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Payload Integration Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel. : This position is for a Payload Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution throughout a payload system's entire development, demonstration, and production phases * Developing test plans ...

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel. : This position is for a Payload Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and ...

SAIC

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel. : This position is for a Payload Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution throughout a payload system's entire development, demonstration, and production phases * Developing test plans ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution throughout a payload system's entire development, demonstration, and production phases * Developing test plans ...

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Manage payload integration schedule and cost across prototype and production phases * Coordinate with third-party vendors on payload qualification and integration * Provide technical mentorship to ...

Anduril Industries

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Manage payload integration schedule and cost across prototype and production phases * Coordinate with third-party vendors on payload qualification and integration * Provide technical mentorship to ...

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Payload Integration Manager information

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$37K

$111.1K

$196K

How much do payload integration manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload integration manager in the United States is $111,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payload integration manager?

A Payload Integration Manager is responsible for coordinating the integration of various payloads—such as satellites, scientific instruments, or cargo—onto spacecraft or launch vehicles. They serve as the primary point of contact between payload customers and the launch service provider, ensuring that technical, safety, and scheduling requirements are met. Their work involves managing timelines, overseeing testing and documentation, and resolving any issues that arise during the integration process. This role is critical for ensuring the successful deployment of payloads into space.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payload integration manager?

To thrive as a Payload Integration Manager, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, project management, and systems integration, often supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, integration planning tools, and industry standards such as NASA or ESA protocols is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure seamless payload integration, minimize risks, and enable successful mission outcomes in complex aerospace environments.

What are some typical challenges a payload integration manager faces when coordinating between multiple stakeholders during a mission?

Payload Integration Managers often navigate complex coordination among satellite operators, launch service providers, and engineering teams to ensure payload compatibility and mission timelines. Balancing diverse technical requirements, managing last-minute changes, and aligning strict safety protocols are common challenges. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong project management skills are essential for keeping integrations on track and addressing issues as they arise. Successfully overcoming these challenges can lead to streamlined launches and strengthened professional relationships across organizations.

What is the difference between Payload Integration Manager vs Payload Systems Engineer?

AspectPayload Integration ManagerPayload Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, project management certificationsBachelor's or master's in engineering, systems or aerospace
Work EnvironmentProject management, coordination, client communicationDesign, analysis, technical development
Industry UsageSpace, defense, aerospace companiesSpacecraft, satellite, missile systems
Common Search IntentManaging payload projects, integration processesTechnical payload system design and analysis

The Payload Integration Manager primarily oversees the coordination and management of payload projects, ensuring successful integration within systems. In contrast, the Payload Systems Engineer focuses on the technical design, analysis, and development of payload systems. Both roles are essential in aerospace projects but differ in responsibilities, with the manager handling project oversight and the engineer concentrating on technical engineering tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Payload Integration Manager jobs?

For Payload Integration Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Payload Integration Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,122 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Payload Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about SAICexternal

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support the System Program Office in acquisition planning, design, and integration of payloads for space systems

  • Oversee payload integration activities, track efforts, assess risks, and lead impact studies and trades

  • Assist in developing interface control documents, verification plans, and technical assessments of contractor designs

SAIC rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job ID: 2612013

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.

Job Description:

This position is for a Payload Integration Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Payload Integration Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to guide the development, verification, and deployment of a critical space system. In addition, the selected candidate will provide engineering expertise to oversee the payload integration activities (both technical and programmatic), track integration efforts, assess risk, and lead and support impact studies and trades.  

Role Responsibilities: 

  • Support the System Program Office (SPO) in a technical capacity for acquisition planning, design, integration of payloads associated with space systems
  • Provide programmatic and technical support on payload trades and integration activities to support the fielding of a space system
  • Support Payload interface compatibility analyses
  • Perform system analysis and interface definition and management/ execution
  • Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities
  • Participate in payload integration risk reduction planning and test execution
  • Develop plans to on-ramp new mission capabilities
  • Assist in the development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs); defining the technical, electrical, and mechanical boundaries between satellites and launch vehicles
  • Support verification, validation, and test planning
  • Provide technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs at major milestone reviews to assess progress, risks and issues, and the ability to achieve mission requirements
  • Provide technical support to Government customer activities and programmatic processes. 
  • Develop documents and briefings to communicate work or study status and brief Government and industry as required.

Qualifications

  • TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience
  • System integration and test experience with space systems
  • Knowledge and application of Systems Engineering processes and functions.
  • Prior experience with satellite systems design, requirements, development, integration and test.
  • Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.  
  • Proven experience with satellite system requirement development, design, manufacturing, and test.
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
  • Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
  • Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
  • Active TS/SCI required.
  • Previous SAP experience desired. 

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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