SAIC · Reston, Virginia, US, US
Lead end-to-end integration of advanced radar and ISR payloads into spacecraft bus architectures for national security space programs. Drive mission-critical interface, verification, and test activities with direct impact on launch readiness and operational success.
About the Role
SAIC is seeking a Principal Integration Engineer - Payload to lead the integration of radar and ISR payloads into spacecraft bus architectures for national security space programs. You will work within a mission-focused, high-impact environment supporting complex interface, verification, and test activities. This role requires deep expertise in radar payload integration, spacecraft interfaces, and system-level testing. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems engineering, RF payload, and digital engineering to ensure mission success. Ideal candidates have 10-15+ years of payload or spacecraft integration experience, active TS/SCI clearance, and a proven track record in space hardware certification and integration readiness events. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Chantilly, VA, with potential for 10% travel. Your technical leadership and communication skills will be critical to driving integration risk assessments, troubleshooting anomalies, and ensuring mission readiness.
What You Will Do
Lead integration of radar and ISR payloads with spacecraft bus subsystems across electrical, mechanical, thermal, RF, and command/data interfaces.
Develop and manage payload-to-bus interface control documents (ICDs) and verification artifacts.
Execute system-level functional integration, hardware bring-up, and payload performance testing.
Coordinate with systems engineering, RF payload, radar design, and MBSE/digital engineering teams.
Drive integration readiness events including interface reviews, IRRs, environmental test plans, and launch readiness activities.
Perform integration risk assessments and technical trade studies.
Lead troubleshooting of payload anomalies during integration, test, and early orbit operations.
What We Are Looking For
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field; Master's preferred.
10-15+ years of experience in payload or spacecraft integration, including radar or ISR payloads.
Direct experience with radar payload integration and spacecraft interfaces.
Expertise with ICD development, verification planning, and configuration-controlled documentation.
Hands-on experience with system-level test environments and space hardware certification.
Active TS/SCI clearance.
Experience with space-based radar payloads or ISR mission architectures (desired).
Knowledge of digital engineering workflows and MBSE tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw (desired).
Experience supporting launch campaigns and early-orbit commissioning (desired).
Strong communication skills for technical leadership and customer engagement (desired).
If you are a mission-driven engineer with a passion for space systems and a proven track record in payload integration, we want to hear from you. Apply today to join SAIC’s team of innovators shaping the future of national security space programs.