1

Payload Integration Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Payload Accommodation Engineer III

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

Payload Accommodation Engineer III The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is ... This role works across the Payload Accommodation subsystem and supports integrated solutions to ...

Our expertise in engineering innovation and semiconductor technologies allows us to deliver mission ... This position is responsible for the end-to-end integration of warhead and payload - ensuring the ...

Mission Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

The successful MSE&Integration Engineer will support the Mission Integration efforts supporting a ... payload planning, scheduling, and tasking. * Determine where gaps exist and perform trades to ...

Mission Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$106K - $143K/yr

The successful MSE&Integration Engineer will support the Mission Integration efforts supporting a ... payload planning, scheduling, and tasking. * Determine where gaps exist and perform trades to ...

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SAR Payload Development - experience supporting the design, development, integration, verification ... engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining ...

Showing results 21-40

Payload Integration Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$50.4K

$140.8K

$196.5K

How much do payload integration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload integration engineer in Washington, DC is $140,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,800.00 and $158,600.00 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 Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Payload Integration Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Flight to Shipboard Integration Engineer

JRC Careers

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Who We Are (video)
At JRC, we tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. Our expertise in engineering innovation and semiconductor technologies allows us to deliver mission-critical microelectronics solutions, aerospace systems engineering, and cutting-edge research and development. By joining JRC, you'll be part of a team that supports strategic deterrence and defense missions, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies.
Join JRC's DIVISION Team!
The Shipboard Integration Engineer works as a key member of the cross-functional integration team responsible for adapting the new flight vehicle for operation from a Virginia Class submarine. In this role, the engineer collaborates with platform, flight vehicle, and test teams to define and mature the physical and electrical interfaces, guide the development of flight-vehicle simulators for HWIL and SWIL testing, and ensure the integrated system can successfully receive and process a valid flight profile (mission plan). The position emphasizes coordinated engineering effort, close communication, and shared technical ownership across government and contractor partners
What You'll Do
  • Serve as critical technical contributor reporting to the LOC Missile System Integration Section Head on interface design between the flight vehicle and the submarine.
  • Supports system integration efforts across fight vehicle, control, fire control, and launch subsystems
  • Oversee the development of flight vehicle simulators including high fidelity guidance test sets (GTS).
  • Serve as the lead liaison between the flight vehicle and shipboard branches.
  • Support Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), digital thread/twin management, and configuration control.
  • Ensure design integrity through requirements traceability, verification, and validation processes.
  • Plan and execute flight system to payload integration activities, ensuring clear hand offs between flight and shipboard integration work streams.
  • Lead hardware in the loop (HWIL) and software in the loop (SWIL) verification of the flight to shipboard interface; define test procedures, success criteria, and analyze results.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate/enable technical risks/opportunities specific to the payload interface; track mitigation/enabling actions.
  • Provide technical input to Engineering Review Boards (ERB), technical Risk and Opportunities Management Boards (TRMB), and Configuration Control Boards (CCB) as the flight to shipboard interface subject matter expert.
  • Contribute fight system to shipboard interface content to the Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), Mission Assurance Plan, and Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP).
  • Assist in the oversight of Integration and Test efforts for the LOC missile inclusive of hardware, instrumentation, data-collection, post-test analysis, and ship-integration
  • Prepare and present flight to shipboard integration status for major technical and programmatic LOC reviews.
  • Advise and contribute on flight system cost/schedule/technical trade-offs, and its documentation.

What You Bring to the Table
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
  • Minimum 7 years of defense related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience working with Naval shipboard systems or mission planning.
  • Strong communications skills and an ability to communicate complex subject matter to a non-technical
  • Active Secret clearance with eligibility for Top Secret / SCI.

โ˜†Bonus Points
  • Master's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, or related field.
  • 10 years of defense related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs.
  • Experience working onboard Virginia Class Submarines, with the Tomahawk Weapons System, or with Tomahawk Mission Planning.
  • DAWIA Advanced Certification in Engineering or Program Management.
  • Experience supporting nuclear-capable or strategic missile programs.
  • Sea-Launch Platform Experience such as SSN, SSBN, and SSGN
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
Additional Information:
This position requires regular interaction with senior DoW, FFRDC, and industry leadership. Travel (~ 50%) to test ranges, contractor facilities, weapons facilities, and government labs is required to support technical and programmatic reviews, integration events, and milestone readiness assessments.
At JRC we offer...
  • A competitive compensation package
  • An exceptional employee benefits program, providing support for our team members' well-being and success
  • The chance to contribute to a high-profile Department of Defense programs and make a positive impact
  • A collaborative work environment where teamwork, creativity, and innovation thrive
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development, helping you advance your career