ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boeing

Structures & Payloads Design Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$11K - $150K/yr

You will develop, maintain, and modify structural and interior payload system and component designs ... design methods to provide product definition to engineering groups, production operations ...

Boeing

Structures & Payloads Design Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$11K - $150K/yr

You will develop, maintain, and modify structural and interior payload system and component designs ... design methods to provide product definition to engineering groups, production operations ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPayload Design Engineer Jobs

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 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.

Structures & Payload Design Engineer 5

The Structures Company

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$112/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Structures & Payload Design Engineer Level 5
LOCATION: San Antonio, TX
PAY RATE: $112.00/hour

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

  • Job Type: Contract (6 months with potential for extension)

  • Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

  • Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

  • Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

  • Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

Qualifying Questions:

  • Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?

  • Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

  • Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

  • Provides oversight and direction to develop, integrate and document structural and interior payload system requirements to establish system design.

  • Leads development, maintenance and modification of structural and interior payload system and component designs using 3D Computer Aided Design tools.

  • Leads performance, integration and analysis of tests to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements and specifications.

  • Manages supplier development, test and production activities and coordinates with supplier to optimize design and achieve program goals.

  • Develops new design and analysis processes and tools to improve effectiveness, quality and efficiency.

  • Investigates emerging technologies to develop concepts for future product designs.

  • Provides design and shipside engineering services for insulation designs and aircraft monument designs.

  • Creates and revises change orders and drawing revisions using Catia, Enovia, and IVT.

  • Serves as Subject Matter Expert in Insulation Design for shipside support.

  • Provides shipside support in austere environment including climbing scaffolding and working inside platform during modifications.

Requirements:

  • Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

  • Bachelor's degree with 14 or more years' experience, Master's degreee with 12 or more years' experience or PhD with 9 or more years' experience. Bachelor, Master or Doctorate of Science degree from an accredited course of study, in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry.

  • Proficiency in shipside support for aircraft modifications.

  • Experience in blankets and insulation design and discrepancy disposition.

  • Proficiency in Catia, Enovia, and IVT software.

  • Experience with factory shipside support in aerospace manufacturing environment.

  • Ability to work in austere environment and perform physical tasks including climbing scaffolding and working inside aircraft platform.

  • Ability to work alternate shifts as needed to support factory demands.

  • Experience with aircraft monument designs and change order processing.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

Take your career to new heights—apply today!

Engineers - #Jobad