Senior Payload Engineer

We are seeking a Payload Systems Engineer with deep technical expertise in space-based optical remote sensing systems. This is a systems-focused role that requires a strong understanding of the interaction between payloads and spacecraft buses, as well as the interactions within the payload between subsystems. The ideal candidate possesses a hands-on electrical engineering background, with the ability to translate hardware-level understanding into system-level decisions and architectural trade-offs.

This role will support the end-to-end development lifecycle of optical payloads-contributing to concept development, system integration, and performance validation, while interfacing closely with spacecraft, ground systems, and external partners. This position is in Westminster, CO and requires in-office work. There is flexibility for one to two days from home.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.
• Previous experience working across payload, spacecraft, and ground teams

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).

Maxar has been recognized by Built In as a "Best Place to Work" in both Colorado and Washington D.C., making it a top workplace. This designation is based on analysis of compensation, benefits, and focus on remote and flexible work options, diversity programs, and more. We offer:

• 401K matching and immediate vesting schedule
• Career growth opportunities
• Family-friendly benefits like maternity and paternity leave, adoption reimbursement, flexible hours, hybrid work options
• Programs to help you grow, like tuition reimbursement, hackathons, and career development
• Student loan repayment
• Generous time off
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision at affordable monthly rates

#LI-MG1

For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.maxar.com/careers/benefits

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.

The date of posting can be found on Maxar's Career page at the top of each job posting.

To apply, submit your application via Maxar's Career page.

Maxar Technologies values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.