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Payload Space System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior RF Space System Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$176K - $264K/yr

Experience in payload and electronics design for space applications with an understanding of ... Strong understanding of systems engineering analysis including requirements definition and flow ...

Payload System Engineer Role: We are seeking a Telecommunications Payload System Engineer with a ... Previous experience in Space and/or Constellation Operations * Knowledge of requirements Management ...

Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

The Payload Engineer will provide subject matter expert (SME) advice, technical evaluations ... Experience with space system development lifecycles, from concept through on-orbit operations

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

... solutions for complex space system projects, including mission payload, cryptographic ... Plan and perform engineering research, design development, technical studies, trade analysis, risk ...

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Payload Space System Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do payload space system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload space system engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payload space system engineer?

A Payload Space System Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, integrates, and tests the payload systems carried aboard spacecraft. These payloads can include scientific instruments, communication devices, cameras, or other mission-specific equipment. Payload Space System Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that the payload meets mission requirements and operates reliably in the harsh environment of space. They are involved throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept and design to launch and operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payload space system engineer?

To thrive as a Payload Space System Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in satellite or spacecraft payloads. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, CAD software, systems modeling tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like INCOSE are typical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring payloads meet mission objectives, operate reliably in space environments, and integrate seamlessly with spacecraft systems.

What are some common challenges faced by payload space system engineers when integrating payloads with spacecraft platforms?

Payload Space System Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing the complex interface requirements between the payload and the host spacecraft, ensuring that power, data, and thermal needs are met without impacting overall system performance. They must also address strict weight and volume constraints while maintaining reliability in harsh space environments. Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—is essential to resolve integration issues and ensure mission success.

What are popular job titles related to Payload Space System Engineer jobs?

For Payload Space System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Payload Space System Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Space System Engineer - Level 4

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

LV8D Solutions supports national security space and intelligence customers delivering next-generation sensing and exploitation capabilities. The Space System Engineer 4* provides technical engineering and acquisition support for the development, integration, and lifecycle management of space systems, ensuring mission success from system initialization through on-orbit operations.

LV8D Solutions is seeking a Space System Engineer.This role coordinates cross-functional teams, development contractors, mission analysis, and acquisition organizations to evaluate requirements, support calibration and validation activities, and ensure comprehensive technical reviews. The Space System Engineer assesses system design maturity, verifies requirements compliance, reviews acquisition milestone documentation for accuracy and completeness, and identifies cost, schedule, and technical risks while recommending effective mitigation strategies. Supports design reviews, program management reviews, and technical meetings by delivering informed engineering recommendations that advance program objectives and mission readiness.

Interested candidates need to thrive in an innovative, fast-paced environment; are highly motivated and not afraid to take on uncharted territory; possess strong communication, collaboration, leadership, and organizational skills; and be able to prioritize their time to be effective in a dynamic environment while being strategically proactive.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support initialization and characterization activities across the enterprise and with the development contractors
  • Coordinate proposed requirements changes across all applicable organizations and with mission analysis and acquisition teams to ensure completeness of review across the acquisition.
  • Support initialization and on-orbit calibration and validation activities
  • Attend Segment level design reviews and program management reviews to assess design maturity, requirements compliance and to provide informed technical recommendations to the customer
  • Review acquisition milestone design documentation for adequacy, accuracy and completeness, and identify cost, schedule and technical risks/opportunities, and provide mitigation strategies through formal and informal comments
  • Support technical and programmatic reviews and meetings, as required.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) or related discipline with 5-9 years of relevant experience
  • Understanding of Department of War/Intelligence Community (DOW/IC) satellite systems and architecture
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be independent and effective in a government/contractor team environment
  • Experience in DOW/IC acquisition and program management processes
  • Experience supporting the design, integration, testing, and operation of space payload systems for government, commercial, or defense space programs.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft payload architectures including Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, imaging payloads, or scientific instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of systems engineering processes throughout the payload lifecycle including requirements development, verification, validation, and mission integration.
  • Experience conducting payload performance analysis, link budgets, or mission data analysis.
  • Experience working within multi-disciplinary engineering teams supporting spacecraft bus, mission operations, and ground segment integration.
  • Proficiency with engineering and analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, STK, LabVIEW, DOORS, Cameo, or equivalent modeling and simulation environments.
  • Familiarity with developing and implementing automated strategies to include collection strategies and orchestration.
  • Understanding of space environment impacts including radiation effects, thermal constraints, orbital dynamics, and reliability considerations.
  • Ability to support technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and mission readiness reviews.
  • Experience developing technical documentation, interface control documents (ICDs), verification plans, and test procedures.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in fast-paced mission environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical information to customers and program leadership.
  • Demonstrated sustained superior performance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) or related discipline with emphasis on MBSE
  • Prior Program Office experience
  • Previous experience developing optical telescopes, or remote imaging systems
SecurityRequirements
  • U.S.Citizenship
  • ActiveTopSecret/SensitiveCompartmentedInformation(TS/SCI)clearance
  • ActiveCounterintelligence(CI)orFullScope(FS)Polygraph
WorkEnvironment
  • On-siteworkinagovernmentorcontractorfacility
  • Travelupto25%

*This position is contingent upon a contract seat being awarded.

AboutLV8DSolutions

LV8D Solutions is an elite Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) companythatdeliversadvancedsystemsengineering,integration,acquisition,missionoperations,networkcommunications,andcybersecuritysupporttoourdefenseandintelligencecustomers.Foundedin2019,weapplyourdeeptechnicalexpertise,understanding,andmission-firstmindsettodesign,acquire,andimplementcomplex, high-impactsolutionsforourIntelligenceCommunity(IC)andDepartmentofWar(DoW)customers.Wespecializeineveryaspectofourcustomers’spaceandgroundmissionsystemswhileofferingexceptionalwork-lifebalanceandanexemplarycompensationandtotalrewardspackagedesignedtorecruit,train,andretaintoptalentandcommittedtonationaldefenseandcareergrowth.

EqualEmploymentOpportunitiesStatement

LV8DSolutionsLLCisanEqualOpportunityEmployercommittedtodiversityandinclusion.Allqualifiedapplicantswillreceiveconsiderationwithoutregardtorace,religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.

Performance & Recognition

Period of Performance (PoP) Bonus Opportunities
Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to contract or organizational performance.

Retention Incentive Benefit Bounty
Receive a payout for unused annual company contributions designated for health insurance premiums and professional training.

Referral Bonus
Earn up to $5,000 for each successful employee referral.

Customer Recognition Letter of Appreciation (LoA) Bonus Opportunities
Bonus opportunities based on customer recognition received through Letters of Appreciation.

Milestone Rewards
Celebrate your career achievements with anniversary awards on your 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20thyears of service.

Financial & Retirement Benefits

Profit Sharing
Receive an annual contribution equal to 4% of your W-2 gross earnings into your 401 (k), with immediate vesting.

401(k) Company Match
The company matches your 401 (k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of your monthly contribution, with immediate vesting.

Career Development
  • Annual financial support for professional training and industry certifications.
  • Enhanced financial support for employees actively pursuing a degree at an accredited institution.
Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible work hours
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO)
  • Company holidays
Health & Wellness Benefits

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family.

Medical Coverage

Three comprehensive Medical/Rx insurance plan options to meet the unique and individualized benefit needs of our employees

Dental & Vision
  • Comprehensive dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Comprehensive vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
Income Protection
  • 100% Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • 100% Company-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
  • 100% Company-Paid Basic Term Life Insurancewith Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
  • Optional employee-paid Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance.
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