Spacecraft Payload Engineer

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers.

Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.

Ensure all your application information is up to date and in order before applying for this opportunity.

SSI is seeking a Spacecraft Payload Engineer in Chantilly, VA with an emphasis on Wideband Phased Array Antennas and processors.

Responsibilities Include :

• Responsible for antenna array and end-to-end payload development as a technical expert.
• Support end-to-end payload development with experience in the maintenance and verification of segment-level payload requirements and evaluation of specifications, Concept of Operations (CONOPs) development, verification plans, procedures and results, test data, and qualifications and acceptance test plans and results.
• Support factory payload calibration activities and develop on-orbit verification events.
• Apply knowledge of hardware and software to antenna and receiver development, including antenna element design, beamforming (digital and analog), beam commanding and steering, array front end linearity, sensitivity, and receiver processing algorithms.
• Consider and include Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP); thermal analysis; mechanical analysis; shock & vibration; EMI / EMC;

manufacturing / producibility; reliability; Parts, Materials, and Processes (PMP) discipline; and radiation effects.

• Oversee payload design updates with an understanding of all performance and spacecraft impacts due to these updates.
• Apply program management knowledge to achieve technical performance within cost and schedule constraints. Identify risk to program plans, develop corrective action plans, conduct ECP reviews and technical evaluations, cost and schedule evaluations, proposal evaluations, and formulate budgets.
• Support payload modification and modernization investigations and trade studies, assessing proposed payload designs and evaluation of alternatives to support on-contract development, technology insertion candidates, and future generation payload initiatives.
• Support acceptance testing and failure review boards. Participate in root cause dispositioning for top technical issues.

Communicate technical and programmatic issues and provide succinct recommendations to government counterparts.

Required Qualifications :

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or a technical field such as Physics, Math, or Astronautics and 10 years of engineering experience with RF systems.
• Experience in the design, manufacturing, acquisition, analysis, or operation of complex array systems to include working knowledge of downstream of receive / processors, RF front-end linearity, and overall payload sensitivity.
• Ability to perform basic independent RF Link Budgets.
• Requires an active TS / SCI with polygraph clearance.
• Yes, 25 % of the Time

Desirable Qualifications :

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a technical field such as Physics, Math, or Astronautics and 10 years of engineering experience with RF systems.
• Ability to effectively work with a large team of Government, FFRDC, and SETA contractors as well as developmental contractors.
• Able to convey complex technical and programmatic issues concisely to senior management, and be a flexible and creative problem solver
• Understanding of National Security Systems resulting in intelligence products.

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Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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