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Payload Integration Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Payload Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Payload Engineer - Space Systems & Payload Integration About the Opportunity A growing aerospace engineering organization supporting commercial and government space programs is seeking a Payload ...

Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Lead the end-to-end payload integration process, from initial requirements gathering to final ... Coordinate with internal engineering teams, including systems engineering, spacecraft design, and ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Webster, TX · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Work closely with Aegis Aerospace integration engineers and designers in support of MISSE payload integration. * Design electronics and software to interface with customer active experiments and ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$152K - $159K/yr

Work closely with Aegis Aerospace integration engineers and designers in support of MISSE payload integration. * Design electronics and software to interface with customer active experiments and ...

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Payload Integration Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$42.5K

$118.7K

$165.7K

How much do payload integration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload integration engineer in Houston, TX is $118,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,300.00 and $133,700.00 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 Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Payload Integration Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Payload Integration Engineer job openings:

Payload Engineer

Protouch Staffing

Houston, TX • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Payload Engineer - Space Systems & Payload Integration

About the Opportunity

A growing aerospace engineering organization supporting commercial and government space programs is seeking a Payload Engineer to support lunar and deep-space mission initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced spacecraft payload integration projects involving cutting-edge technologies for manned and unmanned missions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in spacecraft systems, payload integration, and customer-facing engineering support within the aerospace or defense industry.
As part of federal contracting requirements, candidates must currently reside in a HUBZone-qualified area and be able to provide proof of residency if selected for employment.

Position Summary

The Payload Engineer will act as the primary technical interface between internal engineering teams and payload customers to ensure successful integration of customer payloads into space mission architectures. This individual will support payload development activities from initial requirements gathering through testing, integration, launch preparation, and mission support.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary technical liaison for payload customers and stakeholders throughout the mission lifecycle

  • Lead payload integration activities from concept development through final verification and testing

  • Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), technical documentation, and integration plans

  • Coordinate with systems engineering, spacecraft design, mission operations, and testing teams to ensure payload compatibility

  • Support Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), and other technical review activities

  • Provide technical oversight during payload integration, spacecraft testing, and pre-launch operations

  • Troubleshoot integration and interface issues while maintaining project schedules and mission objectives

  • Ensure payload requirements are properly documented, tracked, and validated

  • Support customer communications and provide regular status updates throughout integration activities

  • Assist with mission operations and post-launch support activities as needed

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline

  • 3+ years of experience in payload integration, systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, or related aerospace roles

  • Hands-on experience with spacecraft systems, payload hardware, and integration/testing activities

  • Familiarity with NASA, DoD, or commercial aerospace standards and processes

  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including experience creating ICDs and engineering review materials

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer-interface skills

  • Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting lunar, deep-space, or satellite missions

  • Knowledge of RF systems, thermal systems, spacecraft power systems, or avionics integration

  • Experience with mission operations, launch support, or post-flight payload support

  • Familiarity with systems engineering methodologies and verification processes

  • Previous experience supporting government aerospace programs or commercial space missions

Additional Information

  • This role may involve occasional travel to customer sites, integration facilities, or launch support locations

  • Candidates should provide a complete current address on their resume for verification purposes

  • U.S. work authorization required

HUBZone Requirement

This position supports federal HUBZone program requirements. To be eligible, candidates must live in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) as designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Proof of residency may be required during the hiring process.
Education Requirement

  • Bachelor's Degree required


Protouch Staffing logo

About Protouch Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Protouch Staffing, based in Plano, Texas, is a leading provider in the healthcare staffing industry. Established over 30 years ago, the company prides itself on delivering quality services in the fields of nursing, allied health, pharmaceuticals, healthcare IT, and more. Committed to building lasting relationships, Protouch Staffing continually exceeds client expectations by providing unparalleled service, superior patient care, and talented healthcare professionals.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

1989