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Payload Processing Systems Engineer

QinetiQ US
Chantilly, VA Other
POSTED ON 1/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/15/2027

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50 locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

 

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

 

Why Join QinetiQ US?

 

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ is seeking experienced Payload Processing Responsible Systems Engineers (PPRSE) to support the NRO Office of Space Launch (OSL).   Candidates will support the preparation, integration, and deployments of launch payloads in support of the OSL mission objectives.  The PPSE is a technical/engineering professional who acts as technical expert on complex and critical payload processing systems and processes. This includes specialty engineering services for propellant loading and support, sate1lite transportation systems, RF and lightning monitoring, cleanroom services and pneumatics/breathing air.  Candidates will provide the OSL expert advice and technical evaluations on technical approach and execution; as well as provides alternatives. The PPRSE also provides support to ensure thorough and consistent implementation of NRO and OSL Systems Engineering, IT/IA/IM, and Engineering processes. PPRSE Tasks may include:

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate payload processing specification requirements and identify system shortfalls
  • Develop and document system level requirements for OSL payload processing systems and facilities
  • Maintain the baseline and supporting O&M documentation for technical systems
  • Provide project lead services for maintenance and modifications to assigned systems
  • Provide design or design oversight, develop technical documentation, support engineering review boards and ensure configuration control authorization for changes
  • Create cost and schedule estimates in support of sustainment, upgrades, or new requirements for assigned systems.
  • Manage service contracts for specialty items (e.g. generator maintenance) including statement of work development, technical tasking and work acceptance.
  • Provide fabrication, installation, and construction over-site including answering technical Requests For Information (RF!) and ensuring technical compliance with design documentation
  • Develop and implement maintenance strategies including Reliability Centered Maintenance, (RCM) analysis and predictive maintenance applications ensuring critical system availability and reliability
  • Assess system performance, system operation and maintenance, resolve non-conformances, and assess related data to support the Mission Readiness Process
  • Develop and implement verification and validation processes and activities
  • Develop technical procedures and work authorizing documentation for operation of critical payload processing systems
  • Operate systems per technical procedure and coordinate/document deviations to the written procedure
  • Identify system problems and document non-conformances, provide notifications to customer and stakeholders, troubleshoot, support Root Cause Analysis (RCA), coordinate/implement technical solution including re-validations
  • Conduct Asset Condition Assessment (ACA) evaluations and recommend changes to sustainment (tactical) and road-map (strategic) plans to assure system viability throughout the systems lifespanDecommission systems at the end of useful life

Required Qualifications

  • Masters degree in STEM field 
  • TS/SCI with CI Poly; #qinetiqclearedjob
  • 10 years minimum relevant experience
  • 5 years minimum relevant NRO experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • 15 years experience
  • 10 years NRO experience

Company EEO Statement

 

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

 

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Hourly Wage Estimation for Payload Processing Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA
$58.00 to $69.00
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