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.
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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
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.
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 $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.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
Your most important work is ahead, visit careers.leidos.com for our latest opportunities.
