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Payload Integration Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description 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 ...

SES

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Develop, enhance or debug integrated payload and RF monitoring applications and tools required for hardware and performance monitoring, operation automation, resource optimisation and constellation ...

MX1

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Develop, enhance or debug integrated payload and RF monitoring applications and tools required for hardware and performance monitoring, operation automation, resource optimisation and constellation ...

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

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description 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 ...

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 ... We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Payload Subject Matter Expert to support the NRO GEOINT Directorate ... We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that ...

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Payload Integration information

What is a payload integration?

Payload Integration jobs involve coordinating and managing the process of integrating scientific instruments, satellites, or other cargo (the 'payload') with a launch vehicle, such as a rocket or spacecraft. Professionals in this role work closely with engineering teams, customers, and mission planners to ensure that payloads are properly installed, tested, and meet all safety and interface requirements before launch. They play a critical role in making sure that payloads are delivered into space safely and function as intended. This work requires strong technical knowledge, project management skills, and attention to detail.

What skills and qualifications are needed for payload integration?

To excel as a Payload Integration Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with payload design and integration processes. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards like NASA or ESA protocols, along with relevant certifications, is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure that payloads are safely, efficiently, and accurately integrated into launch vehicles, minimizing risks and maximizing mission success.

What are common challenges faced by payload integration specialists during satellite mission preparation?

Payload integration specialists often encounter challenges such as coordinating between multiple teams (engineering, testing, and mission operations) to ensure compatibility and safety of payloads. Managing tight schedules and adapting to last-minute design changes or unexpected technical issues are also frequent hurdles. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to navigate these complexities and ensure the payload is successfully integrated and ready for launch.

What is the difference between Payload Integration vs Payload Specialist?

AspectPayload IntegrationPayload Specialist
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, technical certificationsTechnical background, training in payload handling
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, launch sitesLaunch vehicles, spacecraft, mission sites
Employer & Industry UsageAerospace companies, government agenciesNASA, aerospace contractors, space agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Payload Integration involves designing, testing, and ensuring payloads are compatible with launch vehicles, focusing on engineering and technical processes. Payload Specialist, on the other hand, is a role that involves operating and managing payloads during space missions, often requiring specialized training for onboard handling. While both roles work closely with payloads, Integration is more technical and preparatory, whereas Specialist is operational during missions.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Payload Integration jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Payload Integration job openings:

Payload Integration jobs near you

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about SAICexternal

$160K - $200K/yr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

SAIC rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job ID: 2614440
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-10
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Systems Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
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 sustainment of RF payload hardware for space-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and communications missions.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and execute RF payload development including architecture definition, component selection, and subsystem integration.
  • Develop and implement production-level RF payload testing including functional, performance, and environmental test plans.
  • Perform RF link analysis, payload signal chain validation, and troubleshooting at system and component levels.
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on payload interfaces and mission requirements.
  • Support hardware manufacturing readiness, test procedure development, and flight certification processes.
  • Generate engineering documentation, test reports, technical briefings, and configuration-controlled artifacts.
  • Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer working groups.
  • Provide technical insight during vendor management and risk assessments.

Qualifications
  • ?Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience.
  • 8-12+ years of experience in RF payloads, RF systems, or radar payload development.
  • Expertise in RF hardware design, payload architectures, and test methodologies.
  • Experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
  • Must have a TS/SCI, and be willing to obtain a poly.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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