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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 ...

Ventus Solutions

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 ...

Aegis Aerospace

Mission Integration Engineer

Webster, TX · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Experience with ISS payload integration and safety processes * Master's degree in mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Aerospace Engineering * Experience supporting spaceflight hardware or mission ...

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 ...

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

$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

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 ...

Ventus Solutions

Integration Engineer

Newport, RI

$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 ...

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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 Jul 18, 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 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.
More about Payload Integration Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Payload Integration Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Payload Integration Engineer job openings:
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Payload Integration Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Integration Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% 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.
Senior Mission Integration Engineer

Senior Mission Integration Engineer

Apex

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We'd love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
About the Role
Apex is seeking a dynamic, organized, and driven Senior Mission Integration Engineer to join our expanding team. As a company at the forefront of space exploration and satellite technology, Apex is looking for an individual capable of independently owning complex spacecraft analysis and serving as the primary liaison between our customers and technical teams to ensure mission success. The Senior Mission Integration Engineer is also responsible for acting as a generalist across our programs to support customer mission integration.
Responsibilities:
  • Define end-to-end mission architecture, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements
  • Lead space vehicle I&T planning and execution including payload integration, spacecraft level environmental test, and launch vehicle integration
  • Perform mission analysis, including orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison between internal technical teams and customers
  • Lead execution of coupled loads analysis (CLA), thermal analysis, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) assessments.
  • Generate mission specific technical budgets (power, mass, data, pointing, etc)
  • Travel to launch sites for payload integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals
  • Work with mission operations teams to track and maintain spacecraft in its operational orbit
  • Lead the development of technical documentation, integration procedures, and lessons learned to improve future missions
  • Work with engineering, business development, and external partners to shape future missions
  • Lead the technical support of proposals for future missions by defining technical approaches, feasibility studies, and cost estimates
  • Develop and maintain customer system-level documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions.
  • Support requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities to ensure compliance with customer needs and industry standards.
  • Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation
  • Perform system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and support reliability engineering efforts
  • Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, to ensure system integration and performance.
  • Communicate technical concepts, requirements, and issues clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Lead Apex technical support of customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates.

Requirements:
  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • At least 8+ years of experience working on complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred) or technical capture management.
  • Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high-tech) is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations
  • Experience working with prime contractors or government entities
  • Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration
  • Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.).
  • Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office productivity tools
  • Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or other mission analysis tools.
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the ability to prioritize and adapt to changing demands.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across the Apex team
  • High attention to detail with a focus on delivering concise and technical review content
  • Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-changing environment with shifting priorities and deadlines

#LI-RC1
Why Join Apex?
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:
  • Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
  • Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
  • Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
  • Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
  • Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
  • Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
  • World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
  • Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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