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Payload Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

Fury enables human operators to command fleets of robots through natural language, and empowers ... Conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot hardware and payload ...

Lead Thermal Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Define thermal requirements, margins, and operating limits for avionics, batteries, payloads, and structural components * Support environmental testing, including thermal vacuum, altitude simulation ...

Payloads Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... As a Payload Engineer, you will lead/enable mechanical design, analysis and integration of Anduril ...

Showing results 41-60

Payload Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$34

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:

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.

Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Redondo Beach, California.
This role focuses on advancing space systems through comprehensive systems engineering efforts. The Principal Mission Payload Systems Engineer will contribute to architecture trade studies, system design analysis, and performance modeling through advanced simulations. In this capacity, you will define and manage requirements, develop segment interfaces, and leverage cutting-edge technologies in optical sensing, communications, directed energy, RF systems, digital hardware, and microelectronics.
Key responsibilities span the complete product development lifecycle, including:
  • Supporting new business acquisition and IRAD/technology development initiatives.
  • Defining system architectures, conducting trade studies, and developing specifications.
  • Allocating and validating requirements and contributing to payload performance analysis.
  • Designing modeling and simulation tools for system-level performance evaluation.
  • Leading payload hardware development for space and ground systems integration.
  • Managing subcontractor performance, hardware manufacturing, and integration processes.

By joining this team, you'll play a critical role in delivering advanced integrated hardware and software systems that enable missions spanning Earth and beyond. If you have the pioneering spirit and technical expertise to develop groundbreaking systems, we invite you to help define the future of space exploration and innovation.
This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding. Furthermore, this position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.
Essential experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Overhead Infrared (OPIR) system
  • Electro-Optics
  • Sensor design
  • Remote sensing
  • High energy laser systems
  • Lasercom systems
  • Spacecraft system design
  • Image processing
  • RF and digital hardware design
  • Signal detection and estimation
  • Control Systems
  • Structures/Dynamics

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 5+ years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 3+ years of engineering experience OR a Phd in a STEM discipline
  • Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience designing, integrating, testing and operating optical and/or RF systems
  • Must have active DoD Top Secret AND the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application. .

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science
  • Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), communications or directed energy
  • Candidates have completed relevant coursework in optics, control systems, remote sensing, lasercom and/or DSP
  • Experience with baseband and EO/IR sensors, high energy lasers, and/or remote sensing applications
  • Active TS with SCI clearance at time of application.

Northrop Grumman offers a competitive and robust benefits program. As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:
-Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
-401k
-Educational Assistance
-Life Insurance
-Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
-Paid Time Off
-Health & Wellness Resources
-Employee Discounts
-Flexible Schedules: For example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.
-For more details, please view Northrop Grumman Benefits.
#LosAngelesSpace
#LI-DB1
Primary Level Salary Range: $110,300.00 - $165,500.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939