Spacecraft Payload Engineer

Job Description

Description

Serves as a Spacecraft Payload Engineer with emphasis on Wideband Phased Array Antennas and processors.

• Responsible for antenna array and end-to-end payload development as a technical expert.
  • Support end-to-end payload development with experience in the maintenance and verification of segment-level payload requirements and evaluation of specifications, Concept of Operations (CONOPs) development, verification plans, procedures and results, test data, and qualifications and acceptance test plans and results.
  • Support factory payload calibration activities and develop on-orbit verification events.
  • Apply knowledge of hardware and software to antenna and receiver development, including antenna element design, beamforming (digital and analog), beam commanding and steering, array front end linearity, sensitivity, ad receiver processing algorithms.  Consider and include Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP); thermal analysis; mechanical analysis; shock & vibration; EMI/EMC; manufacturing/producibility; reliability; Parts, Materials, and Processes (PMP) discipline; and radiation effects.
  • Oversee payload design updates with an understanding of all performance and spacecraft impacts due to these updates.
  • Apply program management knowledge to achieve technical performance within cost and schedule constraints.  Identify risk to program plans, develop corrective action plans, conduct ECP reviews and technical evaluations, cost and schedule evaluations, proposal evaluations, and formulate budgets.
• Support payload modification and modernization investigations and trade studies, assessing proposed payload designs and evaluation of alternatives to support on-contract development, technology insertion candidates, and future generation payload initiatives.
• Support acceptance testing and failure review boards.  Participate in root cause dispositioning for top technical issues.  Communicate technical and programmatic issues and provide succinct recommendations to government counterparts.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or a technical field such as Physics, Math, or Astronautics and 10 years engineering experience with RF systems
• Experience in the design, manufacturing, acquisition, analysis or operation of complex array systems to include working knowledge of downstream of receive/processors, RF front end linearity, and overall payload sensitivity
• Ability to perform basic independent RF Link Budgets
• Requires an active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance

Desired Qualification:

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a technical field such as Physics, Math, or Astronautics and 10 years engineering experience with RF systems
• Ability to effectively work with a large team of Government, FFRDC and SETA contractors as well as developmental contractors
• Able to convey complex technical and programmatic issues concisely to senior management, and be flexible and creative problem solver
• Understanding of National Security Systems resulting in intelligence products

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
Covid Policy: SAIC does not require COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters. Customer site vaccination requirements must be followed when work is performed at a customer site.

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology 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, civilian and intelligence 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 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.