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Payload Integration Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SAR Payload Development - experience supporting the design, development, integration, verification ... engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SAR Payload Development - experience supporting the design, development, integration, verification ... ing services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in ... ensure seamless integration across space and ground segments. You will also drive ...

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The RF Payload Engineer will support advanced space systems with a focus on RF payload development, integration, and production testing. This role contributes to the development, verification, and ...

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 technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition ... SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the ...

SAIC

Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer provides technical expertise and systems engineering support for the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based optical payloads and ...

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The RF Payload Engineer will support advanced space systems with a focus on RF payload development, integration, and production testing. This role contributes to the development, verification, and ...

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Payload Integration Engineer information

What are Payload Integration Engineers?

Payload Integration Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that spacecraft payloads, such as satellites or scientific instruments, are properly designed, tested, and integrated with the launch vehicle. They coordinate between payload providers, launch vehicle teams, and mission planners to ensure compatibility and safe installation. Their work includes overseeing mechanical, electrical, and thermal interfaces, performing integration tests, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the process. These engineers play a crucial role in successful space missions by ensuring payloads are delivered to orbit safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payload Integration Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payload Integration Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience with systems integration, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards such as NASA or ESA requirements, as well as certifications like EIT or PE, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure that complex payloads are integrated safely and efficiently, meeting mission requirements and minimizing risks.

What are some common challenges Payload Integration Engineers face when coordinating with multiple teams during a satellite launch campaign?

Payload Integration Engineers frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including spacecraft engineering, mission operations, and launch providers. A common challenge is ensuring all payload requirements are met while aligning schedules and technical specifications across these groups. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to anticipate and resolve integration issues, manage last-minute changes, and ensure safety and mission objectives are upheld. Successfully overcoming these challenges not only ensures a smooth launch but also fosters valuable experience in multidisciplinary teamwork.
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Payload Integration Engineer jobs near you

Senior Technical Lead - Air Launched Effects & Aircraft Survivability

John H. Northrop & Associates

Fort Eustis, VA • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Start Date: August 2026

JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

OVERVIEW

Full-time/Permanent Employee

Location: Newport News, VA

Aether Aerospace is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Lead to provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise supporting U.S. Army Aviation modernization initiatives. This position serves as a trusted advisor to Government customers and internal engineering teams across Air Launched Effects (ALE), Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE), Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), payload integration, Electronic Warfare (EW), and advanced aviation technologies.

The ideal candidate combines deep Army Aviation operational experience with Army acquisition knowledge and systems engineering expertise to help guide programs from concept development through fielding while supporting strategic customer engagement, technical planning, and cross-functional integration.

ROLES:

  • Serve as the technical advisor for Air Launched Effects (ALE), Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE), Electronic Warfare (EW), payload integration, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) initiatives.
  • Provide subject matter expertise supporting U.S. Army Aviation customers throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
  • Collaborate with Government program offices, engineering teams, industry partners, and military stakeholders to develop technical solutions supporting mission requirements.
  • Support systems engineering activities including requirements development, technical evaluations, integration planning, risk identification, and capability assessments.
  • Assist with the development and review of acquisition documentation including:
  • Capability Development Documents (CDD)
  • Capability Production Documents (CPD)
  • Initial Capability Documents (ICD)
  • System specifications
  • Interface agreements
  • Technical reports
  • Engineering documentation
  • Provide technical input during design reviews, milestone reviews, Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and customer working groups.
  • Support payload integration activities across multiple Army Aviation platforms.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and provide recommendations supporting modernization initiatives.
  • Coordinate across engineering, logistics, test, configuration management, cybersecurity, and program management organizations.
  • Develop technical briefings and present recommendations to senior military leaders, acquisition officials, and executive leadership.
  • Support business development efforts by identifying future customer requirements and technology opportunities.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Clearance: Active Secret clearance

  • Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aviation, Computer Science, or related technical discipline. 10+ years of experience supporting Army Aviation programs.
  • Experience supporting Army Acquisition programs.
  • Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Air Launched Effects (ALE)
  • Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE)
  • Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)
  • Payload Integration
  • Aviation Mission Systems
  • Experience supporting Program Executive Office Aviation (PEO Aviation), PM Aviation, or related Army organizations.
  • Experience collaborating with Government program offices, engineering organizations, and operational stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience briefing senior leadership.

JHNA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.