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Payload Integration Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Assembly Technician II

Decatur, AL · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

... payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems. Assembly Technicians support daily production and engineering operations by performing hands-on mechanical ...

Assembly Technician I

Decatur, AL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems. Assembly Technicians work hands-on with materials, tools, and production equipment to support engineering ...

... integration of cabin interiors, monuments, furnishings, or payload installation projects. * Demonstrated experience handling configuration management, engineering change tracking, or part structures ...

Showing results 21-40

Payload Integration Engineer information

What is a payload integration engineer?

Payload Integration Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that spacecraft payloads, such as satellites or scientific instruments, are properly designed, tested, and integrated with the launch vehicle. They coordinate between payload providers, launch vehicle teams, and mission planners to ensure compatibility and safe installation. Their work includes overseeing mechanical, electrical, and thermal interfaces, performing integration tests, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the process. These engineers play a crucial role in successful space missions by ensuring payloads are delivered to orbit safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payload integration engineer?

To thrive as a Payload Integration Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience with systems integration, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards such as NASA or ESA requirements, as well as certifications like EIT or PE, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure that complex payloads are integrated safely and efficiently, meeting mission requirements and minimizing risks.

What are some common challenges payload integration engineers face when coordinating with multiple teams during a satellite launch campaign?

Payload Integration Engineers frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including spacecraft engineering, mission operations, and launch providers. A common challenge is ensuring all payload requirements are met while aligning schedules and technical specifications across these groups. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to anticipate and resolve integration issues, manage last-minute changes, and ensure safety and mission objectives are upheld. Successfully overcoming these challenges not only ensures a smooth launch but also fosters valuable experience in multidisciplinary teamwork.

What are popular job titles related to Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Alabama?

For Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Payload Integration Engineer jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Payload Integration Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Payload Integration Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a skilled Systems Engineer to join our team, contributing to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in architectural design, requirements generation & management, and product simulation for a variety of sUAS systems.
What You'll Do
The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, able to deal with problems on the fly, and delivers thoughtfully designed and highly adaptable systems.
  • Sustain and support UAS platforms across air vehicle, electronics, payloads, communications, ground control, and support infrastructure.
  • Investigate and remediate complex system-level issues spanning mechanical, electrical hardware, software, RF, and network interfaces.
  • Perform root cause analysis on system and subsystem issues and failures.
  • Own system-level issue resolution from intake through validation and closure, balancing near-term fixes with long-term product stability.
  • Understand and grow knowledge of the architecture, design, interfaces, functionality and behaviors of PDW products.
  • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, test, flight operations, and customer support teams to resolve sustainment issues
  • Evaluate engineering changes for system-level impacts to safety, reliability, performance, and compliance.
  • Support configuration management, documentation, and lifecycle sustainment processes.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 8+ years experience supporting aerospace, defense, or UAS systems in a system integration or systems engineering role
  • Strong understanding of system architecture, system-of-systems integration, and interface management
  • Experience troubleshooting fielded systems in operational environments
  • Experience analyzing system log files and datalink messages and sequences
  • Ability to create documentation artifacts describing troubleshooting, root cause analysis and general system description to technical, non-technical and customer audiences.
  • Proficiency in MS Office tools.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required

Preferred
  • Candidates with experience in UAV aircrafts, robotics development, and/or hobby drones are highly preferred (ideally with a background in datalinks, networking, communication interfaces, software, avionics, or payload integration).

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and phones. Must be physically capable of walking between the office and production areas and attending events or meetings off-site as needed.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard engineering and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • On-site gym.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.