ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Payload Integration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Axiomspace

Payload Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Assists clients by participating in major payload integration milestones including but not limited to design reviews, operations reviews, flight and ground safety reviews, verification, and ...

Stratolaunch

Payload Systems Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Collaborates with the payload's integration and test engineers, test team responsible engineers, payloads program leadership, and payload customers to define and implement vehicle payloads ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Payload SME

Chantilly, VA

Oversight of payload integration * Transition to operations to include: development; operator training; payload initialization and checkout; on-orbit operations and end of life operations

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPayload Integration Jobs

Payload Integration information

See salary details

$21.5K

$118K

$171K

How much do payload integration jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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 are some 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 are Payload Integration jobs?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payload Integration Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.

More about Payload Integration jobs
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 job categories do people searching Payload Integration jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payload Integration jobs are:
Payload Integration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Integration job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,986 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Senior Payload Integration Engineer, Electronic Warfare

Senior Payload Integration Engineer, Electronic Warfare

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
We are seeking an experienced RF Payload Engineer with a strong background in integrating RF systems into aircraft or relevant engineering fields to contribute to the design, development, and integration of payload systems. The RF Payload Engineer will be responsible for ensuring that all technical objectives are met while adhering to contractual requirements. This role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, customers, platforms, and coordinating with stakeholders to deliver innovative payload solutions that meet customer needs.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • RF Systems Testing: Evaluate and validate RF systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
  • Platform Integration: Seamlessly integrate platforms to enhance overall system functionality and efficiency.
  • Ancillary RF Equipment Specification: Define and specify essential RF components to support system requirements.
  • Stakeholder Presentations: Organize and deliver compelling presentations to stakeholders, showcasing test results and insights.
  • Hands-On In-Field Testing: Execute practical testing in real-world environments to validate system performance under actual conditions.
  • Co-Site Analysis: Conduct thorough analyses to assess electromagnetic interference and compatibility with co-located systems.
  • EMI/EMC Testing: Perform Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Field Testing: Execute comprehensive field tests to verify system functionality and performance in operational scenarios.
  • Verification and Validation Planning: Develop and implement a robust verification and validation plan for end-to-end system assurance.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years of experience experience in RF payload integrations or a related field, preferably in aerospace or defense industries.
  • Electrical Engineering with emphasis in electromagnetic, RF, and antenna theory with Test Experience
  • Basic understanding of Aerodynamics, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Control Actuation Servos, and how those disciplines relate to overall system performance.
  • Experience with data analysis, rapid prototyping, and early-stage customer deployment
  • Hands-on testing and validation of RF systems
  • Ability to engage technically with mechanical, electrical, firmware, sensors, and software leads
  • High ownership, mission-oriented mentality. Desire to see the product meet the end need of the customer.
  • Extremely organized and detail-oriented, with strong verbal & written communication skills
  • A sincere commitment to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
  • Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution about 50% of time
  • Already possess an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Real-world operational experience with small UAS systems in a military context desired
  • Knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance requirements in the aerospace industry.
  • Experience with project management tools and methodologies.

US Salary Range
$146,000-$194,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.
Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Anduril Industries Jobs

Apply