPart Time Payload Operator
Work HoursTypically 40+ hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 30 hours per week
CertificationsRequired certifications such as FAA Part 107 or equivalentSame certifications as full-time, but may vary based on hours
Work EnvironmentConsistent schedule, full-time employment in aviation or drone operationsFlexible schedule, often on an as-needed basis
Employer UsageEmployed directly by companies for ongoing operationsContract or freelance basis for specific projects

In summary, a Full Time Payload Operator works regular hours with full employment benefits, while a Part Time Payload Operator has flexible hours and may work on a contractual basis. Both roles require similar certifications and operate in comparable environments within the drone and aviation industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payload Operator jobs? The most popular types of Payload Operator jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Payload Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Payload Operator jobs are:
Full Time Payload Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Payload Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Spacecraft Payload SME

Spacecraft Payload SME

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job ID: 2610526

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-23

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC has an opening for a Spacecraft Payload SME Engineer with an understanding of Digital Receiver Processors. The individual selected will provide subject matter expertise to support customer decisions with respect to contractors’ development of spacecraft RF collection payloads and overall mission capabilities. Individual will perform the following duties.

  • Responsible for overseeing vendor development of RF antenna and receiver payload path to flight as the primary technical expert.
  • Responsible for supporting end-to-end payload development to include:
    • Analysis of alternatives
    • Requirements generation, evaluation and compliance assessments
    • Concept design evaluation
    • Critical technology element (CTE) identification and assessments; Technology readiness assessments (TRA); manufacturing readiness assessments (MRA).
    • Concept of Operations (CONOPS) development
    • Oversight of payload integration
    • Transition to operations to include: development; operator training; payload initialization and checkout; on-orbit operations and end of life operations
  • Responsible for assessing proposed payload design updates and understanding all performance and spacecraft impacts due to these updates.
  • Responsible for performing assessments of risk reduction plans associated with improving the maturity of payload design and hardware.
  • Responsible for working with contacts at prime and subcontractors to ensure work is on schedule and progressing.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor in Electrical Engineering or a technical field such as Physics, Math, or Astronautics with 9 years or more of experience; Masters with 7 years of experience or PhD and 4 years of experience.
  • Experience with Satellite RF systems
  • Ability to describe technical issues with designing SIGINT satellites.
  • Clearly demonstrate a working knowledge of the NRO satellite acquisition processes.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of orbital mechanics and environmental effects on a SIGINT satellite.
  • Proven ability to effectively work with a large team of Government, FFRDC, and SETA contractors as well as Developers.
  • Ability to convey complex technical and programmatic issues concisely to senior management

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