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Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Payload Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is seeking a Senior Payload Design Engineer (Level 4) to support our Out-of-Production (OoP) Payloads ...

Senior Payload Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is seeking a Senior Payload Design Engineer (Level 4) to support our Out-of-Production (OoP) Payloads ...

Struct & Payload Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The H-47 Chinook Airframes team is seeking an Entry level Structural & Payload Design Engr to join our team in Ridley Park PA . The ...

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Struct & Payload Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The H-47 Chinook Airframes team is seeking an Entry level Structural & Payload Design Engr to join our team in Ridley Park PA . The ...

New

Struct & Payload Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The H-47 Chinook Airframes team is seeking an Entry level Structural & Payload Design Engr to join our team in Ridley Park PA . The ...

Struct & Payload Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The H-47 Chinook Airframes team is seeking an Entry level Structural & Payload Design Engr to join our team in Ridley Park PA . The ...

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... payload system and component designs, using 3-D Computer Aided Design tools and/or other design methods, to provide product definition to other engineering groups, production operations, suppliers ...

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Payload Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do payload design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Payload Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectPayload Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering; often requires CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; CAD certifications common
Work EnvironmentDesigning payload systems for aerospace, defense, or satellite industriesDesigning mechanical components for various industries including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, defense, satellite, and space industriesWidely used across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors

The Payload Design Engineer focuses on designing and integrating payload systems for aerospace and satellite applications, requiring specialized knowledge of aerospace standards. In contrast, the Mechanical Design Engineer has a broader scope, designing mechanical components across multiple industries. While both roles require CAD skills and engineering credentials, their industry focus and specific design responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by Payload Design Engineers when integrating payloads into spacecraft systems?

Payload Design Engineers often face challenges related to balancing stringent weight and volume constraints while ensuring the payload meets all mission requirements. They must closely collaborate with structural, thermal, and systems engineering teams to resolve integration issues and mitigate risks such as electromagnetic interference or mechanical vibrations. Additionally, adapting to evolving project specifications and timelines requires strong problem-solving skills and flexibility. Successfully navigating these challenges is crucial for delivering reliable and high-performance payload systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payload Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payload Design Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience with structural analysis, and a relevant degree, often supported by industry certifications. Proficiency in CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and familiarity with systems such as CATIA or SolidWorks is typically expected. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and address complex engineering challenges. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure payloads are designed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with mission requirements.

What does a Payload Design Engineer do?

A Payload Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and integrating the payload systems that are carried by spacecraft, satellites, or aircraft. This includes components such as scientific instruments, sensors, communication devices, or cargo that fulfill the mission's primary objectives. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure payload compatibility, performance, and safety. Their work involves using advanced modeling software, conducting analyses, and often participating in testing and validation processes. Ultimately, Payload Design Engineers play a critical role in ensuring that payloads meet technical requirements and operate reliably in space or aviation environments.
More about Payload Design Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Payload Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Senior Payload Design Engineer

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Boeing

Seal Beach, CA

$135K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 604 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is seeking a Senior Payload Design Engineer (Level 4) to support our Out-of-Production (OoP) Payloads Design Engineering (DE) team based in Seal Beach, California.

The OoP Payloads DE team is responsible for Continued Operational Safety Program (COSP), Safety Related Problem (SRP); as well as support to BGS Spares, Service Engineering and Production Engineering changes for OoP aircraft.

This role is integral to our commitment to safety and compliance with FAA regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of payload design principles, aircraft performance, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that our aircraft meet the highest safety standards.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Works with the OoP Chief Program Engineer (CPE) office as the Responsible Engineer on COSP/SRP projects related to Payloads for OoP aircraft

  • Organizes design reviews with SMEs, formulates path forward with findings and prepares technical presentations for executive review boards of potential safety items

  • Reviews Engineering documents for past design

  • Creates design solutions for SRPs, interfaces with suppliers for development, test and production activities

  • Supports BGS Spares and Service Engineering

  • Develops, maintains and modifies interior payload system and component designs, using 3-D Computer Aided Design tools and/or other design methods, to provide product definition to other engineering groups, production operations, suppliers and external customers throughout the product lifecycle

  • Works under minimal direction

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)

  • 5+ years' experience with commercial aircraft program

  • 5+ years of experience with payloads engineering (e.g Cabin, Cockpit and Cargo)

  • 9+ years of experience in designing structural or interior payload systems

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 10+ years' experience in payload design or related engineering roles within the aerospace industry, specifically in commercial airplane programs with credentials to recognize candidate as a SME and industry expert

  • 5+ years' experience using CATIA v5 and ENOVIA

  • Experience leading a team of engineers with responsibility for the cost, schedule, and technical quality of their output

  • Experience developing and mentoring other engineers and teams

  • Experience reviewing/approving Service Bulletins

  • Experience creating standardized documentation and processes

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards and Pay Transparency:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $135,150 - $182,850

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position does not require a Security Clearance.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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