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Payload Engineering Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saic

Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Provide comprehensive payload and space vehicle engineering support to Government mission managers across all lifecycle phases--from initial concept development through active flight operations and ...

AIAA

Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$145K - $188K/yr

Partner with engineering, program management, and production to ensure comprehensive and efficient end-to-end validation of payload test from plan through design and execution. * Define requirements ...

Umbra

Systems Engineering Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

Systems Engineering Manager Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced ... Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire ...

Socket.dev

Engineering Manager

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic ... management foundation of a functional engineering group. You will oversee resource planning ...

K2 Space

Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop ...

Umbra Lab, Inc.

Engineering Manager

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

... payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the ... As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software ...

True Anomaly

Engineering Manager, Mechanisms

Denver, CO · On-site

$155K - $230K/yr

We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors ... YOUR MISSION True Anomaly is seeking an innovative Mechanisms Engineering Manager to lead a small ...

K2 Space

Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop ...

Firefly Aerospace

Payload Engineer III

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

Create and manage hardware definition through CAD, drawings and documentation. Perform and/or guide ... S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field. 6+ years of experience designing ...

Firefly Aerospace

Payload Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

Create and manage hardware definition through CAD, drawings and documentation. * Perform and/or ... S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field. * 3+ years of experience designing ...

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Payload Engineering Manager information

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$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do payload engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload engineering manager in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a payload engineering manager do?

A Payload Engineering Manager leads teams responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of payload systems on spacecraft, satellites, or launch vehicles. They coordinate cross-functional engineering efforts, ensure payloads meet mission requirements, and manage schedules and budgets. This role typically involves overseeing technical staff, collaborating with clients or mission partners, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payload engineering manager?

To thrive as a Payload Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience in payload integration, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like CAD software, project management systems, and knowledge of regulatory standards such as ITAR is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing cross-functional teams and complex projects. These skills ensure efficient payload development, regulatory compliance, and successful mission outcomes in a highly technical and collaborative environment.

How does a payload engineering manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development of new payload systems?

A Payload Engineering Manager regularly works with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, software developers, manufacturing specialists, and project managers, to ensure payload systems are designed, integrated, and tested efficiently. This collaboration often involves coordinating technical requirements, managing schedules, and addressing integration issues early in the development cycle. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as the manager must balance technical objectives with project constraints while fostering a collaborative environment. Such teamwork is crucial for meeting deadlines and ensuring the final payload meets all performance and safety requirements.

What is the difference between Payload Engineering Manager vs Payload Systems Engineer?

AspectPayload Engineering ManagerPayload Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership, project management, team coordinationDesign, development, testing of payload systems
Industry UsageSatellite, aerospace, defense companiesSatellite, aerospace, defense companies
Search IntentManagement roles in payload projectsTechnical roles in payload system design

The Payload Engineering Manager oversees teams and manages payload projects, focusing on leadership and project delivery. In contrast, the Payload Systems Engineer concentrates on technical design and development of payload systems. Both roles are essential in aerospace and defense industries but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Payload Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Payload Engineering Manager job openings:

What states have the most Payload Engineering Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Payload Engineering Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Payload Engineering Manager jobs?

For Payload Engineering Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Payload Engineering Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.

Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Saic
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Saicexternal

$160K - $200K/yr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago

SAIC rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer to provide critical technical expertise to Government mission managers. In this pivotal role, you will support all phases of planning, development, and execution for national security satellite operations. The position will be part of the System Engineering and Integration Team for a new space-based SDA acquisition for the USSF.

Your primary focus will be on the initial development, future operations, and logistics of an advanced constellation of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) satellites dedicated to the space-based surveillance and reconnaissance mission. As a key technical advisor, you will bridge the gap between initial program planning and active mission execution, ensuring the seamless operation and long‑term sustainment of critical space assets. In addition, this position will champion the integration of autonomous operations, while assisting with overseeing multiple payload development for optical systems and satellite communications alongside the government customer. Working in our El Segundo, CA office.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide comprehensive payload and space vehicle engineering support to Government mission managers across all lifecycle phases—from initial concept development through active flight operations and logistics.
  • Develop, maintain, and execute detailed program plans to guide constellation deployment and operational readiness.
  • Define, identify, monitor, and verify mission‑unique requirements to align spacecraft capability with evolving mission objectives.
  • Provide critical mission integration services to Government Mission Manager for space vehicle and payload operations, logistics and sustainment and launch.
  • Develop and review technical assessments and presentations for senior leadership reviews.
  • Generate mission status reports and presentations for Weekly Staff Meeting, Executive Program Reviews, and mission status briefings for space domain awareness programs.
  • Review and provides technical evaluations to key mission contractual documentation for sustainment contracts.
  • Support the development and future operations of a sophisticated SDA satellite constellation designed for space-based surveillance and reconnaissance.
  • Manage the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process, including formulating clear change definitions, conducting exhaustive technical evaluations, and assessing operational impacts.
  • Collaborate with contractors and government stakeholders to review design modifications, ensuring payload compatibility and system integrity.
  • Perform risk assessments on proposed hardware and software changes, presenting actionable findings to program leadership.
Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Engineering specialty with at least ten (10) years of applicable experience.
  • Hands‑on experience managing multi‑satellite constellation operations, logistics, or phased deployment schedules.
  • Direct technical experience with optical, RF, or radar payloads.
  • Experience with communication payloads and link budgets.
  • Experience developing long‑term vehicle sustainment plans, orbital maneuvers, or end‑of‑life disposal strategies.
  • Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and rolled in the Continuous Vetting program (if applicable).
  • Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information and Special Access Programs and consent to a polygraph examination (as required).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Systems Engineering.
  • Hands‑on experience managing multi‑satellite constellation operations, logistics, or phased deployment schedules.
  • Direct technical experience with optical, RF, or radar payloads. Experience with communication payloads and link budgets.
  • Experience developing long‑term vehicle sustainment plans, orbital maneuvers, or end‑of‑life disposal strategies.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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