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Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boeing

Structural & Payload Design Engineer

Berkeley, MO · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Structural & Payload Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) organization is seeking a 777X Structural & Payload Design Engineer to join the 777X ...

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Payload Design Engineer information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do payload design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 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
What job categories do people searching Payload Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payload Design Engineer jobs are:
Payload Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Structural & Payload Design Engineer

Structural & Payload Design Engineer

Boeing

Berkeley, MO • On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 596 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 521 rated manufacturers

Job description

Structural & Payload Design Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) organization is seeking a777X Structural & Payload Design Engineerto join the 777X Structural Design team in Berkeley, MO. The 777X program is transitioning to full rate production and is focused on improving the design of wing components to enhance producibility.

As a Structural & Payload Design Engineer, you will develop, integrate, and document structural and interior payload system requirements to establish system design. You will create and modify structural and interior payload system and component designs using 3-D Computer Aided Design tools and other design methods, providing product definition to engineering groups, production operations, suppliers, and external customers throughout the product lifecycle. This position will be 100% onsite in Berkeley, MO.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develop, maintain, and modify structural and interior payload system and component designs.
  • Perform and integrate analytical and test results to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements and specifications.
  • Manage supplier development, test, and production activities; coordinate with suppliers to optimize design and achieve program goals.
  • Develop new design/analysis processes and tools to improve development effectiveness, quality, and efficiency.
  • Investigate emerging technologies to develop concepts for future product designs to meet projected requirements
  • Correct defects in fabrication and assembly processes by implementing design changes.
  • Identify and own implementation of cost and weight savings opportunities.
  • Coordinate with other engineering groups throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Support in-service products by investigating failures and analyzing improvements.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree from an accredited course of study in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering.
  • 5+ years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 3+ years with a Master's degree, or relevant experience with a PhD.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Commercial airplane design experience using CATIA and ENOVIA.
  • Experience with composites and assembly.
  • Lineside support experience.

Relocation:

This position offers relocation.

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.

Shift:

This position is for 1st shift. Occasional alternative shifts as needed.

Pay & Benefits:

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: $103,700-$140,300

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This is not an Export Control position.

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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