Payload Operator

**Description** 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 ofSIGINT/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 onlyand 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 . **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 . **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 View email address on click.appcast.io . 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. REQNUMBER: R-00182386 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.