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Contract Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Designing and planning payload testing configurations on the ground when testing payload ...

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

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Senior Mechanisms Engineer, Optical

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 to design ...

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$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 ...

$56.50/hr

Assist pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of aircraft payloads ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Senior Mechanisms Engineer, Optical

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 to design ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and ... Contact: careers@lynk.world • Support satellite and payload integration, testing, delivery to ...

Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and ... In particular, since our payloads operate at frequencies from UHF to Ka Band your work with involve ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Payload Operator information

See salary details

$644

$4.4K

$7.7K

How much do contract payload operator jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 26, 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.
More about Contract Payload Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Payload Operator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Payload Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Payload Operator jobs? The most popular types of Payload Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Payload Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Payload Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Payload Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $228,575 per year, or $109.9 per hour.
Red Team Operator

Red Team Operator

Booz Allen Hamilton

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 73 rated business consultants


Job description

Red Team Operator

The Opportunity:

You'll join a small, missionfocused team where adaptability, and a willingness to master new tradecraft are essential. You will plan, execute, and report fullscope adversary emulation operations across complex, hybrid environments using clear guidance, established rules of engagement, and close support from experienced teammates. Your work will directly strengthen our clients' detection and response by revealing realworld gaps and shaping practical improvements.

As an experienced operator at Booz Allen, you'll draw on proven redteaming and security testing approaches such as covert red team, coordinated purple team, threat simulation, OT and cloud testing, and automation support, to tackle our clients' hardest cyber challenges. You'll continuously sharpen your skills and help evolve our methodology and tooling, from preengagement scoping through execution and executivelevel readouts.

Work with us as we shape defenses for the better.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • Experience planning and executing offensive security operations endtoend including recon to actiononobjectives

  • Experience developing rules of engagement (ROE), security assessment plans (SAP), target lists, and preengagement artifacts; coordinating with stakeholders to deconflict, align, and minimize operational impact.

  • Experience with payload staging, lateral movement, defense evasion, initial access techniques and postexploitation across Windows, Linux, and Active Directory.

  • Experience creating comprehensive, executiveready reports and detailed technical artifacts that drive remediation and measurable outcomes.

  • Experience collaborating with developers and mission stakeholders in agile, hightempo settings.

  • TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.

  • HS diploma or GED and 6+ years of experience with offensive security operations end-to-end, or Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience with offensive security operations end-to-end

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience with cloud redteaming (AWS) and containerized attack infrastructure such as Docker

  • Knowledge of Bash, PowerShell, Python, or other programming languages for tradecraft development and operator tooling

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914