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Orbit Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Antenna Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$165K - $197K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Antenna Engineer will provide systems engineering technical assistance in the area of satellite ... Participate in on-orbit test and calibration of satellites * Perform basic RF link calculations and ...

Lead troubleshooting of payload anomalies during integration, test, and early orbit operations. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace ...

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Must possess knowledge of orbital mechanics and experience with orbit modeling and analysis and ...

Must possess knowledge of orbital mechanics and experience with orbit modeling and analysis and ... Programming, and data reduction and analysis, experience using Python and/or Interface Definition ...

Lead troubleshooting of payload anomalies during integration, test, and early orbit operations. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace ...

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... topics such as orbit design and modification, payload resource allocation, and capacity ...

Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated ... The Principal Space Engineer will be expected to lead various satellite communication RF ...

Senior Cryptographic Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Support COMSEC handling, key management planning, and operational procedures for on-orbit fleet ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ...

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Thermal Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the hardware development of SCOUT's on-orbit ... Execute on-orbit and TVAC analyses * Conduct trade studies to develop passive and active control ...

Showing results 41-60

Orbit Engineer information

What is the difference between Orbit Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectOrbit EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; often requires experience in orbital mechanicsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering; certifications in satellite design are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing orbital trajectories, working with mission planning teamsDeveloping satellite hardware/software, testing, and integration
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace agencies, satellite operators, and space mission companiesSatellite manufacturing firms, aerospace companies, and defense contractors

Orbit Engineers focus on orbital mechanics, trajectory analysis, and mission planning, while Satellite Systems Engineers work on satellite hardware, software, and system integration. Both roles are essential in satellite missions but differ in their core responsibilities and expertise areas.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Orbit Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Orbit Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Orbit Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services


Job description

Position Summary:

The Principal Integration Engineer - Payload leads end-to-end integration of advanced radar and ISR payloads into spacecraft bus architectures. This role requires radar payload integration experience and supports complex interface, verification, and mission integration activities for national security space programs.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead integration of radar and ISR payloads with spacecraft bus subsystems across electrical, mechanical, thermal, RF, and command/data interfaces.
  • Develop and manage payload-to-bus interface control documents (ICDs) and verification artifacts.
  • Execute system-level functional integration, hardware bring-up, and payload performance testing.
  • Coordinate with systems engineering, RF payload, radar design, and MBSE/digital engineering teams.
  • Drive integration readiness events including interface reviews, IRRs, environmental test plans, and launch readiness activities.
  • Perform integration risk assessments and technical trade studies.
  • Lead troubleshooting of payload anomalies during integration, test, and early orbit operations.
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.
  •  Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field;
  • Master's preferred.
  • 10-15+ years of experience in payload or spacecraft integration, including radar or ISR payloads.
  • Direct experience with radar payload integration and spacecraft interfaces.
  • Expertise with ICD development, verification planning, and configuration-controlled documentation.
  • Hands-on experience with system-level test environments and space hardware certification.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance .

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with space-based radar payloads or ISR mission architectures.
  • Knowledge of digital engineering workflows and MBSE tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw.
  • Experience supporting launch campaigns and early-orbit commissioning.
  • Strong communication skills for technical leadership and customer engagement.
  • Must have a TS/SCI, and be willing to obtain a poly.

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