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Payload Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

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 ...

KBR

Payload SME

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

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 ...

KBR, Inc.

Payload SME

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

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 ...

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

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 ...

Doist

Optical Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$150 - $180/hr

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 ...

New

Tomorrow.io

GNSS Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

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 ...

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' unmanned surface vessels ...

Tomorrow.io

GNSS Payload Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

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 ...

FTS International LLC

RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

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

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Payload information

See salary details

$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do payload jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Payload Engineer

Protouch Staffing

Houston, TX • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Payload Engineer - Space Systems & Payload Integration

About the Opportunity

A growing aerospace engineering organization supporting commercial and government space programs is seeking a Payload Engineer to support lunar and deep-space mission initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced spacecraft payload integration projects involving cutting-edge technologies for manned and unmanned missions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in spacecraft systems, payload integration, and customer-facing engineering support within the aerospace or defense industry.
As part of federal contracting requirements, candidates must currently reside in a HUBZone-qualified area and be able to provide proof of residency if selected for employment.

Position Summary

The Payload Engineer will act as the primary technical interface between internal engineering teams and payload customers to ensure successful integration of customer payloads into space mission architectures. This individual will support payload development activities from initial requirements gathering through testing, integration, launch preparation, and mission support.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary technical liaison for payload customers and stakeholders throughout the mission lifecycle

  • Lead payload integration activities from concept development through final verification and testing

  • Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), technical documentation, and integration plans

  • Coordinate with systems engineering, spacecraft design, mission operations, and testing teams to ensure payload compatibility

  • Support Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), and other technical review activities

  • Provide technical oversight during payload integration, spacecraft testing, and pre-launch operations

  • Troubleshoot integration and interface issues while maintaining project schedules and mission objectives

  • Ensure payload requirements are properly documented, tracked, and validated

  • Support customer communications and provide regular status updates throughout integration activities

  • Assist with mission operations and post-launch support activities as needed

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline

  • 3+ years of experience in payload integration, systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, or related aerospace roles

  • Hands-on experience with spacecraft systems, payload hardware, and integration/testing activities

  • Familiarity with NASA, DoD, or commercial aerospace standards and processes

  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including experience creating ICDs and engineering review materials

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer-interface skills

  • Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting lunar, deep-space, or satellite missions

  • Knowledge of RF systems, thermal systems, spacecraft power systems, or avionics integration

  • Experience with mission operations, launch support, or post-flight payload support

  • Familiarity with systems engineering methodologies and verification processes

  • Previous experience supporting government aerospace programs or commercial space missions

Additional Information

  • This role may involve occasional travel to customer sites, integration facilities, or launch support locations

  • Candidates should provide a complete current address on their resume for verification purposes

  • U.S. work authorization required

HUBZone Requirement

This position supports federal HUBZone program requirements. To be eligible, candidates must live in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) as designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Proof of residency may be required during the hiring process.
Education Requirement

  • Bachelor's Degree required

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About Protouch Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Protouch Staffing, based in Plano, Texas, is a leading provider in the healthcare staffing industry. Established over 30 years ago, the company prides itself on delivering quality services in the fields of nursing, allied health, pharmaceuticals, healthcare IT, and more. Committed to building lasting relationships, Protouch Staffing continually exceeds client expectations by providing unparalleled service, superior patient care, and talented healthcare professionals.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

1989

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