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Nasa Payload Integration Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

... management skills to manage the project schedule and deliverables. The ideal candidate will have ... NASA / DoD, experience acting as a focal point for payload integration, and a track record of ...

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Manage payload integration schedule and cost across prototype and production phases * Coordinate with third-party vendors on payload qualification and integration * Provide technical mentorship to ...

Blue Origin LLC

$110K - $155K/yr

Define and manage mechanical, electrical, thermal, data, and RF payload-vehicle interfaces through ... Experience with spacecraft payload integration with NASA or commercial payload customers, including ...

InvestedintheMission

NY · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Define and manage mechanical, electrical, thermal, data, and RF payload-vehicle interfaces through ... Experience with spacecraft payload integration with NASA or commercial payload customers, including ...

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Manage payload integration schedule and cost across prototype and production phases * Coordinate with third-party vendors on payload qualification and integration * Provide technical mentorship to ...

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How much do nasa payload integration manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa payload integration manager in the United States is $111,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a NASA Payload Integration Manager?

A NASA Payload Integration Manager is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the integration of scientific instruments, experiments, or cargo (known as 'payloads') onto spacecraft or launch vehicles. They act as the primary point of contact between payload teams and NASA's technical and operations staff, ensuring that all requirements for safety, compatibility, and mission objectives are met. Their duties include managing schedules, resolving technical issues, and ensuring that payloads are properly installed and tested before launch. This role is crucial for the success of space missions, as it ensures that all payload components work together seamlessly with the spacecraft.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NASA Payload Integration Manager?

To thrive as a NASA Payload Integration Manager, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering or a related field, experience in project management, and a comprehensive understanding of spacecraft systems. Familiarity with integration tools, mission planning software, and adherence to standards such as NASA-STD-8719.8 are typically required. Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage complex project timelines. These skills are vital to ensure mission safety, technical compatibility, and successful deployment of payloads in high-stakes space missions.

What are the primary challenges faced by a NASA Payload Integration Manager when coordinating between multiple project teams?

A NASA Payload Integration Manager often navigates the complex task of aligning the requirements and timelines of diverse engineering, science, and operations teams. One major challenge is balancing payload compatibility with the spacecraft while addressing evolving technical constraints and tight launch schedules. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential, as the manager must ensure that all stakeholders are informed, issues are resolved promptly, and integration milestones are met. This role requires adaptability and a strong understanding of both technical and project management principles to keep missions on track.
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Nasa Payload Integration Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nasa Payload Integration Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,122 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Senior Payload Integration Engineer I

Long Beach, CA

Rocket Lab Corporation
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Rocket Lab Corporationexternal

$109K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser, and launch vehicle integration

  • Assist management in on-site integration planning and coordinate daily meetings during launch site integration periods

  • Provide inputs for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD)

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

SENIOR PAYLOAD INTEGRATION ENGINEER I

Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced payload integration engineer with previous launch vehicle or spacecraft integration experience. This role will work under the direction of the Team Lead for Payload Integration. The candidate must have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: spacecraft or launch vehicle integration, systems engineering, and/or electrical/mechanical systems.

This candidate will interface with spacecraft customer integration teams and direct and perform tasks associated with the physical payload integration to the Electron and HASTE launch vehicle. This role requires a candidate who works well with a multidisciplinary team and can hold their own when presented with technical challenges in front of both internal and external customers. The position is based in Long Beach, CA at Rocket Lab Headquarters, but requires frequent travel to customers and launch sites worldwide.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Performs hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser, and launch vehicle integration
  • Assists management in on-site integration planning and performance of daily coordination meetings during launch site integration periods.
  • Provides inputs for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD)
  • Ability to create and execute assembly integration and test instructions
  • Provide customer support to answer questions with internal technical staff as required
  • Remain in constant contact with engineering staff regarding mechanical and electrical design needs based on mission requirements for the spacecraft integration.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline and 5+years of applicable experience
  • Active US Government security clearance Secret or TS/SCI
  • Previous launch vehicle or space hardware integration experience
  • Demonstrated ability to understand technical constraints relative to payload integration
  • Advanced presentation and technical writing skills
  • Ability to travel to launch sites and customer sites including overseas (New Zealand and others)

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred
  • Solid interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Experience with CubeSats, SmallSats, or other small space payloads
  • Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings
  • Ability to perform electrical and mechanical testing

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)
$135,475—$194,075 USD
Base Salary
$115,200—$158,400 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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