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Payload Integration Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UAS Integration Engineer

Winchester, VA

$101K - $136K/yr

UAS Integration Engineer Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Winchester, Virginia FLSA: Exempt About ... Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical integration of UAS subsystems including payload ...

We are seeking a Senior Payload Integration or Systems Engineer to manage the integration of optical terminals on spacecraft. This individual will apply customer management skills and systems ...

UAS Integration Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$101K - $136K/yr

UAS Integration Engineer Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Winchester, Virginia FLSA: Exempt About ... Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical integration of UAS subsystems including payload ...

We are seeking a Senior Payload Integration or Systems Engineer to manage the integration of optical terminals on spacecraft. This individual will apply customer management skills and systems ...

We are seeking a Senior Payload Integration or Systems Engineer to manage the integration of optical terminals on spacecraft. This individual will apply customer management skills and systems ...

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 ...

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 ...

Integration Engineer

Newport, RI · On-site

$104K - $140K/yr

You will possess strong technical expertise supporting submarine combat systems, payload integration efforts, systems engineering activities, and future capability development initiatives. In this ...

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 ...

EA Technical Integration Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $133K/yr

Systems / Payload integrator experience * System Safety experience at Johnson Space Center highly desired * Degree in ME, EE, Aerospace Engineering, or Aerospace Safety RESPONSIBILITES * Function as ...

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Payload Integration Engineer information

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$44.5K

$124.3K

$173.5K

How much do payload integration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload integration engineer in the United States is $124,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payload integration engineer?

A payload integration engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and implementing the integration of payloads—such as sensors, instruments, or equipment—into aerospace or defense systems. They work closely with systems engineers and use tools like CAD software and testing facilities to ensure payloads function correctly within the overall system, often requiring knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. The role typically involves troubleshooting, documentation, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior Payload Integration Engineers in aerospace, defense, or high-tech industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in large companies or executive roles.

How much does a payload systems engineer make at NASA?

A payload systems engineer at NASA typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the role often requires knowledge of systems integration, testing, and aerospace standards.

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.

What does a payload engineer do?

A payload integration engineer designs, tests, and manages the installation of payloads such as scientific instruments, sensors, or communication equipment onto spacecraft, aircraft, or other vehicles. They ensure payloads meet technical specifications, are properly integrated with the host system, and function correctly in the operational environment, often using tools like CAD software and following safety standards. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of aerospace or related engineering fields.
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What cities are hiring for Payload Integration Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Payload Integration Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Payload Integration Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,275 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

UAS Integration Engineer

Heven AeroTech

Winchester, VA

$101K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Title: UAS Integration Engineer
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Winchester, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt

About Our Company:

At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people—we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart—those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.

Role Summary:
The UAS Integration Engineer will serve as a cross-discipline integration resource on Heven Aerotech's multi-rotor program. This role bridges mechanical and electrical domains, providing hands-on integration support across airframe, payload, avionics, and comms subsystems while also serving as a redundant capability across the engineering team on a fast-moving hardware program.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical integration of UAS subsystems including payload interfaces, dropping mechanisms, sensors, and comms hardware onto multirotor platforms.
  • Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to resolve integration conflicts across subsystem interfaces (mechanical fit, power budget, signal routing, weight).
  • Assist in maintaining and updating integration documentation including ICDs, wiring diagrams, weight budgets, and configuration records.
  • Support partner and vendor technical coordination by translating system requirements into interface specifications and integration constraints.
  • Support NDAA supply chain compliance efforts by assisting in component evaluation.
  • Identify and escalate integration risks early, with recommended mitigation approaches

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field — or equivalent demonstrated experience in lieu of degree.
  • 2–6+ years of hands-on UAS integration experience, preferably with Group 1 or Group 2 multirotor platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across mechanical and electrical domains — candidates with a primary discipline in either ME or EE who have cross-trained on UAS platforms are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Experience physically building, wiring, and flying multirotor UAS systems.
  • Familiarity with ArduPilot or PX4 flight controller ecosystems and MAVLink-based payload integration.
  • Experience with payload mechanical interface work (mounting hardware, vibration isolation, CG management) and basic avionics wiring (power distribution, signal harnesses, connectors).
  • Strong attention to configuration control — able to maintain accurate documentation while working in a fast-moving prototype environment.

Preferred:

  • Coursework or project experience in UAS systems, embedded systems, or avionics integration.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and work in confined or awkward positions for extended periods during assembly, integration, and testing activities.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and components weighing up to 50 pounds independently, and up to 75 pounds with assistance when required.
  • Manual dexterity and fine motor skills sufficient to assemble, wire, solder, and integrate small electronic and mechanical components.
  • Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and electronic test equipment in a workshop or field environment.
  • Visual acuity sufficient to inspect small components, read wiring diagrams, and verify connector/pin alignment.
  • Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including indoor lab spaces, hangars, and outdoor test ranges, which may include exposure to heat, cold, wind, dust, or noise.
  • Ability to travel to field test sites and support flight operations as needed, which may include occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
  • Ability to maintain situational awareness and adhere to safety protocols in environments involving rotating machinery, energized electrical systems, and flight operations.

Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.