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Payload Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Payload SME

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Payload SME Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national ...

EOI Space

Payload Lead

Lafayette, CO · On-site

This includes direct management of engineers within the payload as well as extensivecross-functional collaborationwith other engineering departmentsto ensure overall functional, structural, design ...

KBR

Payload SME

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Payload SME Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national ...

Astranis

Payload Operations Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$81.90K - $110.70K/yr

Payload Operations Engineer As a Payload Operations Engineer at Astranis, you will play a key role in planning, executing, and optimizing the in-orbit operations of our communications payloads. You ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA

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 ...

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA

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

Spacecraft Payload SME

Chantilly, VA

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC has an opening for a Spacecraft Payload SME Engineer with an understanding of Digital Receiver Processors. The individual selected will provide subject matter expertise ...

Skydweller

Payload Integration Lead

Mineral Springs, NC

$92K - $121.10K/yr

Responsible for the selection and integration of payloads/sensors onboard the Skydweller Unmanned Air System (UAS). * Define all system-level and subsystem-level requirements for payloads and sensors ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Payload Integration Engineer Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $95,000 - $130,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats' autonomous surface vehicles ...

AST SpaceMobile

Payload Operations Engineer

Lanham, MD

$69.60K - $94.10K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Payload Operations Engineer responsible for performing all activities required to operate AST satellite payload subsystems in support of constellation service and ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Payload Integration Engineer Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $95,000 - $130,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats' autonomous surface vehicles ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146.40K/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 support ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Remote

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Payload Subject Matter Expert to support the NRO GEOINT Directorate. This is a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support position to assist ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

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 support ...

Skydweller S.L.

Payload Integration Lead

Mineral Springs, NC · On-site

$92K - $121.10K/yr

Responsible for the selection and integration of payloads/sensors onboard the Skydweller Unmanned Air System (UAS). * Define all system-level and subsystem-level requirements for payloads and sensors ...

Axiomspace

Payload Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Payload Project Manager who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science ...

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Payload information

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$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do payload jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payload Specialist, and why are they important?

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 are payload specialists?

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 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.

More about Payload jobs
What cities are hiring for Payload jobs? Cities with the most Payload job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Payload jobs? The most popular types of Payload jobs are:
What states have the most Payload jobs? States with the most job openings for Payload jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Payload jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payload jobs are:
Payload jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Payload SME

Payload SME

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

KBR rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 351 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Payload SME
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
KBR is seeking a highly motivated System Engineer to provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a leading-edge SIGINT satellite systems program. The selected candidate will bring deep SIGINT payload expertise and apply systems engineering principles to highly classified programs while effectively communicating complex technical content to government leadership.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Work Environment:
  • Location: On-site
  • Travel Requirements: May require travel up to 20% of time within the continental United States
  • Working Hours: Standard

Key Responsibilities:
  • Advise Government program management on technical design, production trade space, and mission solutions related to SIGINT payloads
  • Support design, interpretation, and analysis of payload performance for complex SIGINT systems
  • Assist in the development of system architectures, requirements, and design trades, including cost, schedule, and technical impacts
  • Conduct technical analysis of system solutions, limitations, and performance capabilities
  • Evaluate feasibility of new antenna technologies and enhancements
  • Review and coordinate changes to specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and system-level requirements for payload and antenna integration
  • Identify program risks and develop/evaluate mitigation and burn-down strategies
  • Review antenna manufacturing specifications to ensure completeness and accuracy
  • Perform antenna modeling and performance prediction analysis
  • Participate in payload and antenna design reviews and program management reviews; assess design maturity and provide recommendations to Government stakeholders
  • Interface with prime contractors, subcontractors, and Government organizations to validate system design, testing, performance, and delivery
  • Provide risk assessments related to performance, schedule, and budget impacts from contractor activities
  • Evaluate program deliverables to ensure quality, completeness, and alignment with mission objectives
  • Provide strategic technical guidance and support to program leadership, including recommendations and data analysis
  • Conduct detailed analysis to identify areas for performance improvement and optimization
  • Support proposal reviews and assist in development of acquisition strategies and processes
  • Perform programmatic analysis to inform strategic decision-making
  • Support contract performance management, including CDRL reviews, program reviews, and quality assurance activities
  • Develop and deliver program briefings and advocacy materials to IC and DoD stakeholders
  • Maintain strong working relationships across the enterprise, including the Maryland Customer and DNI stakeholders

Required Qualifications:
  • Current TS/SCI Poly clearance is required for this position
  • Bachelor's Degree in a Technical Field
  • 10 years DoD/IC, or relevant industry work experience related to payload and space systems components; Experience in the development and characterizing SIGINT payloads and SIGINT space systems
  • Knowledge of mission payload engineering, development, and manufacturing
  • Experience with integrating satellite bus and payloads
  • Ability to perform System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to Government program office
  • 5 years of experience specifically related to Government acquisition initiatives
  • Experience with Intelligence IC policies and procedures and fluency with IC organizations
  • Ability to work effectively in a high-paced environment on a team and as an individual
  • Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy-oral and written
  • Demonstrated attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and coordination skills

Desired:
  • Master's Degree in a Technical Field
  • Small Satellite Development experience

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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