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Payload Nasa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Axiomspace

Payload Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Payload Project Manager who is fueled by high ... Advanced experience (10+ years) with the NASA Safety Review Panel process and requirements ...

Leidos

WFOV Payload Build Boss

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Enforce NASA and military workmanship standards on all assigned hardware; witness and verify ... Experience on space payload production programs supporting DoD or Intelligence Community customers

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$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.
NASA Missions Schedule Analyst- Remote (Spacecraft Exp. Desired)

NASA Missions Schedule Analyst- Remote (Spacecraft Exp. Desired)

Cornell Technical Services

Hampton, VA • Remote

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Salary: DOE

CTS seeks a Schedule Analyst Subject Matter Expert to provide technical expertise to the Evaluations, Assessments, Studies, Services, and Support (EASSS) contract. This contract supports NASA Headquarters Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and facilitates NASAs pursuit of the most noteworthy approaches for missions, payloads, spacecraft, instruments, and research that help answer the big questions in Earth and Space science. Located at LaRC, the NASAs Science Office for Mission Assessments (SOMA) helps SMD select and manage missions, spacecraft, and instruments. To accomplish this, SOMA manages and provides oversight of evaluations, assessments, and studies for SMD and other NASA organizations. These include evaluation of proposals received in response to NASA Announcements of Opportunity, NASA Research Announcements, Cooperative Agreement Notices, and Broad Agency Announcements, as well as highly specialized studies and assessments, such as life cycle and independent cost estimates, schedule assessments, and risk analyses. CTS supports SOMA via the EASSS contract by providing subject matter experts who will apply their expertise to complex proposal evaluations, management and technical assessments, and advanced studies through the EASSS contract.


CTSs subject matter experts need not be local to the program office near NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. We seek individuals who bring significant Technical, Management and Cost expertise in missions, payloads, spacecraft and instruments relevant to NASAs mission. The work is performed remotely with less than 10% travel occurring periodically for some during the assignment to bring the geographically distributed teams together for workshops to finalize results.


The Schedule Analysis evaluators shall have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in generating and maintaining NASA spaceflight mission schedules through all development phases. Evaluators shall be proficient in utilizing Microsoft Project to analyze schedule metrics such as critical path, secondary critical paths, and schedule margin. Evaluators shall be familiar with the NASA Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Handbook and have experience assessing schedule completeness across WBS elements.

Education: Must have a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics, Finance, Engineering, or other directly related field.

We thank you for your time and consideration of our current opening. If you choose to apply please be sure to upload your most recent and detailed resume for our review.


CTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in our hiring or employment practices regardless of employment type.