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Payload Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEVEX

Senior Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

The Senior Payload Specialist will manage technical programs for the sponsor. Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support ...

AEVEX Aerospace

Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

Payload Specialist McLean, Virginia, United States Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support documentation. * Manage ...

AEVEX

Senior Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA

The Senior Payload Specialist will manage technical programs for the sponsor. Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support ...

AEVEX

Senior Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

The Senior Payload Specialist will manage technical programs for the sponsor. Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support ...

AEVEX

Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support documentation. * Manage contract details for the office, including funding ...

AEVEX

Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA

Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support documentation. * Manage contract details for the office, including funding ...

AEVEX

Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support documentation. * Manage contract details for the office, including funding ...

AEVEX

Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support documentation. * Manage contract details for the office, including funding ...

Logos Space

Director, RF Payload Hardware

San Diego, CA · On-site

Position Summary & Responsibilities The Director, RF Payload Hardware at Logos Space will have ... Work closely with antenna design specialists. * Spread Spectrum Waveform Implementation: Ensure the ...

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How much do payload specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for payload specialist in the United States is $43.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $64.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payload Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payload Specialist, you need a strong background in engineering, physics, or a related science, often with a bachelor’s or advanced degree and relevant experience with spacecraft payloads. Familiarity with mission planning software, telemetry systems, and payload integration tools is typically required, along with specialized training such as NASA or ESA certifications. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set outstanding payload specialists apart. These competencies are essential for ensuring the safe, efficient, and successful operation of complex payloads during space missions.

What is a payload specialist?

Payload Specialists are individuals selected to fly aboard spacecraft to operate or manage specific scientific experiments, equipment, or cargo. They are often experts in their fields, such as scientists, engineers, or technicians, and are chosen for their specialized knowledge related to the payload being launched. Unlike career astronauts, Payload Specialists may be selected for a single mission based on their expertise. They undergo astronaut training to prepare for spaceflight and work closely with mission crews to ensure successful payload operations.

What are some typical challenges a payload specialist faces when working on mission integration teams?

Payload Specialists often encounter challenges related to coordinating between various engineering teams, ensuring payload compatibility with the primary spacecraft, and meeting strict launch schedules. Balancing the technical requirements of the payload with the constraints of the launch vehicle can be complex, and troubleshooting issues under tight deadlines is common. Effective communication and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as the role often requires rapid adjustments and collaboration with multiple stakeholders to ensure mission success.
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Payload Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,505 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Senior Payload Specialist

AEVEX

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Senior Payload Specialist will manage technical programs for the sponsor.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and associated support documentation.
  • Independently prioritize mission needs and workload. Understand where authority lies in given scenarios when working with various government and industry stakeholders.
  • Monitor task execution and completion. Provide input and assistance in preparing project briefs, compose project reports and documents, and other project related materials. Schedule and assist with organizing logistical support and hosting project related meetings, reviews, and video or teleconferences.
  • Assemble acquisition documents for purchase request packages.
  • Assist in portfolio, program, project planning and control. This includes technical performance, schedules, and government assigned action items: preparing project plans and milestones, status reports, and monitoring the execution of tasks.
  • Assist sponsor with determining technical and financial risk on operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements, and assist with collaboration on O&M support with industry partners.
  • Support travel to CONUS-based contractor and test facilities for programmatic reviews, technical exchanges, and system testing.
  • Support periodic, adhoc travel to OCONUS locations as a field support representative (FSR) for maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and support of platform and payload system hardware and software.

Qualifications:

  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Engineering or other technical background and experience with complex, technical, airborne ISR collection platforms (system comprised of multiple systems and subsystems).
  • Ability to travel locally, CONUS, and OCONUS.

Education/Certifications:

  • Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Electrical, software, electrical, and/or aeronautical engineering background would be beneficial but not required.

Experience:

  • 5 - 10 years of experience preferred

Security Clearance:

  • Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance with polygraph
  • U.S. Citizenship required

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