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Vitesse Systems

Payload Systems Engineer II

Longmont, CO · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Vitesse Systems is looking for a Payload Systems Engineer II to join the team in Longmont, Colorado! We design, engineer, and manufacture our own antennas to support the payload integration needs of ...

SAIC

Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As the Payload Systems Engineer , you will play a critical role in the development, acquisition, and execution of multiple satellite payload systems-both on-orbit and in development. You will support ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Payload Integration Engineer Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $95,000 - $130,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats' unmanned surface vehicles ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Payload Subject Matter Expert to support the NRO GEOINT Directorate. This is a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support position to assist ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Payload Subject Matter Expert to support the NRO GEOINT Directorate. This is a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support position to assist ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Payload Integration Engineer Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $95,000 - $130,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats' unmanned surface vehicles ...

Tomorrow.io

Payload Systems Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

Tomorrow.io is seeking a Payload Systems Engineer to lead the development, integration, and verification of satellite payloads for our weather observation constellation. In this role, you will ...

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Payload information

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$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do payload jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for payload in the United States is $86,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, 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 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 handling and managing payloads in aerospace, military, or industrial settings, ensuring proper installation, operation, and safety. They often work with specialized equipment, follow strict safety protocols, and may require certifications or training related to handling hazardous materials or complex machinery.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

A payload specialist or similar remote logistics roles can potentially earn $2000 weekly by working full-time, often requiring specialized skills, certifications, or experience in handling sensitive or technical cargo. Achieving this income may involve working multiple shifts, leveraging high-demand skills, or working for companies that pay competitive rates for remote logistics or freight handling positions.

What are payload specialists?

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 professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

In the payload or related high-demand fields, roles such as commercial pilots, certain sales managers, and experienced entrepreneurs can earn $200,000 or more annually without a college degree. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, or extensive experience rather than formal education.

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 a payload in work?

In a job context, a payload typically refers to the main task or deliverable that a worker is responsible for completing. It can also describe the data or items carried or processed during a project, especially in fields like logistics, software development, or engineering. Understanding the specific responsibilities related to payloads depends on the industry and role requirements.
More about Payload jobs
What cities are hiring for Payload jobs? Cities with the most Payload job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Payload jobs? The most popular types of Payload jobs are:
What states have the most Payload jobs? States with the most job openings for Payload jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Payload jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payload jobs are:
Payload jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payload job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Payload Systems Engineer II

Payload Systems Engineer II

Vitesse Systems

Longmont, CO • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Vitesse Systems is looking for a Payload Systems Engineer II to join the team in Longmont, Colorado! We design, engineer, and manufacture our own antennas to support the payload integration needs of our customers.


About Vitesse Systems

Vitesse Systems is a leading provider of highly engineered antenna, thermal management and mission critical solutions used in radar, electronic warfare and C5ISR applications. No challenge is too difficult for the Vitesse Team. From complex specification driven requirements to precision manufactured components, Vitesse Systems has the experience and expertise needed to execute.


Our Core Values

Our core values of Integrity, Initiative, Impact, and Integration translate to an environment where every team member is valued and rewarded. The mission-critical solutions we design and manufacture at Vitesse make our country and our world safer.


Our Benefits

  • 3 Weeks of Paid Time Off
  • 10 Paid Company Observed Holidays
  • Birthday & Anniversary Incentives
  • 401K Employer Match
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • Company-paid Short & Long-term Disability
  • Continuing Education Reimbursement Program
  • Generous Referral Program


The Role

The Payload Systems Engineer is responsible for designing advanced payloads for satellite systems across all orbits.



Key Responsibilities

  • Design advanced communication payloads for satellite systems across all orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO)
  • Contribute to the design, analysis, integration, and validation of satellite systems for next‑generation missions
  • Work across payload design, system performance analysis, assembly, integration and testing, and mission operations
  • Support design trades involving payload capacity, system mass, power optimization, spectral resources, and overall mission-level performance
  • Work closely with software, mechanical, thermal, and electrical engineering to optimize the satellite resources
  • Analyze mission requirements and translate them into technical specifications, system-level requirements, and engineering constraints
  • Optimize the performance of satellite systems by maximizing payload efficiency, minimizing satellite mass and volume, and improving power use and duty cycles
  • Build and execute simulations and models to evaluate payload performance under various operating and environmental conditions
  • Support Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) activities including test plans, procedures, troubleshooting, performance validation, and verification strategies to validate systems and payload performance
  • Support major reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR)
  • Engage directly with hardware suppliers and evaluate hardware for payload architecture
  • Support hardware procurement
  • Participate in meetings and design reviews
  • Responsible for overall communication subsystem
  • Develop and maintain analysis tools across the program execution
  • Develop payload block diagrams
  • Requirements flow down
  • Compute Link Budget Analysis
  • Translate mission and system requirements into subsystem and unit-level technical requirements, interfaces, and verification criteria
  • Other duties as assigned


Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree
  • MSEE in related field desired, but not required
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role
  • RF Communications Engineering/Payload Systems background
  • Payload Experience – ideally communication payloads
  • Payload Analysis and Budgets: EIRP, G/T, Conversion factors, Signal level budgets, group delay, frequency response and more
  • Knowledgeable with payload thermal and power aspects
  • Active and passive communication payload hardware knowledge: HPA, LNA, Receivers, MRO, MLO, Converters, Filters, antenna subsystem(reflector based and DRAs)
  • Familiar with digital payloads, (digital channelizer with or without beamforming)
  • Strong understanding of satellite subsystems, particularly RF payloads, and spacecraft platforms
  • Hands‑on experience in system modelling, simulation, and performance assessment
  • Experience with requirements development, ConOps definition, and system-level design processes
  • Solid analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex system interactions
  • Experience in working in satellite manufacturing environment preferred
  • Experienced in digital payloads, (digital channelizer with or without beamforming), and/or regenerative payloads preferred
  • Experience with Phased/Active Arrays and Optical communication preferred
  • Familiarity with digital payloads, phased arrays, and advanced communication system architectures preferred
  • Experience with environmental testing, satellite integration, or in‑orbit payload testing preferred
  • Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, STK or other scripting languages for simulation, analysis, and tool development preferred
  • Must provide proof of US Citizenship or Permanent Residency to comply with ITAR requirements
  • Ability to pass a drug screen per Vitesse’s drug testing policy
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check per Vitesse’s policy


Vitesse Systems, LLC performs work controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These statutes require the protection of technical data and products. The regulations require that such data not be disclosed in written, oral, or visual form to any foreign national without prior export authorization from the Department of State. A foreign national is defined by the U.S. Government under EAR 734.2(b)(2)(ii) and 8 USC 110 (a)(20) as one who:

  • Is not a United States citizen
  • Is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.
  • Does not have politically protected status (embassy, refugee, or asylum)


Vitesse Systems, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Veterans / Disabled Employer.