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Payload Integration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This role requires radar payload integration experience and supports complex interface, verification, and mission integration activities for national security space programs. Key Responsibilities:

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

The Principal Integration Engineer - Payload leads end-to-end integration of advanced radar and ISR payloads into spacecraft bus architectures. This role requires radar payload integration experience ...

Blue Origin LLC

$110K - $155K/yr

Lead integration, test, and verification of the integrated payload with the vehicle* Own the payload-vehicle requirements and ICD* Create and execute verification plans for the payload-vehicle ...

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How much do payload integration jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload integration in the United States is $117,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payload integration?

Payload Integration jobs involve coordinating and managing the process of integrating scientific instruments, satellites, or other cargo (the 'payload') with a launch vehicle, such as a rocket or spacecraft. Professionals in this role work closely with engineering teams, customers, and mission planners to ensure that payloads are properly installed, tested, and meet all safety and interface requirements before launch. They play a critical role in making sure that payloads are delivered into space safely and function as intended. This work requires strong technical knowledge, project management skills, and attention to detail.

What skills and qualifications are needed for payload integration?

To excel as a Payload Integration Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with payload design and integration processes. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards like NASA or ESA protocols, along with relevant certifications, is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure that payloads are safely, efficiently, and accurately integrated into launch vehicles, minimizing risks and maximizing mission success.

What are common challenges faced by payload integration specialists during satellite mission preparation?

Payload integration specialists often encounter challenges such as coordinating between multiple teams (engineering, testing, and mission operations) to ensure compatibility and safety of payloads. Managing tight schedules and adapting to last-minute design changes or unexpected technical issues are also frequent hurdles. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to navigate these complexities and ensure the payload is successfully integrated and ready for launch.

What is the difference between Payload Integration vs Payload Specialist?

AspectPayload IntegrationPayload Specialist
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, technical certificationsTechnical background, training in payload handling
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, launch sitesLaunch vehicles, spacecraft, mission sites
Employer & Industry UsageAerospace companies, government agenciesNASA, aerospace contractors, space agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Payload Integration involves designing, testing, and ensuring payloads are compatible with launch vehicles, focusing on engineering and technical processes. Payload Specialist, on the other hand, is a role that involves operating and managing payloads during space missions, often requiring specialized training for onboard handling. While both roles work closely with payloads, Integration is more technical and preparatory, whereas Specialist is operational during missions.

What cities are hiring for Payload Integration jobs?

Cities with the most Payload Integration job openings:

What states have the most Payload Integration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Payload Integration jobs include:

What other helpful pages are available for Payload Integration?

Other pages related to Payload Integration:

Payload Integration jobs near you

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

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

$160K - $200K/yr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

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: 2614461
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-10
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Sys Integration
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
Position Summary:
The Principal Integration Engineer - Payload leads end-to-end integration of advanced radar and ISR payloads into spacecraft bus architectures. This role requires radar payload integration experience and supports complex interface, verification, and mission integration activities for national security space programs.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead integration of radar and ISR payloads with spacecraft bus subsystems across electrical, mechanical, thermal, RF, and command/data interfaces.
  • 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.
  • Coordinate with systems engineering, RF payload, radar design, and MBSE/digital engineering teams.
  • Drive integration readiness events including interface reviews, IRRs, environmental test plans, and launch readiness activities.
  • Perform integration risk assessments and technical trade studies.
  • Lead troubleshooting of payload anomalies during integration, test, and early orbit operations.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field;
  • Master's preferred.
  • 10-15+ years of experience in payload or spacecraft integration, including radar or ISR payloads.
  • Direct experience with radar payload integration and spacecraft interfaces.
  • Expertise with ICD development, verification planning, and configuration-controlled documentation.
  • Hands-on experience with system-level test environments and space hardware certification.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance .

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with space-based radar payloads or ISR mission architectures.
  • Knowledge of digital engineering workflows and MBSE tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw.
  • Experience supporting launch campaigns and early-orbit commissioning.
  • Strong communication skills for technical leadership and customer engagement.
  • Must have a TS/SCI, and be willing to obtain a poly.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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