Job Requirements
San Diego, CA
Secret Polygraph Unspecified
Career Level not specified
$154,050 - $278,475
Job Description
R-00184193
Description
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 world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t 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
Basic Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're 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 $154,050.00 - $278,475.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com .
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission .
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
Description
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 world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t 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
- Master's 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
- Electro-optical multispectral and hyperspectral imaging sensors for ground, airborne and space applications
Preferred Qualifications
- Active Top Secret Security Clearance
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're 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 $154,050.00 - $278,475.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com .
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission .
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
group id: SCNCAPI2
Introducing the Next Level of Leidos
