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Payload Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in ...

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... ORA_ON_SITE Description The RF Payload Engineer will support advanced space systems with a focus on ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... As the Payload Systems Engineer , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition ...

Vitesse Systems

Payload Systems Engineer III

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree * MSEE in related field ... Payload Experience - ideally communication payloads * Payload Analysis and Budgets: EIRP, G/T ...

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 ... ORA_ON_SITE Description The RF Payload Engineer will support advanced space systems with a focus on ...

Boeing

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $182K/yr

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering (with a focus on ... payloads engineering (e.g Cabin, Cockpit and Cargo) * 9+ years of experience in designing ...

KBR

Payload Specialist - SIGINT

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $205K/yr

Title: Payload Specialist - SIGINT Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management ...

KBR, Inc.

Payload Specialist - SIGINT

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Title: Payload Specialist - SIGINT Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management ...

ICEYE US-SkyFi

Payload Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

Payload Software Engineer At ICEYE, we design, build and operate the largest fleet of Synthetic ... and scientific researchers. As a trusted mission partner, the United States and its allies depend ...

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Payload Scientist information

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How much do payload scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Infographic showing various Payload Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

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

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 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: 2613701

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-07

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

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.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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