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Payload Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

ABOUT THE JOB You will own payload integration within Mission Systems for a maritime autonomous vehicle, owning integration of Anduril and third-party payloads from concept through deployment.

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB You will own payload integration within Mission Systems for a maritime autonomous vehicle, owning integration of Anduril and third-party payloads from concept through deployment.

Protouch Staffing

Payload Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Payload Engineer - Space Systems & Payload Integration About the Opportunity A growing aerospace engineering organization supporting commercial and government space programs is seeking a Payload ...

EOI Space

Payload Lead

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$200K - $260K/yr

EOI Space is looking for a talented Payload Lead with a strong background in the fundamentals of space-bound electro-optical payload development and related image processing to own and drive the ...

FTS International LLC

Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

The Payload Engineer will provide subject matter expert (SME) advice, technical evaluations, technical assessments and alternative approaches to the customer. Responsibilities * Provide expert advice ...

Tomorrow.io

Optical Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Tomorrow.io is seeking an Optical Payload Engineer to support the development, integration, and verification of electro-optical and infrared payloads for our weather observation constellation. In ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Satellite Payload Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of an SAIC Prime Program supporting the National ...

SCEYE INC

Lead Payload Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Lead Payload Systems Engineer Status: Full Time Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA / Moriarty, NM Reporting To: Director of Payload Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems--both on‑orbit and in development. You will ...

Tomorrow.io

Optical Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Tomorrow.io is seeking an Optical Payload Engineer to support the development, integration, and verification of electro-optical and infrared payloads for our weather observation constellation. In ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in satellite payload architecture, SAR payload development, SAR processing and image formation, and end-to ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in satellite payload architecture, SAR payload development, SAR processing and image formation, and ...

Tomorrow.io

GNSS Payload Engineer

Golden, CO

Tomorrow.io is seeking a GNSS Payload Engineer to support the development, integration, verification, and on-orbit performance of GNSS payloads for our weather observation constellation. In this role ...

SCEYE INC

Lead Payload Systems Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Lead Payload Systems Engineer Status: Full Time Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA / Moriarty, NM Reporting To: Director of Payload Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building ...

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Payload information

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$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do payload jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload in the United States is $86,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payload specialist?

Payload specialists are experts selected to manage and operate specific scientific or technical equipment on space missions, often aboard spacecraft such as the Space Shuttle or International Space Station. They are typically responsible for the preparation, execution, and monitoring of experiments or cargo during a mission. Payload specialists can come from scientific, engineering, or industry backgrounds and are chosen for their expertise related to the mission's payload. Their role is distinct from that of career astronauts, as they focus primarily on the payload rather than the overall operation of the spacecraft.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payload specialist?

To thrive as a Payload Specialist, you typically need a background in engineering, physics, or a related science field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with aerospace systems. Familiarity with mission planning software, payload integration tools, and systems such as MATLAB or LabVIEW is common, along with certifications like ITAR compliance when required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for managing complex payload operations. These abilities ensure safe, reliable, and mission-optimized payload deployment in high-stakes aerospace environments.

What are some common challenges faced by payload specialists when working on multidisciplinary teams in aerospace projects?

Payload Specialists often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and project managers, which requires clear communication and adaptability to different technical perspectives. A common challenge is ensuring that payload requirements are integrated smoothly with other subsystems, often under tight deadlines and shifting project priorities. Successful Payload Specialists proactively coordinate with other teams, anticipate integration issues, and remain flexible to accommodate late-stage design changes. This environment fosters strong problem-solving skills and can provide excellent opportunities for professional growth within multidisciplinary aerospace teams.

What is the difference between Payload vs Data Analyst?

AspectPayloadData Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically no specific certifications, but knowledge of logistics and transportationBachelor's degree in statistics, data science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLogistics, transportation, or delivery settingsOffice-based, data analysis, reporting, and visualization tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLogistics companies, courier services, transportation firmsCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared in logistics contextsCompared in data management and analysis contexts

While Payload refers to the cargo or goods transported, Data Analyst focuses on interpreting data to inform business decisions. Both roles are essential in their industries but serve different functions—one in logistics and transportation, the other in data-driven insights.

What is payload and how does it work?

In the context of a payload specialist or related roles, payload refers to the cargo, equipment, or scientific instruments carried on a vehicle such as a spacecraft, drone, or aircraft. The payload is designed to perform specific functions, and its deployment or operation is managed by the payload specialist or technician, often requiring knowledge of aerospace systems, safety protocols, and relevant tools. Understanding payload integration and handling is essential for ensuring mission success and safety.
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Payload jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Anduril Industries
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Anduril Industriesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Maritime Division is responsible for planning and executing Anduril's product and revenue roadmap for maritime missions. Working across product, engineering, business development, logistics, and operations, the Maritime team develops, tests, deploys, and sustains the Anduril maritime capabilities in a challenging operational environment worldwide. As a leader in the Maritime Division, you must be a technical leader with the expertise to evaluate, qualify, manage, and advocate for an increasing number of sophisticated parallel pursuits. This role is crucial in ensuring that each initiative aligns with the company's strategic direction and receives the appropriate resourcing, balancing innovation with practical execution to drive the business line's success.

ABOUT THE JOB

You will own payload integration within Mission Systems for a maritime autonomous vehicle, owning integration of Anduril and third-party payloads from concept through deployment. Reporting to the Mission Systems Lead, you will own payload interfaces, interoperability, mission development, and reference mission kits. You will ensure payloads meet customer mission requirements and integrate with the vehicle platform and autonomy stack.
Your spectrum of support will be diverse in nature and require you to leverage your technical expertise as well as leadership skills to set objectives, build cross-functional teams, and rapidly drive to completion. The ability to leverage your intuition and prior experience will be key in making sure the right design, analysis, and test steps are completed to ensure success. The ideal candidate will leverage their experience executing and successfully completing prior highly optimized multi-disciplinary projects.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own payload architecture: mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces for all mission payloads
  • Drive integration of Anduril payloads and government-furnished equipment onto the platform
  • Drive interoperability standards for payload modularity across vehicle configurations
  • Develop reference mission kits that package payloads with autonomy behaviors for specific mission sets
  • Define payload interface requirements and work with Vehicle Systems on accommodation
  • 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 engineers across payload disciplines
  • Support testing and field deployment of payload systems
  • Represent the payload subsystem in technical and customer meetings
  • Interface with Mission Systems Lead and autonomy team on mission system integration
  • Travel up to 25% to test sites, vendor facilities, and customer locations
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
  • 5+ years of experience in payload integration, weapons systems, or mission systems
  • Experience delivering payload integration in defense or aerospace environments
  • Demonstrated experience with sensor integration, weapons systems, or C4ISR payloads
  • Experience with the full product delivery lifecycle: design, test, manufacturing, deployment
  • Deep understanding of military mission sets and payload capabilities
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with maritime or undersea payload systems
  • Working knowledge of payload certification and weapons safety (MIL-STD-882E)
  • Experience with autonomous systems payload integration
  • Familiarity with modular open systems architecture (MOSA)
  • Prior Navy or defense operational experience

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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