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Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amazon

HW Dev Engineer - Payload

Redmond, WA · On-site

... operating in locations without reliable connectivity. A day in the life: As an Hardware Engineer ... About the team The payload team is responsible for the architecture, design, implementation ...

Amazon

Embedded SDE, Leo Payload

Redmond, WA · On-site

$147K - $193K/yr

... people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity. Key job ... Work on the Satellite Communication Systems Payload. Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable ...

Skyeton Inc

Special Payload Engineer

North Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

* To build highly automated, long-endurance UAV platforms capable of operating in the most demanding ... Design, develop, and test unique UAS payloads for integration to the Skyeton familiy of UAVs

KBR

Radar Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: Radar Payload Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Analyze project requirements and provide information and instruction for designing, operating ...

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Payload Operator information

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How much do payload operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for payload operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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Payload Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Electrical Engineer, Thunder Payload Integration

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$129K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,770 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.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril is seeking a Electrical Engineer to join the Maneuver Dominance team at our Costa Mesa HQ. The Maneuver Dominance (MD) Team at Anduril develops aerial robotic systems designed to operate in large coordinated teams in concert with ground maneuver forces. We leverage existing Anduril drone platforms like Ghost, Altius, or Roadrunner, in addition to bringing 3rd party platforms into Anduril's Lattice ecosystem. We develop perception and autonomy algorithms to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers.
We need an Electrical Engineer to own the payload power, data, and control electrical architecture - from the aircraft bus through the deployment mechanisms to the mission payloads - on this novel autonomous platform.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own the payload electrical architecture - design power delivery, data, and control wiring from the aircraft bus to payload interfaces through deployment mechanisms
  • Design firing circuits and payload control electronics - arming/safing logic, continuity test interfaces, and ground-to-aircraft handoff protocols for mission-critical payloads
  • Define and implement the mission/vehicle management system (SMS/VMS) electrical interface for payload control - command, status, and safety interlock signals
  • Design harness routing through articulated deployment mechanisms - connector mate/de-mate logic and continuity assurance across all mechanism positions
  • Design ground support equipment (GSE) - bench simulators, continuity test sets, and arming/safing control stations to support integration and range operations
  • Perform EMC analysis for firing-circuit-class signals in a hybrid-electric airframe environment - identify HERO/HERP/HERF risks and define mitigation
  • Support lab verification of the payload electrical chain - bench test through simulated bus to payload connector before aircraft integration
  • Support on-aircraft integration and ground firing verification at range-cleared facilities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3-6 years in aerospace or defense electrical engineering with payload or weapons electrical systems experience
  • Firing circuit design - EED circuits, arming/safing logic, and safety analysis
  • Payload bus architecture - power, data, and control from aircraft bus to payload
  • Aerospace harness design, including wiring through dynamic or articulated environments
  • GSE design for payload integration support
  • EMC analysis for safety-critical circuits (HERO/HERP/HERF awareness)
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • MIL-STD-1760 implementation experience
  • HERO/HERP/HERF electromagnetic hazard analysis
  • Payload electrical integration on rotorcraft or VTOL platforms
  • Hybrid-electric or high-voltage airframe EMC context
  • Range operations support experience

US Salary Range
$129,000-$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 contact@anduril.com.
  • 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 contact@anduril.com. 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 https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
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.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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

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