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Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AAA USA Inc

Payloads Design Engineer

North Charleston, SC · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

We are looking for skilled Payloads Design Engineer to assist with this client's needs. The ... Assists to develop, integrate and document structural and interior payload system requirements to ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

The candidate will support acquisition activities and provide space vehicle and payload design ... Engineering with 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 years or more experience; PhD and 9 ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The candidate will support acquisition activities and provide space vehicle and payload design ... Engineering with 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 years or more experience; PhD and 9 ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The candidate will support acquisition activities and provide space vehicle and payload design ... Engineering with 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 years or more experience; PhD and 9 ...

Vitesse Systems

Payload Systems Engineer III

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

We design, engineer, and manufacture our own antennas to support the payload integration needs of our customers. About Vitesse Systems Vitesse Systems is a leading provider of highly engineered ...

INFOSYS NOVA HOLDINGS LLC

Design Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

* Areas of expertise include aerospace primary and secondary structure design, payloads design and ... Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering * 4 -5 years of experience in an ...

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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 Aug 7, 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?

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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Payloads Design Engineer

AAA United States Inc

North Charleston, SC

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description

About the Company:

We provide specialized subcontracting and technical assistance services to support clients in the transport and aerospace industries. We work closely with clients to ensure that our solutions meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Our team members are motivated individuals that do remarkable things every day!


Position Summary:

AAA United States, Inc. has partnered with a company in North Charleston, SC that is a leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. We are looking for skilled Payloads Design Engineer to assist with this client's needs. 

The Payloads Design Engineer is responsible to manage systems associated with airplane interiors including light limiting headers, closets, partitions, stow bins and wiring. The statement of work spans the product lifecycle: supporting customer configuration development, fabrication and manufacturing, validating and verifying design requirements, integrating business needs, and supporting the product through the production and certification processes.


Essential Functions:

  • Assists to develop, integrate and document structural and interior payload system requirements to establish the system design.
  • Assists the performance of tests to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements and specifications.
  • Supports the management of supplier performance, test and production activities and coordinates with the supplier to optimize the design and achieve program goals.
  • Supports IRC production floor during first-of or complex builds.
  • Assists in the development of new design/analysis processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality and efficiency of the development effort.
  • Supports the investigation of emerging technologies to develop concepts for future product designs to meet projected requirements.
  • Develops, maintains and modifies payload system and component designs, using 3-D Computer Aided Design tools and/or other design methods.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree from an accredited course of study in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering.
  • 2+ years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (Bachelor's + 2 years experience, Master's + 0 years experience).
  • 2+ years of experience with 3-D modeling (Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, SketchUp, Pro-E, 3DX, etc.) and/or equivalent combination of additional education and relevant experience.
  • Experience working within cross-functional engineering and production team.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of experience in aerospace engineering, design and engineering release processes.
  • Demonstrates good problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
  • Working knowledge of standard business software (MS Office Suite).
  • Ability to meet plan delivery deadlines when assigned.
  • Understanding and demonstrated experience with FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA equivalent.

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