ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Payload Integration Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

The Payload Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to guide the development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system. In addition, the ...

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Payload Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to guide the development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system. In addition, the ...

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Payload Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to guide the development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system. In addition, the ...

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This role requires radar payload integration experience and supports complex interface, verification, and mission integration activities for national security space programs. Key Responsibilities:

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

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 ...

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This role requires radar payload integration experience and supports complex interface, verification, and mission integration activities for national security space programs. Key Responsibilities:

FTS International LLC

Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Provide expert advice, technical evaluations and alternative approaches as subject matter expert and technical advisor to a government customer on SIGINT payload design, integration, and performance

JRC Careers

Flight Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

This position is responsible for the end-to-end integration of warhead and payload - ensuring the flight systems architecture meets mission, safety, surety, performance requirement What You'll Do

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPayload Integration JobsPayload Integration Jobs in Reston, VA

Payload Integration information

See Reston, VA salary details

$22.4K

$122.7K

$177.9K

How much do payload integration jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload integration in Reston, VA is $122,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $152,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 near Reston, VA are hiring for Payload Integration jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Payload Integration job openings:

Payload Integration jobs near you

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

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

$107K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 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


Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.
SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.
Job Description:
This position is for a Payload Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Payload Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to guide the development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system. In addition, the selected candidate will provide engineering expertise to oversee the payload integration activities (both technical and programmatic), track integration efforts, assess risk, and lead and support impact studies and trades.
Role Responsibilities:
  • Support the System Program Office (SPO) in a technical capacity for acquisition planning, design, integration of payloads associated with space systems
  • Provide programmatic and technical support on payload trades and integration activities to support the fielding of a space system
  • Support Payload interface compatibility analyses
  • Perform system analysis and interface definition and management/ execution
  • Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities
  • Participate in payload integration risk reduction planning and test execution
  • Develop plans to on-ramp new mission capabilities
  • Assist in the development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs); defining the technical, electrical, and mechanical boundaries between satellites and launch vehicles
  • Support verification, validation, and test planning
  • Provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to assess progress, risks and issues, and the ability to achieve mission requirements
  • Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes.
  • Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.

Qualifications
  • TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience
  • System integration and test experience with space systems
  • Knowledge and application of Systems Engineering processes and functions.
  • Prior experience with satellite systems design, requirements, development, integration and test.
  • Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.
  • Proven experience with satellite system requirement development, design, manufacturing, and test.
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
  • Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
  • Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
  • Active TS/SCI required.
  • Previous SAP experience desired.

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.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply