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Payload Integration Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA

Coordinate with third-party vendors on payload qualification and integration * Provide technical mentorship to engineers across payload disciplines * Support testing and field deployment of payload ...

New

Apex

Lead Mission Integration Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures ... About the Role As the Lead Mission Integration Engineer , you will define and own end-to-end ...

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent * 5+ years of experience in payload integration, weapons systems, or mission systems * Experience delivering payload integration in ...

K2 Space

Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design ...

Stratolaunch

Payload Systems Engineer

Mojave, CA

Collaborates with the payload's integration and test engineers, test team responsible engineers, payloads program leadership, and payload customers to define and implement vehicle payloads ...

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Payload Integration Engineer information

What are Payload Integration Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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.
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Payload Integration Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Integration Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Launch System Integration Engineer

Launch System Integration Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site

$179K/yr

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Launch System Integration Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Mission Operations Manager the Launch System Integration Engineer will be responsible for leading and executing launch vehicle integration for space vehicles, developing launch requirements, performing launch verification and validation and range safety compliance. You will also act as the primary launch liaison between customers, launch providers, and Terran Orbital.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Manage all aspects related to launch segment for specific programs (i.e dispenser/separation system requirements, packaging and shipping space vehicle and launch-related hardware, unpacking hardware at vehicle integration site, and launch integration planning and execution)
  • Primary technical POC for launch with multiple disciplines, with customers, and with launch providers
  • Coordinate and conduct test campaigns of space vehicle and launch-related hardware
  • Write and execute the necessary assembly, integration and test procedures to support the launch integration campaign.
  • Work with design and tooling engineers to develop and/or design assembly, integration, or checkout tooling.
  • Work closely with members of program teams, technical peers, and operations to ensure the Launch Systems Engineering team and launch integration activities meet all requirements and achieve all milestones.

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related technical field
  • 2+ years' experience as aerospace, mechanical, system engineer or similar
  • Hands-on experience with payload integration and/or launch integration, or
  • Experience with large structure and electrical assembly
  • Experience with SSCMAN 91-710 Compliance and MSPSP
  • Highly detail-oriented
  • Experience effectively communicating with cross-functional teams, external customers, and launch suppliers
  • Able to communicate effectively with strong organizational skills
  • Must be willing to travel up to 25% for launch site integration support
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as required
  • Willing and able to operate heavy machinery (i.e lifts, overhead cranes)
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • Experience with SolidWorks
  • Experience with requirement tools such as JAMA and Valispace
  • Experience with propellant systems for spacecraft
  • Experience with MGSE for structures handling (i.e lift/breakover fixtures, large structure stands)
  • Experience with space vehicle separation systems
  • Familiarity with GEVS and/or SMC-S-16 testing requirements

Apply