Principal RF Payload Engineer

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Job ID: 2614440

Location: Chantilly, VA, United States

Date Posted: Jul 10, 2026

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS/SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: On-Site

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Job Description

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.

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

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC 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. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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