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Payload Integration Engineer Jobs in El Segundo, CA

Apex

Mission Integration Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures ... The Mission Integration Engineer is also responsible for acting as a generalist across our programs ...

Apex

Senior Mission Integration Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures ... The Senior Mission Integration Engineer is also responsible for acting as a generalist across our ...

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 ...

K2 Space

Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design ... Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ...

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 ...

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Payload Integration Engineer information

See El Segundo, CA salary details

$47.4K

$132.4K

$184.8K

How much do payload integration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload integration engineer in El Segundo, CA is $132,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,800.00 and $149,100.00 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 job categories do people searching Payload Integration Engineer jobs in El Segundo, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Payload Integration Engineer jobs in El Segundo, CA are:
What cities near El Segundo, CA are hiring for Payload Integration Engineer jobs? Cities near El Segundo, CA with the most Payload Integration Engineer job openings:
Payload Integration Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Integration Engineer job openings in El Segundo, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,372 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Payload Integration Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$109K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

PAYLOAD INTEGRATION ENGINEER II 

Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced payload integration engineer with previous launch vehicle or spacecraft integration experience. This role will work under the direction of the Team Lead for Payload Integration. The candidate must have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: spacecraft or launch vehicle integration, systems engineering, and/or electrical/mechanical systems.

This candidate will interface with spacecraft customer integration teams and direct and perform tasks associated with the physical payload integration to the Electron and HASTE launch vehicle. This role requires a candidate who works well with a multidisciplinary team and can hold their own when presented with technical challenges in front of both internal and external customers. The position is based in Long Beach, CA at Rocket Lab Headquarters, but requires frequent travel to customers and launch sites worldwide.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Performs hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser, and launch vehicle integration
  • Assists management in on-site integration planning and performance of daily coordination meetings during launch site integration periods.
  • Provides inputs for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD)
  • Ability to create and execute assembly integration and test instructions
  • Provide customer support to answer questions with internal technical staff as required
  • Remain in constant contact with engineering staff regarding mechanical and electrical design needs based on mission requirements for the spacecraft integration.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline and 2 +years of applicable experience
  • Active US Government security clearance Secret or TS/SCI
  • Previous launch vehicle or space hardware integration experience
  • Demonstrated ability to understand technical constraints relative to payload integration
  • Advanced presentation and technical writing skills
  • Ability to travel to launch sites and customer sites including overseas (New Zealand and others)

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred
  • Solid interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Experience with CubeSats, SmallSats, or other small space payloads
  • Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings
  • Ability to perform electrical and mechanical testing

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

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