Principal Integration Engineer at SAIC in Chantilly, VA

ExperiencedOn-siteChantilly, VA

Skills

radar payload integrationisr payload integrationspacecraft bus integrationinterface control documents (icds)verification planningconfiguration-controlled documentationsystem-level test environmentsspace hardware certificationmbsedigital engineeringtechnical leadershipcommunicationcoordinationspace-based radar payloadsisr mission architecturesdigital engineering workflowscameomagicdrawlaunch campaign supportearly-orbit commissioningcustomer engagement

Job Description

Position Summary

The Principal Integration Engineer – Payload leads end-to-end integration of advanced radar and ISR payloads into spacecraft bus architectures. This role requires radar payload integration experience and supports complex interface, verification, and mission integration activities for national security space programs.

Key Responsibilities

· 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.

Qualifications

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 .

Desired Qualifications

· Experience with space-based radar payloads or ISR mission architectures.

· Knowledge of digital engineering workflows and MBSE tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw.

· Experience supporting launch campaigns and early-orbit commissioning.

· Strong communication skills for technical leadership and customer engagement.

Must have a TS/SCI, and be willing to obtain a poly

About the Company

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.