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Satellite Payload Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems--both on‑orbit and in development. You will ...

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, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems-both on-orbit and in development. You will support ...

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, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems-both on-orbit and in development. You will support ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer Chief

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$200K - $240K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer Chief , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems--both on‑orbit and in development. You ...

Saic

Payload Systems Engineer Chief

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer Chief , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems--both on‑orbit and in development. You ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer Chief

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer Chief , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems-both on-orbit and in development. You will ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer Chief

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer Chief , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems-both on-orbit and in development. You will ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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 ...

Saic

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Description SAIC is seeking a Payload Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to provide onsite systems ... You will be critical in supporting the development and execution of multiple satellite systems ...

Vitesse Systems

Payload Systems Engineer III

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

We design, engineer, and manufacture our own antennas to support the payload integration needs of ... Design advanced communication payloads for satellite systems across all orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO)

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Satellite Payload Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do satellite payload systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite payload systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Payload Systems Engineer jobs?

For Satellite Payload Systems Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Satellite Payload Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

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

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job ID: 2613887

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-04

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Payload Systems Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of an SAIC Prime Program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

As the Payload Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems—both on‑orbit and in development. You will support the Payload Division SETA team in advising the government on technical, programmatic, and acquisition activities across EO and SAR payload portfolios. This role requires familiarity with NRO mission structures, acquisition processes, and satellite system lifecycles.

Job Responsibilities to include:

  • Advise the PROSPO Payload Division Chief on all aspects of payload development and acquisition.
  • Support the SPO in planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of multiple EO and SAR payload systems in development and acquisition.
  • Assist the Government in developing CONOPS and employment approaches for EO and SAR systems.
  • Assist the Government in developing requirement documents, statements of work (SOWs), and other contract documents during program acquisition and contract action preparation.
  • Provide oversight of acquisitions to ensure end‑to‑end system closure and satisfaction of mission need.
  • Draft technical evaluations and serve as a technical advisor during source selections.
  • Provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to evaluate progress, risks, issues, and ability to meet mission requirements.
  • Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers and the COTR.
  • Review CDRL deliverables for technical accuracy, completeness, and sufficiency to meet program objectives.
  • Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes.
  • Develop documents and briefings to communicate study results, technical findings, and program status to Government and industry stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelors in Engineering or Similar Field and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with current Polygraph.
  • Experience with satellite and/or satellite payload system requirement development, design, manufacturing, and test.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting satellite and/or payload design reviews, including SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR, PSR, and related milestone reviews.
  • Experience supporting the acquisition of multiple payload systems.
  • Experience developing requirement documents, statements of work, and other contract documents for major acquisition programs.
  • Proven ability to assess contractor designs, identify risks, and evaluate technical performance against mission requirements.
  • Strong interpersonal, leadership, team‑building, and problem‑solving skills with demonstrated effectiveness in a government/contractor environment.
  • Working knowledge of the NRO organization, major acquisition processes, and satellite systems.

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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