Senior Payload Engineer at Maxar Technologies

Westminster, Colorado, United States

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, SpaceIndustries

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active secret Security Clearance or have the ability to obtain secret clearance
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
8+ years of experience working with space-based optical remote sensing payloads, especially within LEO missions
Proven experience in electrical systems engineering for space platforms, including familiarity with radiation effects on electronic systems and parts derating/qualification processes
Demonstrated experience with spacecraft-payload interface development, electrical interface analysis, and supporting cross-functional teams across the space segment
Ability to interpret and analyze schematics, block diagrams, and PCB layouts, and perform system-level implications analysis from hardware-level changes
Demonstrated familiarity with current and emerging FPGA, processor, and memory technologies
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering
Experience with modeling tools such as MATLAB, STK, SPICE, HFSS, or signal integrity/power analysis software
Familiarity with imaging payloads (visible, multispectral, or hyperspectral), data processing requirements, and performance metrics (SNR, MTF, etc.)
Experience with fault management, redundancy architectures, and design for reliability in long-duration space missions
Familiarity with space industry quality and standards frameworks (NASA GSFC, JPL, ECSS, MIL-STD-1547, IPC standards)

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical interface between the imaging payload and spacecraft bus, ensuring compatibility and joint performance optimization across electrical, mechanical, thermal, and data interfaces
Lead and participate in system-level trades to evaluate design alternatives, performance vs. cost/risk trade-offs, and technology insertion opportunities
Assess and troubleshoot emerging payload and bus designs down to the circuit level using your electrical engineering background
Support radiation analysis and mitigation strategies for electronics in space environments, collaborating with design teams to guide EEE parts selection and architecture-level protections
Perform or review signal and power integrity analyses, and ensure adherence to space-qualified electrical standards (MIL-STD, ECSS, NASA standards, etc.)
Model and evaluate payload-level power, data, and timing interactions and contribute to electrical interface control documentation (ICDs)
Participate in the evaluation of emerging technologies, COTS/FoS (Commercial/Flyable off the Shelf) hardware, and new mission concepts with an eye toward system-level integration feasibility
Contribute to design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and work across disciplines to ensure the payload systems meet performance, reliability, and environmental constraints

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Electrical EngineeringPayload SystemsSpacecraft Bus IntegrationOptical Remote SensingSystem TradesRadiation AnalysisEEE Parts SelectionSignal IntegrityPower IntegrityMIL-STDECSSNASA StandardsInterface Control Documentation

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work location and remote policy for this role?

This position is based in Westminster, CO and requires in-office work, with flexibility for one to two days from home.

What are the minimum qualifications for this Senior Payload Engineer role?

Candidates must be U.S. Citizens with an active secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain it, hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field, have 8+ years of experience with space-based optical remote sensing payloads in LEO missions, and proven experience in electrical systems engineering for space including radiation effects and spacecraft-payload interfaces.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What security clearance is required for this role?

Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen with an active secret Security Clearance or have the ability to obtain secret clearance.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Payload Engineer position?

A strong candidate has a hands-on electrical engineering background, deep expertise in space-based optical remote sensing systems, experience with payload-spacecraft bus interactions, and the ability to lead system-level trades, perform radiation and signal integrity analyses, and support design reviews.

Maxar Technologies

Earth intelligence and space infrastructure solutions

About Maxar Technologies

Maxar Technologies specializes in Earth intelligence and space infrastructure, providing essential solutions for both government and commercial clients. The company offers services that help clients monitor and understand changes on our planet, including global broadband communications and advanced capabilities for space exploration. Maxar utilizes its extensive experience and commercial technology to deliver solutions that are fast, scalable, and cost-effective. Unlike many competitors, Maxar focuses on delivering precise and reliable data that supports informed decision-making and strategic planning. The company's goal is to generate value through contracts and partnerships, ensuring clients have the information they need to navigate complex global challenges.

Richmond Hill, CanadaHeadquarters

1957Year Founded

$58.1MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Data & Analytics, Government & Public Sector, AerospaceIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees