ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Payload Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

4M Research

NASA POI Specialist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... Specialist for our opportunity at Marshall Space Flight Center. The successful candidate will be ... Assesses a payload and works closely with the Payload Developer (PD) to become knowledgeable on ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPayload Specialist Jobs

Payload Specialist information

See salary details

$10

$43

$76

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.
More about Payload Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Payload Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Payload Specialist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Payload Specialist jobs? The top employers for Payload Specialist jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Payload Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payload Specialist jobs are:
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.

Integration & Test Specialist (Bus & Payload Sub-Assemblies) - 2nd shift

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$42 - $51/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

INTEGRATION & TEST SPECIALIST (BUS & PAYLOAD SUB-ASSEMBLIES) - 2ND SHIFT

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for a talented integration specialist to lead Starlink satellite production change introduction and process improvements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide daily operations support to sub-assembly production area
  • Evaluate non-conforming hardware and drive resolution and preventative actions
  • Triage test failures by reading and interpreting test logs and telemetry
  • Design and implement assembly fixtures/shop aides to improve the manufacturing process
  • Identify and implement changes to design, process, and floor layout to improve safety, yield, performance, and cost
  • Execute and manage new configuration introduction into production area
  • Assist process development and validation on new designs in extremely aggressive timelines
  • Develop and implement documentation on standard practices, troubleshooting guides, and standard repair procedures
  • Provide training to production technicians on new or updated processes
  • Create and support equipment preventative maintenance and calibration schedules

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment OR a bachelor's degree in an engineering, math or science discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math or science discipline
  • Hands on fabrication, assembly, or test experience
  • Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings, and instructions
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook)
  • Experience with manufacturing planning
  • Able to adapt to constant changing work assignments and fast paced work environment
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills
  • Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work all shifts, overtime and/or weekends as needed. Estimated 2nd shift hours: 4:00PM to 2:30AM
  • Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
  • Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Integration & Test Specialist / Level 1: $34.00 - $40.00/hour
Integration & Test Specialist / Level 2: $38.00 - $45.00/hour
Integration & Test Specialist / Level 3: $42.00 - $51.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Non-exempt Washington employees are eligible for sick leave in accordance with Washington's Sick Leave policies. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

View All SpaceX Jobs

Apply