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Payload Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Senior Thermal Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$155 - $200/hr

You will work closely with mechanical engineers, payload architects, electrical engineers, applied physicists, and the prototype team to evaluate concepts, improve designs, define thermal ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

You will work closely with mechanical engineers, payload architects, electrical engineers, applied physicists, and the prototype team to evaluate concepts, improve designs, define thermal ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

You will work closely with mechanical engineers, payload architects, electrical engineers, applied physicists, and the prototype team to evaluate concepts, improve designs, define thermal ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

You will work closely with mechanical engineers, payload architects, electrical engineers, applied physicists, and the prototype team to evaluate concepts, improve designs, define thermal ...

Sr EO/IR Systems Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

Payloads include EO/SWIR/MWIR/LWIR image sensors, laser rangefinders, and optional laser designators. * Actively participate in optical and imaging system design, alignment, and testing, as well as ...

Sr EO/IR Systems Engineer

Wilsonville, OR

$108K - $148K/yr

Payloads include EO/SWIR/MWIR/LWIR image sensors, laser rangefinders, and optional laser designators. * Actively participate in optical and imaging system design, alignment, and testing, as well as ...

Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$110K - $133K/yr

This role is responsible for leading the mechanical design of the complete satellite system, including bus structure, equipment accommodation, and payload accommodation, to ensure designs meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$75K - $102K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support satellite mechanical subsystem and payload development programs. This role is responsible for structural architecture layout ...

Deburrer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting ...

Test Automation Engineer

Hood River, OR · Hybrid

$48 - $63.50/hr

Overwatch is seeking aTest Automation Engineer to own and evolve how wevalidateedge-deployed imaging systems across software, Jetson-basedcompute, and hardware-integrated sensor payloads-through ...

CNC Machinist

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting ...

New

CNC Machinist

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting ...

New

Develop custom tools, payloads, exploits, and automation capabilities to support complex Red Team operations. * Research emerging threats, attacker methodologies, and offensive security techniques to ...

Test Automation Engineer

Hood River, OR · On-site

$48 - $63.50/hr

Validate software that runs on Jetson devices and interfaces with in-house smart-sensors and third-party payloads. * Reproduce and debug software ↔ hardware issues. * Turn integration failures into ...

Test Automation Engineer

Hood River, OR · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Validate software that runs on Jetson devices and interfaces with in-house smart-sensors and third-party payloads. * Reproduce and debug software ↔ hardware issues. * Turn integration failures into ...

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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 popular job titles related to Payload jobs in Oregon?

For Payload jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Payload job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Senior Electrical Engineer - Payload Subcontracts Manager (Remote)

Hillsboro, OR • Remote

Encore Semi, Inc.
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$135K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Electrical Engineer – Payload Subcontracts Manager (Remote)
Location: 100% Remote (Anywhere in the US)
 Job Type: Full-Time & Contract Options Available
Requirements: US Citizenship Required
Compensation: $135,000 – $160,000 / year + Comprehensive Benefits
About the Role: We are seeking a highly organized and technically adept Senior Electrical Engineer to act as the primary Technical Subcontracts Manager for a newly awarded space program. In this fully remote role, you will serve as the critical bridge between our internal engineering team and external hardware suppliers.
Rather than focusing on ground-up system design, you will take ownership of vendor management, specifically driving the procurement and delivery of a COTS Multi-Mission Payload (MMP) and a space clock module. If you excel at holding vendors accountable, writing clear technical requirements, and keeping complex aerospace hardware projects on schedule, we want you on our team.
Key Responsibilities:
Subcontract Lifecycle Management: Oversee the MMP and space clock module subcontracts from initial vendor selection through final hardware delivery.
SOW Development: Draft, refine, and deliver precise technical Statements of Work (SOWs) for external vendors.
Vendor Oversight: Lead regular vendor status meetings to track progress, enforce schedule adherence, and swiftly clear technical roadblocks.
Technical Guidance: Provide necessary technical inputs regarding Power Supply CCAs, Software Defined Radios (SDR), and other COTS payload components.
Stakeholder Communication: Conduct rigorous technical reviews of vendor deliverables and provide clear, actionable status updates to internal engineering teams.
Qualifications:
Proven background in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
Prior professional experience in technical vendor management, subcontract management, or project engineering for complex hardware.
Direct experience in the space industry, with specific expertise working with Radar & Sensor technologies, space payloads, and space-rated clock modules.
General familiarity with RF and Digital signal routing, power supplies, and COTS hardware integration.
Full-Time Benefits:
• 15 days of PTO per calendar year
• 10 paid Holidays per calendar year
• Comprehensive Medical Benefits: Company covers 80% of premiums for Employee and Dependents
• Dental & Vision: Company covers 50% of premiums for Employee and Dependents
• Voluntary Benefits: Life Insurance, FSA (Health and Dependent, Limited Purpose), HAS, and Gap Insurance
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• 401k - Traditional & Roth
• Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition reimbursement
Equal Opportunity Policy Statement
Encore Semi, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, ancestry, marital status, civil union status, medical condition, disability (mental and physical), military and veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
Encore Semi is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
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