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Mission Payload Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in ... mission success across the full lifecycle. Job Responsibilities to include. * Evaluate satellite ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in ... mission success across the full lifecycle. Job Responsibilities to include. * Evaluate satellite ...

Tomorrow.io

Optical Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Translate mission and scientific data needs into payload requirements, interfaces, performance budgets, and verification plans in collaboration with senior engineers and atmospheric scientists.

Tomorrow.io

Optical Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Translate mission and scientific data needs into payload requirements, interfaces, performance budgets, and verification plans in collaboration with senior engineers and atmospheric scientists.

Tomorrow.io

GNSS Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

Translate mission and scientific data needs into payload requirements, interfaces, performance budgets, and verification plans in collaboration with senior engineers and atmospheric scientists.

Tomorrow.io

GNSS Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

Translate mission and scientific data needs into payload requirements, interfaces, performance budgets, and verification plans in collaboration with senior engineers and atmospheric scientists.

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on payload interfaces and mission requirements. * Support ... Generate engineering documentation, test reports, technical briefings, and configuration-controlled ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... Payload Subject Matter Expert to support the NRO GEOINT Directorate. This is a Systems Engineering ... SAIC ® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... Payload Subject Matter Expert to support the NRO GEOINT Directorate. This is a Systems Engineering ... SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers ...

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on payload interfaces and mission requirements. * Support ...

Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly ... SUMMARY The Payload Engineer II is responsible for the design, analysis, development, and ...

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Mission Payload Engineer information

See salary details

$57.5K

$103.7K

$154.5K

How much do mission payload engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission payload engineer in the United States is $103,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are popular job titles related to Mission Payload Engineer jobs?

For Mission Payload Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mission Payload Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,684 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Science Applications International Corporation
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Science Applications International Corporationexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

SAIC rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job 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 to include.
  • 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.

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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