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Payload Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Optical Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

By operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space, K2 is uniquely positioned to design, test, and deploy-at-scale ambitious optical payloads in MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space ...

K2 Space

Optical Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$110K - $280K/yr

By operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space, K2 is uniquely positioned to design, test, and deploy-at-scale ambitious optical payloads in MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space ...

K2 Space

Optical Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

By operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space, K2 is uniquely positioned to design, test, and deploy-at-scale ambitious optical payloads in MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space ...

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All JobsPayload Operator JobsPayload Operator Jobs in California

Payload Operator information

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How much do payload operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for payload operator in California is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the payload operator position, and why are they important?

Success as a Payload Operator requires a solid understanding of mechanical operations, situational awareness, and strong attention to detail, typically supported by technical training or certifications related to payload systems. Familiarity with specialized control interfaces, monitoring software, and industry safety protocols is essential, and certifications such as a UAV license (for aerial payloads) may be required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication skills help operators handle dynamic environments and coordinate with other mission stakeholders. These competencies are vital for ensuring payloads are deployed safely, accurately, and efficiently in often high-stakes operational settings.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a payload operator?

As a Payload Operator, your daily responsibilities often include monitoring and controlling payload equipment, ensuring correct operation according to mission requirements, and conducting routine checks on system performance. You may be required to work closely with engineers, technicians, and mission planners to troubleshoot issues and optimize payload deployment. Accurate reporting and documentation are also a significant part of the role, as well as maintaining compliance with safety and operational protocols. Depending on the sector (such as aerospace, maritime, or energy), you might operate within diverse environments like control rooms, field operations, or remote mission sites. This role offers a dynamic workday and the chance to directly contribute to successful missions and projects.

What is a payload operator?

A Payload Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and managing the operation of payload systems on various platforms, such as drones, satellites, or remotely operated vehicles. They ensure the correct functioning of sensors, cameras, communication equipment, or scientific instruments. Their role may involve data collection, system troubleshooting, and coordinating with mission teams to achieve operational objectives. Payload Operators often work in industries like aerospace, defense, and remote sensing, requiring technical expertise and situational awareness.

What does a payload operator do?

A payload operator is responsible for managing and controlling the payloads of aircraft, spacecraft, or drones, ensuring proper installation, operation, and safety. They often work with specialized equipment, follow safety protocols, and may require certifications or training in aviation or aerospace operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payload Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Payload Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Payload Operator jobs in California?

For Payload Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payload Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Payload Operator jobs in California are:

Payload Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,203 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Space Vehicle Platform/Payload Systems Engineer

Stellar Solutions Inc

El Segundo, CA • Hybrid

$145K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized “Great Place To Work”, has exciting opportunities providing Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.  

At Stellar Solutions, we offer talented, energetic, and immediately productive resources to satisfy our customers’ critical needs in systems engineering and integration, mission operations, program management and strategic planning. We are a leading service and expertise provider for high-tech commercial ventures, spanning communications, earth observation and remote sensing systems and data products, to the infrastructures that support earth orbiting and beyond earth orbit businesses.
Stellar Solutions is seeking a Space Vehicle Platform/Payload Systems Engineer to support advanced space vehicle development through disciplined planning, integration, and test across critical subsystem and payload activities. This role contributes to technically demanding efforts that help translate mission needs into resilient on-orbit capability. It is a strong fit for an engineer who enjoys working across architecture, payload development, and program execution in support of consequential national security missions.


This role supports systems engineering across space vehicle platform and payload development, with emphasis on technical reviews, subsystem coordination, and lifecycle execution. The engineer will help inform design and development efforts while collaborating across government and partner teams to strengthen technical readiness and mission alignment.


Key responsibilities include:

  • Support space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing activities
  • Contribute to platform and payload systems engineering across space vehicle development efforts
  • Support risk and opportunity management activities to inform sound program execution
  • Participate in reviews of space systems, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FCA, SVR, MRR, and PCA
  • Apply understanding of the DoD acquisition system to systems engineering support activities
  • Collaborate with government clients and partner teammates to achieve program goals
  • Support technical planning, integration, and design maturity across the lifecycle
  • Contribute to requirements verification and design review support as needed
  • Help assess technical issues and opportunities related to payload or subsystem development
  • Provide mission-focused systems engineering support in a dynamic defense environment

Required Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience with space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing
  • 7+ years of experience with risk and opportunity management
  • 3+ years of experience with reviews of space systems, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FCA, SVR, MRR, or PCA, and the DoD acquisition system
  • Ability to be highly motivated, have a dynamic work ethic, and contribute to the DoD mission
  • Ability to communicate and establish collaborative relationships with government clients and contractor teammates
  • Active Secret clearance
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science

Desired Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience with space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing
  • Experience with computer tools, including Confluence or JIRA
  • Experience with designing, building, and testing communications antennas, transmitters, or receivers of a payload
  • Knowledge of DoD systems engineering, test, and production policies and practices
  • Ability to perform multiple systems engineering and program management functions in support of design reviews and requirements verification
  • Possession of excellent interpersonal skills
  • Possession of excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Experience with mission assurance or strategic or tactical MILCOM-related payload development
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance

Clearance & Additional Requirements

  • Active Secret clearance required
  • Active TS/SCI clearance is desired

Location
El Segundo, California - This position is full-time and supports a Government customer environment; Work style expectation is considered hybrid-local (2-4 days per week on site at LAAFB).

Compensation:

The typical salary range for this position is USD $145,000 - $185,000 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, retirement plan and other benefits (all in addition to salary).


Deliverables will be in the format of reports, briefings, spreadsheets, or other documents as directed by the Government, using government approved and/or mandated systems/software and processes governed by guidance/instructions/policy or direction. 

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