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Payload Integration Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SCEYE INC

Lead Payload Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... integration, and operations. * Proven track record managing complex payloads with multiple interfaces and stakeholders. * Deep understanding of systems engineering principles, configuration ...

SCEYE INC

Lead Payload Systems Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... integration, and operations. * Proven track record managing complex payloads with multiple interfaces and stakeholders. * Deep understanding of systems engineering principles, configuration ...

Sceye, Inc.

$140K - $185K/yr

... integration, and operations. * Proven track record managing complex payloads with multiple interfaces and stakeholders. * Deep understanding of systems engineering principles, configuration ...

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Develop and manage payload-to-bus interface control documents (ICDs) and verification artifacts. * Execute system-level functional integration, hardware bring-up, and payload performance testing.

Amazon

Sr. Payload Integration & Test, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Communicating status and issues effectively with developers and managers. • Shepherding payload ... integration. Export Control Requirement Due to applicable export control laws and regulations ...

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Payload Integration Manager information

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$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.

EO/IR Payload Integration Project Engineer

Poway, CA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Integrate, optimize, and support gimbal-stabilized and turreted multi-sensor EO/IR payloads onto airborne platforms.

  • Lead diverse multi-function engineering teams to meet program milestones and execute programs within cost and schedule.

  • Develop program plans, estimates, schedules, and support system analysis, trade studies, and technical reviews.

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable, remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA a growing center of excellence in San Diego, CA - where innovation meets mission impact. We bring together high-performing technical experts and future leaders to develop, integrate, and field cutting-edge mission systems that meet the evolving needs of warfighters and decision-makers. You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team to drive strategic objectives, develop customer-facing relationships, and architect solutions that bring complex systems of systems together-delivering real-world mission outcomes.
The Payload Integration group addresses challenging problems by developing, integrating, fielding, supporting, and advancing mature technologies into payload solutions for GA-ASI platforms. Current payloads include Multi-Mode Radars, EO/IR systems, Advanced IRST, Electronic Warfare systems, Countermeasures, and Signal Intelligence sensors to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers.
This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer with a passion for innovation, a deep understanding of gimbal-stabilized EO/IR technologies, and the technical expertise to enhance and expand turreted multi-sensor optical payloads into new mission sets. This role focuses on the integration and mission expansion of gimbal-stabilized, turreted multi-sensor EO/IR payloads. Qualified candidates will bring hands-on expertise with optical platforms incorporating high-resolution EO cameras, IR sensors, laser rangefinders, and laser designators optimized for precision targeting, long-range surveillance, and real-time intelligence collection.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Integrate, optimize, and support gimbal-stabilized and turreted multi-sensor EO/IR payloads onto airborne platforms, ensuring seamless hardware and software performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop expertise and become the subject matter expert and technological champion in the relevant capabilities
  • Understanding of hardware and software management in addition to manufacturing principles to maintain a strategic product portfolio
  • Implementing and maintaining cybersecurity standards for sensitive optical and sensor systems
  • Leads diverse multi-function engineering teams, meeting critical program milestones, and successfully executing programs within the defined cost and schedule.
  • Represents as the face of engineering for this payload ensure consistent/appropriate messaging as well as cross-communication between internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supports engineering estimates and proposals during business development and shaping activities.
  • Develops program plans, estimates, schedules and execute programs to ensure programmatic and technical success.
  • Perform system analysis, trade studies, author technical white papers, and generate customer technical data packages.
  • Complete, document, and present System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR) and other technical reviews.
  • Supports mission architecture implementations and designs and CONOP development.
  • Supports payload compatibility and enhancement for open architecture initiatives (OMS, FACE, CESMO, etc.), Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence, fusion, track management, and other interoperability capabilities.
  • Supports the development of test plans and manage the integration, verification and validation new capabilities and technologies.
  • Supports development of business/strategic objectives and system concept-of-operations
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Operational or Test experience with EO/IR payloads is highly desired
  • Demonstrates technical expertise in the application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Must have previous experience in a technical or similar role, with experience in technical leadership with an emphasis on project execution as well as product innovation.
  • Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in a dynamic work environment.
  • Must possess the ability to resolve complex technical problems.
  • Previous experience in developing and integrating hardware and software with various engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, RF, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Software.
  • Candidate is desired to have some experience or awareness in Product Management, Proposal or Estimate Development, Basis of Estimation; Commercial and/or DOD Product development.
  • Must be customer focused, must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment, and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • Willingness and ability to support new business development efforts are essential and required.
  • Knowledge of DoD requirements generation and military system acquisition processes is highly desirable.
  • Ability to obtain an maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance is highly desired.

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About General Atomics

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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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