{"id":3570491,"url":"https://alion.io/job/saic-payload-systems-engineer","title":"Payload Systems Engineer","company":{"id":58788,"name":"SAIC","domain":"saic.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/saic","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Oracle","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":78,"open_postings":83,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.88,"repost_share":0.012,"time_to_fill_p50_days":24,"computed_at":"2026-11-06T05:58:05Z"}},"role":"Aerospace","role_family":"Aerospace","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Chantilly, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":125000,"max_usd":225000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":265},"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"MBSE","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-14T16:19:13Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-14","last_verified_at":"2026-11-06T09:07:45Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":22,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":22},"description":"SAIC is seeking a Senior Payload Systems Engineer to provide 100% onsite Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a classified Government customer in Chantilly, VA. This role directly supports the development, integration, test, launch, checkout, and on-orbit operations of national security space systems carrying electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payloads. The selected candidate will provide independent technical analysis, technical review, monitoring of development contractor activities, test data review, and anomaly resolution support, while serving in a customer-facing advisory role to Government stakeholders.\nResponsibilities include, but are not limited to:\nServe as a primary technical advisor and customer-facing liaison to Government stakeholders on EO and/or SAR payload development, integration, test, launch, checkout, and on-orbit operations.\nSupport planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of multiple payload systems across the full space system lifecycle, ensuring end-to-end mission closure and satisfaction of mission needs.\nAssist the Government in developing concepts of operations (CONOPS), employment approaches, technical requirements, Statements of Work (SOWs), and other acquisition and contract documentation.\nProvide independent technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs and activities, participating in major design and program reviews and identifying progress, risks, issues, and mission impacts.\nReview contractor deliverables (e.g., CDRLs, test plans/reports, analyses) for technical accuracy, completeness, and sufficiency, including test data review and anomaly resolution support.\nPrepare and deliver clear, concise technical documents and briefings to senior Government customers and stakeholders, communicating study results, technical findings, and program status.\n Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM discipline; an additional 4 years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.\n8+ years of experience in space systems or payload systems engineering, focusing on remote sensing payloads such as EO and/or SAR, RF, or optical payloads.\nDemonstrated experience supporting U.S. Government, Intelligence Community, or DoD space programs, including familiarity with acquisition lifecycles, requirements development, and major milestone reviews.\nExperience in a customer-facing or advisory role, including presenting technical material and recommendations to Government stakeholders.\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical issues and clearly articulate findings and recommendations in writing and in person.\nAbility to work 100% onsite in a classified, multi-contractor environment, collaborating closely with Government and industry partners.\nClearance Requirements:\nActive TS/SCI clearance with a current CI polygraph is required for consideration.\nMust be a U.S. Citizen.\nPreferred Qualifications:\nMaster’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field.\nDirect experience with NRO missions, processes, and program structures.\nHands-on experience with EO and/or SAR payload design, performance analysis, integration and test, calibration, or on-orbit operations.\nExperience with test planning, test data analysis, and anomaly investigation/resolution for space or payload systems.\nPrior SETA, FFRDC, or Government lab experience providing independent technical oversight of development contractors.\nFamiliarity with systems engineering best practices and tools (e.g., requirements management, MBSE, risk management, configuration management).\nPhysical Requirements:\nWork is performed in an office and classified facility environment.\nAbility to work on a computer and remain in a stationary position for extended periods.\nAbility to participate in in-person meetings, technical reviews, and walkthroughs within office and secure facility spaces.\nSome local travel between customer and contractor sites may be 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