Principal RF Payload Engineer
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Principal RF Payload Engineer
Location
Chantilly, VA, United States
Experience
Senior
Posted
Jul 10, 2026
Apply by
August 9, 2026
Applicants
0
Early applicantEasy applyFull-timeWork from Office
Job Description
Position Summary:
The RF Payload Engineer will support advanced space systems with a focus on RF payload development, integration, and production testing. This role contributes to the development, verification, and sustainment of RF payload hardware for space-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and communications missions.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and execute RF payload development including architecture definition, component selection, and subsystem integration.
• Develop and implement production-level RF payload testing including functional, performance, and environmental test plans.
• Perform RF link analysis, payload signal chain validation, and troubleshooting at system and component levels.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on payload interfaces and mission requirements.
• Support hardware manufacturing readiness, test procedure development, and flight certification processes.
• Generate engineering documentation, test reports, technical briefings, and configuration-controlled artifacts.
• Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer working groups.
• Provide technical insight during vendor management and risk assessments.
### Qualifications
Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience .
• 8–12+ years of experience in RF payloads, RF systems, or radar payload development.
• Expertise in RF hardware design, payload architectures, and test methodologies.
• Experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
Must have a TS/SCI, and be willing to obtain a poly.
### About the Company
[SAIC®](http://www.saic.com/) is a premier mission 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, intelligence, and civilian 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 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit [saic.com](http://www.saic.com/). For ongoing news, please visit our [newsroom](http://www.saic.com/who-we-are/newsroom/).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute RF payload development including architecture definition and subsystem integration.
- Develop and implement production-level RF payload testing plans for functional, performance, and environmental validation.
- Perform RF link analysis, payload signal chain validation, and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on payload interfaces and mission requirements.
- Support hardware manufacturing readiness, test procedure development, and flight certification processes.
- Generate engineering documentation, test reports, and configuration-controlled artifacts.
- Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer working groups.
- Provide technical insight during vendor management and risk assessments.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree with 9+ years of experience
- Master's degree with 7+ years of experience
Skills Required
RF payload developmentRF systemsRadar payload developmentRF hardware designPayload architecturesTest methodologiesVNAsSpectrum analyzersSignal generatorsRF link analysisSignal chain validationCollaborationTechnical communicationProblem solving
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