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Contract Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inversion

Director of Contracts

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating ... Own and execute the end-to-end contract lifecycle for U.S. Government, prime, and subcontract ...

Scout Space

Technical Program Manager

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$134K - $173K/yr

Operating at the intersection of technical execution and program leadership, the TPM manages ... Support proposal development, contract execution, and customer briefings, including development of ...

Scout Space

Technical Program Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

$134K - $173K/yr

Operating at the intersection of technical execution and program leadership, the TPM manages ... Support proposal development, contract execution, and customer briefings, including development of ...

Scout Space

Technical Program Manager

Reston, VA

$134K - $173K/yr

Operating at the intersection of technical execution and program leadership, the TPM manages ... Support proposal development, contract execution, and customer briefings, including development of ...

Lynk

RF/Electrical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and ... Designing and planning payload testing configurations on the ground when testing payload ...

Lynk

Senior RF/Electrical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and ... Support design of spacecraft payload hardware, including single-board computers, SDRs, FPGAs, SoCs ...

Scout Space

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$108K - $148K/yr

Support optical payload design concepts from whiteboard to launch, including development ... S. Government space programs, Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, and/or NASA mission ...

True Anomaly

Senior Manager, Contracts

Denver, CO · On-site

We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors ... a lean organization and operating with supervised independence. Beyond individual contract ...

Scout Space

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA

$108K - $148K/yr

Support optical payload design concepts from whiteboard to launch, including development ... S. Government space programs, Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, and/or NASA mission ...

Scout Space

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA

$108K - $148K/yr

Support optical payload design concepts from whiteboard to launch, including development ... S. Government space programs, Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, and/or NASA mission ...

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All JobsContract Payload Operator Jobs

Contract Payload Operator information

See salary details

$644

$4.4K

$7.7K

How much do contract payload operator jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average weekly pay for contract payload operator in the United States is $4,395.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,403.85 and $6,538.46 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Payload Operators?

Contract Payload Operators are specialized professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and managing the operation of payloads—such as satellites, scientific instruments, or cargo—on a contract basis, often for space missions or aerospace companies. They ensure payloads function correctly, gather and analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with mission teams. These operators are typically employed on a temporary or project-specific contract rather than as full-time staff. Their work is crucial for the successful operation of payloads in sectors like aerospace, defense, and telecommunications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Payload Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Payload Operator, you need a solid understanding of satellite systems, payload operations, and a relevant technical degree or equivalent military/industry experience. Familiarity with satellite control software, ground segment tools, and certifications such as Security Clearance are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of satellite payloads, directly impacting mission success and client satisfaction.

What is the difference between Contract Payload Operator vs Payload Specialist?

AspectContract Payload OperatorPayload Specialist
CredentialsFAA certifications, technical trainingFAA certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentContract basis, ground and launch sitesGround control, launch sites, mission support
Employer & IndustrySpace agencies, aerospace contractorsNASA, commercial space companies
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The Contract Payload Operator and Payload Specialist roles both require FAA certifications and technical expertise in space operations. While Contract Payload Operators typically work on a contractual basis supporting launch preparations and ground operations, Payload Specialists are often part of the crew or mission team focusing on payload management during missions. Both roles are integral to space missions but differ mainly in their employment structure and specific responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges faced by Contract Payload Operators when working with remote satellite operations teams?

Contract Payload Operators often work with geographically dispersed teams, which can lead to communication challenges, especially during real-time operations or when troubleshooting technical issues. They must be adept at following detailed protocols and collaborating seamlessly with engineers, analysts, and mission planners to ensure payload performance and data integrity. Flexibility is key, as shift work and rapid response to anomalies are common. Building strong relationships with remote colleagues and maintaining clear, concise documentation helps mitigate these challenges and ensures smooth mission execution.
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Contract Payload Operator jobs near you
Ag Equipment Operator

Ag Equipment Operator

Minn-Kota Ag Products Inc

Breckenridge, MN • On-site

$14.60/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Duties

Start Date: 02/15/2026

End Date: 12/14/2026

Work hours: 40 hours/week, Mon. - Fri. 8 hours/day, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Must Apply By: 07/17/2026

Job Duties:

Semi Tractor Trailer Driver; Deliver dry fertilizers to the field; Nurse Truck for Chemical application; Haul Grain for satellite locations to grain terminal; Equipment Operator; Running Payload loading dry fertilizer; Running tractor applying Lime, Deep Banding Fertilizer; Running Fertilizer Spreader (Pending experience); Running Chemical Applicator (Pending Experience); Grain Elevator Operations; Dumping Trucks of Grain; Loading out Grain into Rail Cars; Assisting in maintenance of grain facilities; Assisting in picking up grain ground pile

Please note job locations are located in Breckenridge, Minnesota as well as various locations in North Dakota (Mooreton; Colfax; Wyndmere; Kent; and Wahpeton).

Minimum Education Required

None. No High School Diploma or GED required.

Minimum Experience Required

Minimum of 3 months experience required.

Must be able to lift at least 60 lbs.

To comply with Federal, State and County regulations must have Class D driver's license.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

9

Public Transportation Accessible

No

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Physical Required

No

Drug Test Required

No

Compensation

$12.31 - $14.60 / Hourly

Additional Compensation

Work performed in Minnesota will be paid at the rate of $14.60 per hour*

Work performed in North Dakota will be paid at the rate of $12.31 per hour

*As required for all workers in Minnesota, hours worked in excess of 48 hours in a work week will be paid at the rate of 1.5 times the regular rate of pay.

Postal Code

56520

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

H-2A #26-170

Job Type

Full Time

Job Benefits

EMPLOYER ASSURANCES: Work guaranteed for 3/4 of contract period, starting with date of arrival at work site. Employer provides free housing for workers whose residence is beyond normal commuting distance. Employer pays inbound transportation and subsistence to work site upon 50% completion of work contract for workers whose residence is beyond normal commuting distance. Daily subsistence will be provided at a rate of at least $16.28 per day during travel to a maximum of $68.00 per day with receipts (Updated 03/24/2025). Required work-related tools and supplies provided free of charge by employer.

Effective Jan 1, 2024, per MN State Statute, an employee will earn one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours of accrued Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) per year, provided the employee works a minimum of 80 hours in a calendar year.

Application Instructions

Send resume listing experience to:

MN DEED/FLC

Attn: H-2A#26-170

180 E. 5th St., Suite 1200, St. Paul, MN 55101

FAX: 651-297-7722

EMAIL: foreignlaborcertification.DEED@state.mn.us

CALL: Mary Garcia 651-259-7513

Must have proof of legal authority to work in U.S.

Apply