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Payload Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Engage directly with external scientists, international partners, and payload providers to develop flight research opportunities * Collaborate with NASA programs including Biological and Physical ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Webster, TX · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Design and/or program embedded systems in support of spaceflight hardware, payload interfaces, and related ground support equipment. * Assist MISSE customers and Principal Investigators to ensure ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Webster, TX · On-site

$140K - $146K/yr

Design and/or program embedded systems in support of spaceflight hardware, payload interfaces, and related ground support equipment. * Assist MISSE customers and Principal Investigators to ensure ...

Showing results 41-60

Payload information

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 does a payload operator do?

A payload operator is responsible for managing and deploying payloads in aerospace, military, or drone operations. They handle the loading, release, and control of equipment or cargo during missions, often using specialized tools and adhering to safety protocols. This role requires technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of relevant safety standards.

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 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, instruments, or equipment carried by 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 systems, safety protocols, and operational procedures. Understanding payload integration and handling is essential for ensuring mission success and safety.
What cities in Texas are hiring for Payload jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Payload job openings:
Infographic showing various Payload job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Senior RF Systems Integration and Test Engineer, RF and 3GPP NTN, Amazon Leo

Amazon

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,066 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Amazon Leo is building a Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation to deliver high speed, low latency broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. As part of Payload Integration and Test, this role is focused on hands on integration, validation, troubleshooting, and qualification of end to end satellite communications systems across space, ground, RF, modem, RAN, Core, transport, and cloud infrastructure. The work is lab centered and system focused.

The role is not a software development position, but the ability to use Linux, Python, protocol traces, packet captures, and automation to debug complex systems is highly valuable.
Export Control Requirement
Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident that is a current Green Card holder, or lawfully admitted into the U.S

as a refugee or granted asylum.
Key job responsibilities
This role owns the bridge between RF validation and 3GPP system behavior. The candidate should be able to execute chamber, OTA, modem, RF, and payload tests while also understanding how RF impairments impact registration, synchronization, bearer setup, mobility, VoNR, IMS, throughput, and end to end system readiness.
Key Job Responsibilities
Integrate RF payload hardware, modems, antennas, Open RAN components, 5G Core, IMS, and lab infrastructure into end to end validation environments.
Execute RF, OTA, chamber, HIL, modem, and system level tests for NTN and satellite terrestrial network validation.
Validate 3GPP Release 17 NTN behavior from an RF systems perspective, including synchronization, timing, mobility, Doppler, link quality, beam behavior, and service continuity.
Correlate RF impairments with protocol and service behavior, including attach, registration, PDU session setup, handover, VoNR, IMS registration, throughput, latency, and packet loss.
Support Open RAN integration across CU, DU, RU, gNodeB, RF front end, payload hardware, and 5G Core interfaces.
Use spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, signal generators, channel emulators, RF chambers, OTA setups, and protocol traces to isolate failures.
Drive root cause on cross domain issues spanning RF hardware, antenna behavior, modem software, RAN configuration, Core behavior, timing, and lab infrastructure.
Develop integration test procedures, readiness gates, regression coverage, and defect reports for RF plus 3GPP system validation.
Collaborate with RF, antenna, modem, payload, RAN, Core, network, software, and operations teams to qualify production bound satellite communications capabilities.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US