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Payload Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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This position will be directly involved in the design of the next progression of New Glenn Payload Accommodations hardware, including the larger diameter 8.7M payload fairing and adapters. * As part ...

New

$64 - $82.50/hr

Lead Sensor & Payload Integration: Oversee integration of EO/IR, LiDAR, RF, navigation, communications, and specialized payloads. Evaluate third-party solutions and ensure seamless onboarding with ...

Research Technician III [581]

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

In this hands-on role, you will support the operation of dilution refrigerators and payload systems used for quantum processor testing. You will play a key role in launching and stabilizing the new ...

Showing results 41-60

Payload information

What is a payload specialist?

Payload specialists are experts selected to manage and operate specific scientific or technical equipment on space missions, often aboard spacecraft such as the Space Shuttle or International Space Station. They are typically responsible for the preparation, execution, and monitoring of experiments or cargo during a mission. Payload specialists can come from scientific, engineering, or industry backgrounds and are chosen for their expertise related to the mission's payload. Their role is distinct from that of career astronauts, as they focus primarily on the payload rather than the overall operation of the spacecraft.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payload specialist?

To thrive as a Payload Specialist, you typically need a background in engineering, physics, or a related science field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with aerospace systems. Familiarity with mission planning software, payload integration tools, and systems such as MATLAB or LabVIEW is common, along with certifications like ITAR compliance when required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for managing complex payload operations. These abilities ensure safe, reliable, and mission-optimized payload deployment in high-stakes aerospace environments.

What are some common challenges faced by payload specialists when working on multidisciplinary teams in aerospace projects?

Payload Specialists often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and project managers, which requires clear communication and adaptability to different technical perspectives. A common challenge is ensuring that payload requirements are integrated smoothly with other subsystems, often under tight deadlines and shifting project priorities. Successful Payload Specialists proactively coordinate with other teams, anticipate integration issues, and remain flexible to accommodate late-stage design changes. This environment fosters strong problem-solving skills and can provide excellent opportunities for professional growth within multidisciplinary aerospace teams.

What is the difference between Payload vs Data Analyst?

AspectPayloadData Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically no specific certifications, but knowledge of logistics and transportationBachelor's degree in statistics, data science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLogistics, transportation, or delivery settingsOffice-based, data analysis, reporting, and visualization tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLogistics companies, courier services, transportation firmsCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared in logistics contextsCompared in data management and analysis contexts

While Payload refers to the cargo or goods transported, Data Analyst focuses on interpreting data to inform business decisions. Both roles are essential in their industries but serve different functions—one in logistics and transportation, the other in data-driven insights.

What is payload and how does it work?

In the context of a payload specialist or related roles, payload refers to the cargo, equipment, or scientific instruments carried on a vehicle such as a spacecraft, drone, or aircraft. The payload is designed to perform specific functions, and its deployment or operation is managed by the payload specialist or technician, often requiring knowledge of aerospace systems, safety protocols, and relevant tools. Understanding payload integration and handling is essential for ensuring mission success and safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payload jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Payload jobs in Florida are:

Infographic showing various Payload job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Specialist, Integration and Test Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies

Patrick Air Force Base, FL • On-site

$113K - $153K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist, Integration and Test Software Engineer

Job Code: 40773

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description:

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Specialist, Integration & Test Engineer to support the development, assembly, integration, verification, and test automation of space payloads, spacecraft subsystems, and full space vehicles. This is a hands-on, on-site role based in Palm Bay, Florida, supporting customer-funded programs within our Surveillance Systems division.

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Specialist, Integration & Test Software Engineer to support the development, assembly, integration, verification, and test automation of space payloads, spacecraft subsystems, and full space vehicles. This is a hands-on, on-site role based in Palm Bay, Florida, supporting customer-funded programs within our Surveillance Systems division.

In this role, you will work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment and provide software technical leadership across the product lifecycle, from early program development and requirements analysis through test automation, integration, verification, and delivery. You will help define and execute test strategies, develop and deploy Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), generate test documentation, support major program reviews, and drive issue resolution during system integration and test activities.

The ideal candidate brings strong system integration and test (SI&T) experience in space, aerospace, defense, or similarly complex mission-critical environments, along with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and customer interfaces.

Essential Functions: 

  • Provide system-level integration and test engineering supprot during verification activities, including automation of functional, qualification, and production environmental testing of space hardware and systems
  • Support integration and test activities for spacecraft buses, communications payloads, mission payloads, and/or full space vehicles
  • Support development and deployment of Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) to support integration, checkout, test automation, and test execution
  • Develop and maintain test documentation, including:
    • Test Requirements Documents
    • Test Design Documents
    • Test Plans
    • Test Procedures
    • Verification documentation and test reports
  • Support day-to-day execution of integration and test activities for payload and spacecraft systems
  • Perform EGSE and Unit Under Test (UUT) checkout, selloff, and troubleshooting across all phases of the system lifecycle
  • Analyze test data, identify anomalies, document issues, and drive root cause and corrective action with cross-functional engineering teams
  • Support system verification and validation activities from design through manufacturing, test, and delivery
  • Contribute to major program reviews, including SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, IRR, TRR, I&T, and final selloff
  • Interface with internal teams, subcontractors, and customers to ensure successful test readiness and execution
  • Travel as needed to support integration, test, and post-delivery activities
  • Support extended or weekend hours when required by program schedules

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience
  • 2+ years of experience of System Integration and Test (SI&T)
  • 2+ years of experience with NI tools such as LabVIEW and/or TestStand
  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance
  • Ability to secure and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access as required

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience testing space-qualified, aerospace, or military hardware
  • Experience with system requirements analysis, testability, verification planning, and integration of hardware/software systems
  • Experience with DOORS or similar requirements management tools, including traceability and verification matrices
  • Experience designing and using test beds, simulators, and EGSE
  • Experience supporting programs through the full lifecycle, including concept development, proposals, design reviews, integration, test readiness, and delivery
  • Experience with RF test and measurement equipment, including:
    • Spectrum analyzers
    • Network analyzers
    • Logic analyzers
    • Signal generators
    • Oscilloscopes
    • Power supplies
  • Familiarity with satellite telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems and tools such as COSMOS or InControl, NI tools such as LabVIEW and/or TestStand
  • Familiarity with scripting or automation tools such as Python, Java, Perl, or similar
  • Familiarity with Jira, Bitbucket, and Confluence
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to thrive in a large-program, fast-paced environment

#LI-L4

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.