Space RF Payload SME

*Active TS/SCI Clearance is needed for consideration to this role*

Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a Space RF Payload Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a mission-critical customer program based in El Segundo, CA. This position is a full-time, onsite role, working directly in customer facilities.

As a Space RF Payload SME, you will play a pivotal role in advising and guiding the development of advanced spaceborne RF signal processing payloads, ground processing systems, and mission capabilities. You will work side-by-side with government stakeholders, providing technical leadership and oversight across the full payload lifecycle—from concept design to on-orbit operations—in a high-visibility, high-impact national security environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary technical authority providing oversight across the development, build, verification, and deployment of space RF payloads.
• Provide government leadership and actionable recommendations, including course corrections to payload design and implementation.
• Lead requirements development and traceability, including evaluation of requirements flow-down and compliance assessments.
• Conduct concept design evaluations and analysis of alternatives (AoA) to support mission decision-making.
• Perform and assess:
  • Critical Technology Elements (CTEs)
  • Technology Readiness Assessments (TRAs)
  • Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRAs)
• Develop and refine Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for payload systems.
• Provide technical oversight for:
  • Payload integration onto spacecraft
  • Integration & Test (I&T) processes
  • Transition to operations, including training, checkout, and on-orbit support
• Evaluate payload design updates, identifying impacts to performance, spacecraft interfaces, and mission objectives.
• Assess risk reduction strategies to mature payload designs and hardware readiness.
• Collaborate with prime contractors and subcontractors to ensure schedules, deliverables, and technical objectives are met.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field (Physics, Math, Aerospace), plus 14+ years of relevant experience, OR
• Master’s degree with 12+ years of experience.
• Extensive experience with:
  • Spaceborne RF payloads
  • Digital signal processing and signals analysis
  • Mission data processing systems
• Strong ability to analyze complex technical challenges and deliver effective solutions.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Orbital mechanics
  • Environmental effects on RF payload performance
• Experience applying Systems Engineering principles to payload development, integration, and deployment.
• Excellent communication skills with both technical peers and senior customer leadership.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (T5 or SSBI), with eligibility for SCI and enrollment in Continuous Evaluation.
• Willingness to:
  • Be nominated for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Programs (SAP)
  • Undergo a polygraph examination

Compensation to include:

• Salary Range: $200,000 – $240,000 *depending on experience*
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave if Required by Law

This job opens for applications on 2/24/26. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date

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Keywords: Space RF Payloads, Signal Processing, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Remote Sensing, Space Systems Engineering, Mission Analysis, RF Systems, Payload Integration & Test (I&T), Orbital Mechanics, CONOPS, TRL, MRL, Satellite Communications, Link Budget Analysis, Spacecraft Integration, RF Engineering, Aerospace Systems, DoD Acquisition, National Security Space, TS/SCI, Top Secret,