Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer

SAIC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer to provide critical technical expertise to Government mission managers. In this role, you will support all phases of planning, development, and execution for national security satellite operations as part of the System Engineering and Integration Team for a new space-based Space Domain Awareness (SDA) acquisition for the USSF.

About the role

You will focus on the initial development, future operations, and logistics of an advanced constellation of SDA satellites dedicated to space-based surveillance and reconnaissance. As a key technical advisor, you will bridge the gap between initial program planning and active mission execution, ensuring seamless operation and long-term sustainment of critical space assets. This position will also champion the integration of autonomous operations while assisting with overseeing multiple payload developments for optical systems and satellite communications alongside the government customer.

This is an on-site role based in El Segundo, CA, with up to 10% travel required.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive payload and space vehicle engineering support to Government mission managers across all lifecycle phases—from initial concept development through active flight operations and logistics.
• Develop, maintain, and execute detailed program plans to guide constellation deployment and operational readiness.
• Define, identify, monitor, and verify mission-unique requirements to align spacecraft capability with evolving mission objectives.
• Provide critical mission integration services for space vehicle and payload operations, logistics, sustainment, and launch.
• Develop and review technical assessments and presentations for senior leadership reviews.
• Generate mission status reports and presentations for Weekly Staff Meetings, Executive Program Reviews, and mission status briefings for space domain awareness programs.
• Review and provide technical evaluations for key mission contractual documentation related to sustainment contracts.
• Support the development and future operations of a sophisticated SDA satellite constellation designed for space-based surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Manage the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process, including formulating clear change definitions, conducting exhaustive technical evaluations, and assessing operational impacts.
• Collaborate with contractors and government stakeholders to review design modifications, ensuring payload compatibility and system integrity.
• Perform risk assessments on proposed hardware and software changes, presenting actionable findings to program leadership.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering specialty with at least ten (10) years of applicable experience.
• Hands-on experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations, logistics, or phased deployment schedules.
• Direct technical experience with optical, RF, or radar payloads.
• Experience with communication payloads and link budgets.
• Experience developing long-term vehicle sustainment plans, orbital maneuvers, or end-of-life disposal strategies.
• Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5), adjudicated for SCI eligibility, and be rolled into the Continuous Vetting program (if applicable).
• Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information and Special Access Programs and consent to a polygraph examination (as required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Systems Engineering.
• Hands-on experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations, logistics, or phased deployment schedules.
• Direct technical experience with optical, RF, or radar payloads.
• Experience with communication payloads and link budgets.
• Experience developing long-term vehicle sustainment plans, orbital maneuvers, or end-of-life disposal strategies.

Pay

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