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Payload Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chief Engineer will lead technical execution for defense autonomy programs, ensuring compliance ... weapons payloads in field conditions • + Coordinate and be accountable for system-level ...

The Emerging Space Systems Division at Leidos currently has an opening for a Chief Engineer to work ... Proven track record of leading space-based payload development programs through the full flight ...

Scientist, Chief Engineer - Mission Payloads (Space Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max) Job Code: 40961 Job Location: On-site in Wilmington, MA Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off ...

ABOUT THE JOB You will lead the technical development and integration as Chief Engineer for a ... and payload capacity * Lead a new team within Anduril Maritime working on development and ...

Manufacturing Engineering

Tyngsboro, MA · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Scientist, Chief Engineer - Mission Payloads (Space Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max) Job Code: 40961 Job Location: On-site in Wilmington, MA Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off ...

Manufacturing Engineering

Malden, MA · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

Scientist, Chief Engineer - Mission Payloads (Space Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max) Job Code: 40961 Job Location: On-site in Wilmington, MA Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off ...

Chief Engineer

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$175K - $235K/yr

We are seeking a Chief Engineer to direct technical execution for complex defense autonomy programs ... Oversee integration and commissioning of autonomous platforms and weapons payloads in field ...

Showing results 41-60

Payload Chief Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do payload chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload chief engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are popular job titles related to Payload Chief Engineer jobs?

For Payload Chief Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Payload Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Sr Scientist, Chief Engineer - Space Superiority and Imaging Division (EO/IR Space Payloads)

Rochester, NY • On-site

L3Harris
Machinery Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$160K - $297K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


L3Harris rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

L3Harris

Based on 234 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Sr Scientist, Business Chief Engineer – Space Superiority and Imaging Division (EO/IR Space Payloads)

Job Code: 41567

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 9-80 (Every other Friday off)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description:

L3Harris' Space and Mission Systems is seeking a Chief Engineer with expertise in research & development for electro-optical payloads, subsystems, and software for mid to large aperature national, civil, and commercial space systems. The person in this position will be deployed as a Innovation Chief Engineer for a large business area within L3Harris, responsible for the technical strategy and technical execution of ongoing customer funded efforts. This includes all phases of technology development from mission and technology roadmapping, planning and execution of internal R&D, identifying and assisting with capture of external R&D, through technology insertion and implementation. The Innovation Chief Engineer will also be responsible for identifying broader functional needs for insertion and successful implementation of new technologies (process improvements, identification of capital needs, etc.).

Essential Functions:

  • Application of knowledge of national, civil, and commercial space imaging missions to develop sensors, payloads, and space vehicles.

  • Provide leadership on optical, electrical, and mechanical assemblies, and drive consistency within technology roadmaps and architectures in area of focus

  • Drive innovation in technical competencies like segmented optical systems, composite optics, smart payloads, and on-board processing.

  • Works with business development and business area leads to create and maintain technology roadmaps

  • Develop and determine an execution plan for R&D projects consistent with the technology roadmaps, in alignment with XIS business strategy

  • Identifies IR&D, CR&D, and process improvement efforts in alignment with technology roadmaps to create technology differentiators

  • Provide mentorship to develop lower-level engineering staff into future SMEs

  • Responsible for technical leadership and management of current R&D projects

  • Identify areas of common technology needs across the division by working with other Innovation CEs within SSID

  • Interface with Universities and Industrial partners for collaboration on development

  • Identify emerging technologies

    Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or similar technical field or equivalent and a minimum of 15 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 13 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 19 years of prior related experience.

  • 3+ years of functional management experience, leading a large team >50 resources across multiple disciplines

  • Professional experience working with EO/IR space payloads

  • Active TS/SCI security clearance required

    Preferr ed Additional Skills:

  • Strong multi-disciplinary technical breadth in Space and Optical Systems

  • Understanding of precision optical component and subsystem requirements generation, manufacturing, and testing

  • Ability to quickly understand missions, customer sets, drive strategy

  • Experience in technical issue resolution, ability to ensure root cause is identified

  • Experience with NDAs, Master Research Agreements, & other partnership agreements consistent with co-development projects

  • Experience with development of detailed R&D plans and execution strategies

  • Experience with or understanding of earned value metrics

  • Experience successfully executing multi-site development efforts

  • Able to present results and communicate with customers and senior management

    In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont is $160,000.00 - $297,000.00. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to rac e, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) or Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) . For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights_10_20.pdf) or Spanish (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf) .

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