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Payload Space System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oversee payload integration and manage interface control with stakeholders. * Performs system ... Experience leading systems engineering teams focused on integration of complex space and/or ground ...

Oversee payload integration and manage interface control with stakeholders. * Performs system ... Experience leading systems engineering teams focused on integration of complex space and/or ground ...

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Oversee payload integration and manage interface control with stakeholders. * Performs system ... Experience leading systems engineering teams focused on integration of complex space and/or ground ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Systems Engineers (Multiple Positions)

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

KBR
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$110K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Title:

Space Systems Engineers (Multiple Positions)

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award

KBR is seeking Space Systems Engineers to join our Space Systems Command (SSC) team on the Hemisphere program. Individuals will serve as trusted advisors and experts on space systems and supporting engineering services required to enable and support Space Systems Command. The successful candidates will collaborate and communicate with Government leadership team to ensure processes and products are delivered within program schedule and demonstrate depth of knowledge as applied and used in system of systems integration.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Leads technical concept development, requirements development, systems engineering, and oversees development contractor to develop, design, produce, integrate, and test space systems (space, ground, and C2)

  • Highly knowledgeable in payload integration, sensor employment, and application of orbital mechanics as they impact space operations, CONOPS development, and mission planning

  • Performs system integration of multiple efforts to integrate complex space systems and their deployment into on-orbit operations

  • Ability to communicate clearly and in a collaborative manner with mission partners on interface control documents

  • Oversees requirements verification and validation processes and their execution

  • Makes space program risk assessments and provides actionable recommendations to the Chief Engineer and Program Manager

  • Expertly collaborates with Government program office representatives, FFRDC, SETA, and other contractor personnel

Required Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret clearance, SCI eligible

  • Bachelor of Science degree in related science field (electrical engineering, physics, math, data science, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, orbital mechanics, or space physics, etc.)

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience for mid-level positions.

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience for senior positions.

  • Expertise in technical requirements development, systems engineering lifecycle, and application to DoD space system acquisition processes

  • Proficient in requirements verification and validation for specific space system components and/or subcomponents to include orbitology, navigation, sensor employment, communications, optimization, and command and control

  • Knowledgeable in systems engineering processes and procedures, including but not limited to requirements development, technical design reviews, configuration control, and government Deficiency Review (DR) board establishment, execution, and DR disposition and management

  • Able to assess technologies, such as signal processing and communications

Desired Requirements:

  • Master's degree preferred in related engineering discipline (electrical engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, math, or physics, etc.) and 10 years of experience in DoD space system acquisitions

  • Experience with generative AI tools

  • SAP eligible

  • Expertise in navigating dynamic and fast paced engineering acquisition program offices within the DoD with special focus on spacecraft bus and payloads

  • Previous experience with DoD and/or IC programs with a focus on space system architectures to include the ground segment layer

  • Recognized demonstrated leadership skills in the Aerospace or DoDworking across space and ground segment organizations

  • Highly adept with writing and delivering documents and briefings with effective communication skills

Locations: Los Angeles (El Segundo), CA preferred. Colorado Springs. Dulles, VA, and Albuquerque, NM.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: <40 >

Basic Compensation:

$121,000 - $251,000 annually (This range is for theCAarea only)

$110,000 - $229,000 annually (This range is for the CO area only)

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. #LI-KM1

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998