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Payload Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Payload Specialist - SIGINT

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Payload Specialist - SIGINT Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

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 ...

KBR

Payload Specialist - SIGINT

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $205K/yr

Payload Specialist - SIGINT Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

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 · 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

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 · 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 ...

ClearanceJobs

Payload Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title McLean, VA Top Secret/SCI Polygraph Career Level not specified Salary not specified Essential Functions: * Provide technical expertise to aid in the generation of system requirements and ...

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 ...

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Payload Specialist information

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$10

$43

$76

How much do payload specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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 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 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 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.

How much does a payload specialist make?

A payload specialist's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and mission complexity. They often require specialized training and certifications related to spacecraft operations and payload management.

How to become a payload specialist?

To become a payload specialist, candidates typically need a background in engineering, science, or technical fields, along with experience in handling specialized equipment or experiments. Training is provided by space agencies or organizations, and candidates often undergo rigorous physical and technical assessments. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are essential for this role.
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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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,505 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Payload Specialist - SIGINT

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Payload Specialist - SIGINT
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.
KBR is seeking a highly motivated System Engineer to provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a leading-edge SIGINT satellite systems program. The selected candidate will bring deep SIGINT payload expertise and apply systems engineering principles to highly classified programs while effectively communicating complex technical content to government leadership.
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.

Work Environment:
  • Location: On-site
  • Travel Requirements: May require travel up to 20% of time within the continental United States
  • Working Hours: Standard

Key Responsibilities:
  • Advise Government program management on technical design, production trade space, and mission solutions related to SIGINT payloads
  • Support design, interpretation, and analysis of payload performance for complex SIGINT systems
  • Assist in the development of system architectures, requirements, and design trades, including cost, schedule, and technical impacts
  • Conduct technical analysis of system solutions, limitations, and performance capabilities
  • Evaluate feasibility of new antenna technologies and enhancements
  • Review and coordinate changes to specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and system-level requirements for payload and antenna integration
  • Identify program risks and develop/evaluate mitigation and burn-down strategies
  • Review antenna manufacturing specifications to ensure completeness and accuracy
  • Perform antenna modeling and performance prediction analysis
  • Participate in payload and antenna design reviews and program management reviews; assess design maturity and provide recommendations to Government stakeholders
  • Interface with prime contractors, subcontractors, and Government organizations to validate system design, testing, performance, and delivery
  • Provide risk assessments related to performance, schedule, and budget impacts from contractor activities
  • Evaluate program deliverables to ensure quality, completeness, and alignment with mission objectives
  • Provide strategic technical guidance and support to program leadership, including recommendations and data analysis
  • Conduct detailed analysis to identify areas for performance improvement and optimization
  • Support proposal reviews and assist in development of acquisition strategies and processes
  • Perform programmatic analysis to inform strategic decision-making
  • Support contract performance management, including CDRL reviews, program reviews, and quality assurance activities
  • Develop and deliver program briefings and advocacy materials to IC and DoD stakeholders
  • Maintain strong working relationships across the enterprise, including the Maryland Customer and DNI stakeholders

Basic Compensation:
$160,000 - $205,000 USD annually
The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.
Required Qualifications:
  • Current TS/SCI Poly clearance is required for this position
  • Bachelor's Degree in a Technical Field
  • 10 years DoD/IC, or relevant industry work experience related to payload and space systems components; Experience in the development and characterizing SIGINT payloads and SIGINT space systems
  • Knowledge of mission payload engineering, development, and manufacturing
  • Experience with integrating satellite bus and payloads
  • Ability to perform System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to Government program office
  • 5 years of experience specifically related to Government acquisition initiatives
  • Experience with Intelligence IC policies and procedures and fluency with IC organizations
  • Ability to work effectively in a high-paced environment on a team and as an individual
  • Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy-oral and written
  • Demonstrated attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and coordination skills

Desired:
  • Master's Degree in a Technical Field
  • Small Satellite Development experience

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
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

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