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Payload Integration Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground ... Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system ...

Flight Test Engineer, Staff (R5006)

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground ... Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system ...

Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground ... Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system ...

Showing results 21-40

Payload Integration Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$48.3K

$135K

$188.5K

How much do payload integration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload integration engineer in Boston, MA is $135,013.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $152,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Boston, MA? For Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Lead, IPTL Software Engineer (Optical Space Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($30K max)

L3Harris Technologies

Melrose, MA โ€ข On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customersโ€™ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customersโ€™ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, IPTL Software Engineer (Optical Space Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($30K max)

Job Code: 38054

Job Location: Wilmington, MA (on-site)

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Sign-On Bonus: A sign-on bonus of up to $30K may be included as part of an offer package for this level

 

 

 

Job Description: 

This role leads a Software Integrated Product Team (IPT) within the Space & Mission Systems Segment of L3Harris for our Wilmington MA location. The team develops, integrates, and tests flight software and Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) software for space-based EO/IR and optical payloads. The ideal candidate has a strong background in space domain, including embedded and real-time software, RTOS environments such as VxWorks, and development of EGSE and test systems for optical payload integration and test. This role requires technical leadership across the full software lifecycle, with responsibility for technical execution, cost, schedule, integration, and risk management.

Essential Functions: 

  • Lead the Software IPT responsible for flight software and EGSE software development for space payload programs.
  • Provide technical, cost, and schedule leadership across all phases of software development, integration, test, and delivery.
  • Coordinate with Program Management, Systems Engineering, Electronics, FPGA, Integration & Test, and other cross-functional teams.
  • Lead software planning, architecture, execution, and staffing for embedded, real-time, and test software efforts.
  • Oversee development of software for payload command and telemetry, mode control, hardware interfaces, and EGSE/test automation.
  • Ensure program deliverables are met through technical oversight, schedule management, cost tracking, and EVMS reporting where applicable.
  • Lead risk management and RCCA activities for software and integration issues.
  • Support software verification across SIL/HIL, bench, flatsat, and payload-level integration environments.
  • Lead or participate in technical reviews, Independent Review Teams (IRT), and Agile/Scrum activities as needed.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance

Qualifications:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 9+ years of relevant experience; OR Graduate Degree with 7+ years of relevant experience; OR 13+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
  • 7+ years experience in embedded software development, system design, debugging, and integration on aerospace applications
  • Professional expertise in full System lifecycle including requirements flow down and allocation, design, development, test, and sell-off.
  • Professional experience with Agile methods, supplier management, and cross-functional execution.
  • Experience in an IPT or lead role overseeing team technical, cost, and schedule responsibilities

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active U.S. Security Clearance is preferred but not required.
  • PMP or Agile/Scrum certifications are a plus.
  • Experience with RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RTLinux, QNX), simulators (TSIM, VxSIM, SIMIC, MATLAB Simulink), and programming languages (C/C++, Python, scripting).
  • Experience with embedded command and control of mechanisms (e.g., shutters, motors, gimbals), embedded controllers (e.g., PIC, STM, TMS), serial communications (e.g., CAN, TCP/IP, RS422), and distributed messaging (TCP/UDP).
  • Knowledge of MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo) and wideband/narrowband telemetry and messaging.
  • Experience in estimating large software programs for new business opportunities.
  • Experience in developing software for microcontrollers with interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, CAN).
  • Develop, customize, and maintain Board Support Packages (BSP) for various hardware platforms.
  • Integrate BSP components, including bootloaders, device drivers, and operating systems.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $135,000.00 - $250,500.00. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.