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Payload Nasa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Payload Safety Panel Representative

Houston, TX · On-site

$78K - $125K/yr

NASA Johnson Space Center JOB STATUS : Full Time CLEARANCE: Background check & U.S. Citizenship required Astrion is seeking a Payload Safety Panel Representative to support the International Space ...

Protouch Staffing

Payload Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Payload Engineer - Space Systems & Payload Integration About the Opportunity A growing aerospace ... Familiarity with NASA, DoD, or commercial aerospace standards and processes * Strong technical ...

Amentum

Payload Safety Panel Representative

Houston, TX · On-site

As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. We have an exciting opportunity for a Payload Safety Panel Representative to join the ...

Maxar

Sr. Payload Systems Engineer

Westminster, CO

$105K - $144K/yr

Perform or review signal and power integrity analyses, and ensure adherence to space-qualified electrical standards (MIL-STD, ECSS, NASA standards, etc.). * Model and evaluate payload-level power ...

Pae

Payload Safety Panel Representative

Houston, TX · On-site

As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. We have an exciting opportunityfor a Payload Safety Panel Representative to join the ...

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Payload Nasa information

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$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do payload nasa jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload nasa in the United States is $86,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Payload Specialists at NASA, and how can new hires effectively prepare to address them?

Payload Specialists at NASA often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing mission requirements, ensuring payload integration complies with strict safety and technical standards, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, science, and operations. To prepare, new hires should develop strong communication skills, become proficient in systems engineering concepts, and stay updated on the latest aerospace industry advancements. Proactively seeking mentorship and participating in cross-functional projects can also help new team members navigate the dynamic and collaborative work environment.

What is the most high paying job in NASA?

The highest paying jobs at NASA are typically senior executive roles such as the NASA Administrator or senior scientists and engineers with advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions often have salaries exceeding $150,000 annually, with some senior leadership roles reaching higher compensation levels depending on responsibilities and tenure.

What is the difference between Payload Nasa vs Payload Specialist?

AspectPayload NasaPayload Specialist
Required CredentialsEngineering or science degree, technical certificationsScience or engineering background, specialized training
Work EnvironmentNASA facilities, spacecraft, launch sitesMission control, spacecraft, onboard during missions
Employer & IndustryNASA, aerospace industryNASA, commercial space agencies, contractors
Common Search/ComparisonPayload Nasa vs Payload Specialist

Payload Nasa professionals focus on designing, testing, and managing spacecraft payloads, often with engineering or scientific backgrounds. Payload Specialists are trained astronauts or scientists who operate payloads during missions. While both roles work closely with spacecraft payloads, Payload Nasa roles are more technical and engineering-oriented, whereas Payload Specialists are mission-focused onboard personnel.

How much does a payload systems engineer make at NASA?

A payload systems engineer at NASA typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. The role often requires knowledge of systems engineering, spacecraft payloads, and related tools such as MATLAB or CAD software.

What is a payload for NASA?

A payload for NASA refers to the scientific instruments, equipment, or experiments carried aboard a spacecraft or rocket. Payload specialists or engineers are responsible for designing, integrating, and managing these payloads to ensure they meet mission objectives and safety standards during launch and operation.

What does a NASA payload specialist do?

A NASA payload specialist is responsible for operating and managing scientific instruments and experiments on space missions. They ensure payloads function correctly, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with mission control, often requiring technical knowledge of the equipment and training on spacecraft systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NASA Payload Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NASA Payload Specialist, you typically need a strong background in engineering, physics, or a related scientific field, often supported by an advanced degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with payload integration tools, data analysis software, and NASA-specific systems such as ISS payload operations platforms is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help specialists excel in this highly collaborative and technical environment. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and successful deployment and operation of scientific equipment in space missions.

What are Payload Specialists at NASA?

Payload Specialists at NASA are experts responsible for managing and operating specific scientific experiments or equipment aboard spacecraft, such as the International Space Station or space shuttles. They may be scientists, engineers, or representatives from organizations with payloads on a mission. Their primary role is to ensure the success of their assigned payloads by overseeing installation, operation, and troubleshooting during space missions. Payload Specialists often receive specialized training for their particular equipment and sometimes fly as crew members if needed for complex operations. This role is critical for advancing scientific research and technology demonstrations in space.
Infographic showing various Payload Nasa job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Increment Payload Manager

Increment Payload Manager

Barrios Technology

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!  We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. We have an exciting opportunity for an Increment Payload Manager in the International Space Station (ISS) Program Mission Integration and Operations Office.

Building on more than four decades of experience in providing innovative integration solutions for government and commercial space programs, Barrios offers an extensive range of engineering, software, and related technology integration services in support of the aerospace community. As a woman-owned and operated small business, we are a people-focused company that supports professional development, while working to ensure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

The Increment Payload Manager in the International Space Station (ISS) Program will be responsible for supporting the utilization of the ISS, development, management, implementation, and post flight documentation of the mission integration processes that are necessary for the successful integration and execution of research aboard the ISS as well as act as the liaison between NASA's Mission Operations and Utilization Branches.


The Increment Payload Manager will:

  • Lead efforts to develop, document, coordinate, implement, and manage the program-level utilization plan and requirements for an increment time frame necessary to operate research on-board the International Space Station (ISS)
  • Serves as the liaison between NASA's Utilization (OZ) and Mission Integration (OC) Branches. Specifically, the Increment Team to facilitate payload information transfer and coordinate payload planning and execution concerns including major re-plans, anomaly resolution, science priority calls and science loss documentation
  • Develop, coordinate inputs and recommendations to program Utilization plans, procedures, schedules, and processes
  • Serves as the research plan focal person to the NASA ISS Increment Team and International Partners
  •  Lead integrated payload/utilization analysis and issue resolution during increment preparation and execution to support decision making regarding document development, flight readiness, flight schedule changes, mission duration inquiries and crew time availability impacts to science completion
  •  Coordinate and oversee utilization execution in the ISS Management Center (IMC) with the assigned Research Increment Engineers (RIEs) and the Payload Operations Managers (POMs)
  • Support the ISS Mission Management Team (IMMT) and Operations Tag-up as the ISS Utilization representative
  • Perform feasibility assessments for an increment to determine risk areas and concerns
  • Participate in post-flight processes, including but not limited to, development and review of the Post Increment Evaluation Report (PIER), crew debriefs, and lessons learned
  • Travel on a periodic basis to support program reviews and technical interchange meetings (TIMs)

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

  • An Engineering degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) or more years of relevant experience with three (3) years of spaceflight operations and/or integration experience. A higher degree may count in lieu of 2 years of experience. A STEM degree from an accredited college or university may be accepted with 5 years of experience in an engineering role
  • Leadership skills to effectively lead teams that consist of people from other organizations and agencies
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and target clear and concise message to the appropriate audience
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to manage constrained resources and resolve conflicts
  • Attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to perform in a fast paced and dynamic environment
  • Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint and able to easily adapt to new tool-sets

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills:

  • Experience working with the ISS Program Mission Integration & Operations Office, Research Integration Office, or International Partners
  • Experience working on the Increment Management Team and/or in the ISS Management Center (IMC)
  • Experience working with the Payloads Operations Integration Center (POIC).Experience working in the Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) flight planning
  • Project management or systems engineering experience 

Essential Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
  • Applicant selected may be subject to government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Work may involve sitting for extended periods.
  • May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lb.
  • Must have sufficient mobility to enter areas of test facilities where necessary.
  • Generally an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
  • Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.)
  • Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical.
  • Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements when required.
  • Must be able to work in a team atmosphere.
  • Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
  • Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
  • This position may require some commuting and traveling to other installations as needed.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity; for immediate consideration, apply now!

Barrios Technology is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in several states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.

Barrios Technology is an Equal Employment Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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