Space Sensing Payload Architect

Leidos


Job Location:

San Diego, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 154050 - 278475
Posted on: 14 days ago
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact

At Leidos we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers success. We empower our teams contribute to our communities and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers our people and our community. Our Mission Vision and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next career challenge

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems solutions and services covering land sea air space and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT large-scale intelligence systems command and control geospatial and data analytics cybersecurity logistics training and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the worlds toughest security challenges for customers with cant fail missions.

Are you looking to make an impact in developing space-based sensing capabilities that help solve national security challenges

The Proliferated Space Systems Division within the Leidos Space Business Area currently has an opening for a Payload Architect to work in our San Diego CA office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience to design build and test of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) payloads where Leidos is transforming the payload solutions for the future. The Payload Architect leads the detailed technical development of space-based sensing solutions throughout the lifecycle of programs from conceptual design thought production. This is a dynamic challenging opportunity to lead the production of integrated sensor technologies that are highly capable fieldable and scalable.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Responsible for applied research and advanced engineering in the development of new electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors components and subassemblies.

  • On a project basis directs and coordinates all activities necessary to complete major projects requiring a wide variety of technical skills.

  • Organizes and reviews technical effort documentation and deliverables on contracts in conjunction with program management staff.

  • Serves as the technical lead for assigned EO/IR system proposals and assists in developing and screening research and development proposals within the department.

  • Assists managers in identifying and evaluating company technical capabilities which will help strengthen proposals key technologies and investment strategies directed toward company growth.

  • Assists in evaluating technical capabilities of prospective and existing employees.

  • Recognized authority in the design assembly test and operation of space-based EO/IR sensors.

  • Communication skills necessary to advise counsel and/or guide people on complex technical matters.

  • Success is highly dependent upon the level and proficiency of communication/writing skills.

Basic Qualifications

  • Masters Degree with 15 years of prior relevant experience or Ph.D. with 13 years of prior relevant experience.

  • Must be a US citizen and possess an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

  • Specialized experience includes the use of structured analysis design methodologies and/or design tools in the development and implementation of large projects and experience leading EO/IR sensor assembly integration and test.

  • The successful candidate should be a creative problem solver and demonstrate a broad ranging technical management and team development experience encompassing:

    • Electro-optical multispectral and hyperspectral imaging sensors for ground airborne and space applications

    • Visible and infrared focal plane array and photo-detector technology

    • Process and system development

    • Failure and reliability engineering

    • Risk analysis and management

Preferred Qualifications

  • Active Top Secret Security Clearance

If youre looking for comfort keep scrolling. At Leidos we outthink outbuild and outpace the status quo because the mission demands it. Were not hiring followers. Were recruiting the ones who disrupt provoke and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. Were already at step 30 and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

May 27 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $154050.00 - $278475.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job education experience knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal equity alignment with market data applicable bargaining agreement (if any) or other law.


Required Experience:

Staff IC

Looking for an opportunity to make an impactAt Leidos we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers success. We empower our teams contribute to our communities and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitme...

About Company

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Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health. Our 47,000 employees collaborate to create smarter technology solutions for customers in these critical markets.

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