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Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.
Structures & Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design) - Consultant

Structures & Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design) - Consultant

Boeing

North Charleston, SC

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 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

Structures & Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design) - Consultant

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Payloads organization within Boeing Commercial Aircraft 787 Program is seeking experienced Design Engineers for a number of different positions in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Payloads organization is responsible for everything you see when you fly; and a lot that you don't: The Interior of the airplane, along with the Cargo compartments, exterior markings, associated systems, and cabin safety all make up Payloads. We are how our airline customers fulfill their mission and represent their brand. Our organization is a fast paced, dynamic environment, which pulls from many engineering backgrounds. The selected candidate will have a statement of work that spans the product lifecycle: supporting customer configuration development, supplier engagement, validating and verifying design requirements, integrating business needs, and supporting the product through the production and certification processes. Your work will include the need to interface with other members of project engineering, production engineering, program/product teams, management, and technical staff to define and implement engineering solutions. You will be able to combine the expertise and resources of the interiors organization to certify and deliver the best interiors products within the industry.

Be part of the team that connects rigorous technical design to the future of air travel.

The Payloads organization within Boeing Commercial Aircraft 787 Program is seeking experienced Engineers for several different positions, including:

  • BFE Monuments

  • Lighting

  • Monuments - Lavatories & Galleys

  • Certification

  • Configuration

  • Production Integration - Process/Tools

  • Livery

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lead development of engineering solutions for the Payloads Engineering function in support of current and future commercial airplane products.

  • Manage development, test, and production activities and direct activities to optimize integration and achieve program goals.

  • Lead development of engineering solutions for airline customer in-service reliability and/or safety issues.

  • Train, coach, and mentor Payloads and Structures engineers.

  • Validating/demonstrating compliance to regulatory requirements

  • Working with regulators

  • Design for manufacturing

  • Assignment of final responsibility could be in any one of the following Interiors organizations listed above. Final determination will be based on best fit and alignment of experience.

Work Authorization Statement:

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the North Charleston, SC location.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)

  • 14+ years of experience in engineering, including design, integration, and/or certification or equivalent combination of additional education and relevant experience.

  • 1+ year of experience in aerospace interiors, materials and properties, design criteria and release processes.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Strong understanding and demonstrated experience with FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA equivalent.

  • 9+ years of experience in program or project management, leading project and/or program proposals of varying complexity (including: development and execution of schedule milestones, financial assessments, resource assessments, risk and/or issues management, etc.)

  • Demonstrates good problem-solving skills and critical thinking

  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment

  • Adaptable in a dynamic work environment

  • Experience leading a cross-functional team.

  • Excellent communication skill, both written and oral. Ability to use a variety of media to clearly convey information and ideas to a variety of audiences

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.

Pay Range Summary:

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.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $154,700 - $209,300

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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