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Payload Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Payload Project Manager who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science ...

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 ...

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 ...

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' autonomous surface vehicles ...

Payload Operations Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$69.60K - $94.10K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Payload Operations Engineer responsible for performing all activities required to operate AST satellite payload subsystems in support of constellation service and ...

Overview VTG is seeking a Payload Engineer (RF) in Chantilly, Va . What will you do? Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Overseeing design and development of RF payload systems and ...

Lead Payload Systems Engineer Location: Moriarty, New Mexico Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant ...

Description SAIC has an opening for a Spacecraft Payload SME Engineer with an understanding of Digital Receiver Processors. The individual selected will provide subject matter expertise to support ...

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 ...

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' autonomous surface vehicles ...

We are seeking a Senior Payload Integration or Systems Engineer to manage the integration of optical terminals on spacecraft. This individual will apply customer management skills and systems ...

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Payload information

See salary details

$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do payload jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 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 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 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Payload job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station -Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercialhuman spaceflightservices to the International Space Station and developer ofadvanced spacesuitsfor the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.

Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Payload Project Manager who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Payload Project Manager to serve as the primary point of contact for client payload projects. This role oversees the end-to-end management of payload projects, ensuring alignment with customer needs and mission objectives.

The ideal candidate excels in client communication, thrives in collaborative environments, and brings expertise in project management methodologies to ensure successful payload development and integration. This position requires proactive problem-solving, organizational skills, and the ability to support real-time operations. Join us in shaping the future of commercial space exploration!

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Represents Axiom Space as the primary company point of contact for the payload projects, managing the client project throughout its entire life cycle.

  • Supports proposal development including task/milestone definition and detailed cost/schedule estimates.

  • Develops and documents a detailed understanding of the client project including overall requirements, success criteria, and constraints.

  • Establishes and maintains overall project schedules tracking budgets, key milestones, and deliverables.

  • Manages all expectations and communication with the client including organization of regular meetings with client to support project development and execution.

  • Organizes and leads internal payload progress meetings to support payload development schedules, mitigate potential issues and develop customer friendly solutions.

  • Assists clients in defining and providing various payload data sets required by space station and transportation vehicle including developing safety, logistics, verification, and operations documentation.

  • Assists clients by participating in major payload integration milestones including but not limited to design reviews, operations reviews, flight and ground safety reviews, verification, and certification reviews.

  • Coordinates with Axiom teams to develop and offer solutions, such as:

    • Engineering team to supply client with Axiom provided hardware and software solutions ensuring that the engineering team is always informed on client and project needs.

    • Operations team to support client development of crew training and mission operations products.

  • Participates in anomaly resolution when on-orbit anomalies occur during real-time ops.

  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define project scope, goals, and deliverables.

  • Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.

  • Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Perform additional job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, math, or science.

  • 10+ years performing Payload Integration, preferably for ISS.

  • Advanced experience (10+ years) with the NASA Safety Review Panel process and requirements preferred.

  • Experienced in customer interfacing role.

  • Experienced in managing projects of different sizes from start to finish.

  • Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges.

  • Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines.

Grit

  • Passion for space and the mission

  • Entrepreneurial, growth mindset

  • Perseverance

  • Resourceful, adaptable

Skills

  • Executes priorities with precision and pace

  • High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally

  • Tech-savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Competencies:

Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Accountability

  • Sense of Urgency

  • Extreme Ownership

  • Execution and Delivery

  • Efficiency

  • Effectiveness

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

  • Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

  • Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.

  • Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Physical Requirements

  • Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)

  • May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)

  • Equipment and Machines

  • Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.