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Payload Integration Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Heven AeroTech

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 ...

Heven AeroTech

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 ...

Heven AeroTech

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 ...

Blue Origin

Senior Payload Systems Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$144K - $201K/yr

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 ...

Blue Origin

Senior Payload Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$144K - $201K/yr

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 ...

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA

Coordinate with third-party vendors on payload qualification and integration * Provide technical mentorship to engineers across payload disciplines * Support testing and field deployment of payload ...

Blue Origin

Senior Payload Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$144K - $201K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 8, 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?

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.
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Payload Integration Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Integration Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,275 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

UAS Integration Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Port Orange, FL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.
Position Overview
The UAS Integration Engineer is primarily responsible for UAS payload integration and UAS mechanical design, supporting the design, prototyping, integration, and testing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and their payloads for government programs, with an emphasis on Group 1 and Group 2 platforms. The role combines hands-on mechanical design with cross-disciplinary integration work, blending the responsibilities of a design engineer with those of a UAS systems specialist. Candidates must be competent in CAD and CAM software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), hold a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree, and be open to travel up to 25%.
Working alongside senior engineers and within our rapid-prototyping facility, you will take payloads and subsystems from concept through CAD modeling, fabrication, fit-up, and physical integration onto airframes across lab, shop, and field environments. This is a growth-oriented position for an engineer early in their career who wants to build deep, practical UAS expertise. Early on, you'll execute well-scoped design and integration tasks; over time, you'll grow into owning payload integration efforts end to end and taking on broader systems responsibility.
This is not a remote position; the selected candidate will be required to work onsite in Port Orange, FL.
Responsibilities
  • Mechanical Design: Design UAS structures, mounts, brackets, enclosures, and payload interfaces using CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), accounting for weight, balance, and structural integrity.
  • Payload Integration: Integrate payloads-sensors, EO/IR cameras, communications equipment, radios, antennas, and mission-specific hardware-onto Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms, ensuring mechanical fit and electrical compatibility.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Support quick-turn design, prototyping, and iteration of UAS solutions using CAM software to prepare parts for machining, 3D printing, and fabrication.
  • DFM/DFA: Apply Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles to reduce cost and complexity while improving quality and reliability.
  • Field Support: Travel to test sites, customer locations, and demonstrations to support integration and evaluation activities (approximately 25%).

Required Experience/Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline (Aerospace Engineering also applicable).
  • 2+ years of relevant engineering experience; strong recent graduates with significant project, internship, or hands-on UAS/robotics experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated competency in CAD and CAM software, specifically SolidWorks and/or Fusion 360.
  • Solid grasp of mechanical design fundamentals, tolerancing, and design for manufacturability and assembly.
  • Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude, including comfort with hand tools, test equipment, soldering, and wiring.
  • Highly organized and deadline-driven, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple integration tasks at once.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret (Tier 3) security clearance as required by contract or program needs.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with UAS, drones, or other unmanned and robotic platforms (academic, professional, or hobbyist).
  • Familiarity with Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms and applicable DoD/FAA categorization.
  • Experience with Autodesk Inventor in addition to SolidWorks/Fusion 360.
  • Familiarity with rapid prototyping, 3D printing, or CNC machining.
  • Basic understanding of RF, communications links, GPS/GNSS, or telemetry concepts.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or willingness to obtain one.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret (Tier 3) clearance.
  • Up to 25% travel to support program objectives and customer engagements.

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