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Full Time Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Thermal Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Exempt, Full Time Location: Moriarty, NM or North Bay, CA Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth ... Define thermal requirements, margins, and operating limits for avionics, batteries, payloads, and ...

Lead Thermal Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

$91K - $119K/yr

Exempt, Full Time Location: Moriarty, NM or North Bay, CA Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth ... Define thermal requirements, margins, and operating limits for avionics, batteries, payloads, and ...

Lead Thermal Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

$91K - $119K/yr

Exempt, Full Time Location: Moriarty, NM or North Bay, CA Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth ... Define thermal requirements, margins, and operating limits for avionics, batteries, payloads, and ...

Lead Thermal Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Exempt, Full Time Location: Moriarty, NM or North Bay, CA Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth ... Define thermal requirements, margins, and operating limits for avionics, batteries, payloads, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Full Time Payload Operator information

What is the difference between Full Time Payload Operator vs Part Time Payload Operator?

AspectFull Time Payload OperatorPart Time Payload Operator
Work HoursTypically 40+ hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 30 hours per week
CertificationsRequired certifications such as FAA Part 107 or equivalentSame certifications as full-time, but may vary based on hours
Work EnvironmentConsistent schedule, full-time employment in aviation or drone operationsFlexible schedule, often on an as-needed basis
Employer UsageEmployed directly by companies for ongoing operationsContract or freelance basis for specific projects

In summary, a Full Time Payload Operator works regular hours with full employment benefits, while a Part Time Payload Operator has flexible hours and may work on a contractual basis. Both roles require similar certifications and operate in comparable environments within the drone and aviation industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payload Operator jobs? The most popular types of Payload Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Payload Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer

Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Redondo Beach, California.
This role focuses on advancing space systems through comprehensive systems engineering efforts. The Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer will contribute to architecture trade studies, system design analysis, and performance modeling through advanced simulations. In this capacity, you will define and manage requirements, develop segment interfaces, and leverage cutting-edge technologies in optical sensing, communications, directed energy, RF systems, digital hardware, and microelectronics.
Key responsibilities span the complete product development lifecycle, including:
  • Supporting new business acquisition and IRAD/technology development initiatives.
  • Defining system architectures, conducting trade studies, and developing specifications.
  • Allocating and validating requirements and contributing to payload performance analysis.
  • Designing modeling and simulation tools for system-level performance evaluation.
  • Leading payload hardware development for space and ground systems integration.
  • Managing subcontractor performance, hardware manufacturing, and integration processes.

By joining this team, you'll play a critical role in delivering advanced integrated hardware and software systems that enable missions spanning Earth and beyond. If you have the pioneering spirit and technical expertise to develop groundbreaking systems, we invite you to help define the future of space exploration and innovation.
This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding. Furthermore, this position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.
Essential experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Overhead Infrared (OPIR) system
  • Electro-Optics
  • Sensor design
  • Remote sensing
  • High energy laser systems
  • Lasercom systems
  • Spacecraft system design
  • Image processing
  • RF and digital hardware design
  • Signal detection and estimation
  • Control Systems
  • Structures/Dynamics

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 5+ years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 3+ years of engineering experience OR a Phd in a STEM discipline
  • Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience designing, integrating, testing and operating optical and/or RF systems
  • Must have active DoD Top Secret AND the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application. .

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science
  • Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), communications or directed energy
  • Candidates have completed relevant coursework in optics, control systems, remote sensing, lasercom and/or DSP
  • Experience with baseband and EO/IR sensors, high energy lasers, and/or remote sensing applications
  • Active TS with SCI clearance at time of application.

Northrop Grumman offers a competitive and robust benefits program. As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:
-Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
-401k
-Educational Assistance
-Life Insurance
-Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
-Paid Time Off
-Health & Wellness Resources
-Employee Discounts
-Flexible Schedules: For example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.
-For more details, please view Northrop Grumman Benefits.
#LosAngelesSpace
#LI-DB1
Primary Level Salary Range: $110,300.00 - $165,500.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939