Payload Operator at Leidos

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to obtain Polygraph clearance. Candidates who do not currently possess a TS/SCI clearance will not be considered. This is a hands-on, direct command and control of a high priority intelligence collection sensor. Candidate will perform as an integral part of a collaborative intelligence collection operations cell while being the team's collection sensor expert. Candidate will collaborate with internal & external ops cell SMEs to design and implement collection missions against high priority intelligence targets. Additionally, candidate will verify and transmit all system commands to the operational payload; possess a thorough understanding of how specific commanding actions effect the greater mission objectives.

EXPERIENCE Required: A BS and approximately 8 years of SIGINT/geolocation operations experience with 4 years of specific sensor operations supporting an intelligence collection management mission area. Desired: Approximately 6 years of direct payload operations experience with approximately 4-7 years experience supporting a legacy intelligence collection sensor. EDUCATION Required: Formal training in advanced signal analysis or processing or other associated technical field Desired: Bachelors degree in a technical field with emphasis in advanced signal analysis or processing. SKILLS Required: a) Proficient in command and control procedures via remote links, as well as, the end-to-end intelligence collection mission planning and execution cycle b) Ability to maintain a broad and up-to-date situational awareness of current mission operations; quickly gain understanding of current mission target environments and associated dynamics; familiar with intelligence collection methods and infrastructure Desired: a) Ability to quickly identify and characterize previously unidentified intelligence problems and then configure and operate the collection sensor to successfully collect against the new problems. b) Extensive knowledge of known and emerging land-based, airborne and shipborne signal emitters

SECURITY CLEARANCE Required: TS/SCI w/ Polygraph OTHER Position Location: Northern VA area; Travel Required: Other special: Non standard shift work will be required; willingness and ability to obtain a TS/SCI with additional Polygraph is necessary.

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 4, 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 $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

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.