1

Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Payload Systems Engineer II

Longmont, CO · On-site

$85K - $130K/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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
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 and Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design)

Structures and Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design)

Boeing

North Charleston, SC • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


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

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

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:

  • 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

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

  • 2+ years of experience in engineering, including design, integration, and/or certification

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 2+ 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.).

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

  • Experience in aerospace interiors, materials and properties, design criteria and release processes.

  • Experience working in a cross-functional team.

  • Demonstrates good problem-solving skills and critical thinking

  • Ability to use a variety of media to clearly convey information and ideas to a variety of audiences

  • Demonstrated interest in continuous personal learning and development

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: $85,000- $115,000


Applications for this position will be accepted until Jun. 26, 2026


Export Control Requirements:

This is not an Export Control position.

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift


Equal Opportunity Employer:

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.


What Boeing employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom