ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Payload Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Satellite Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in satellite payload architecture, SAR payload development, SAR processing and image formation, and ...

SCEYE INC

Lead Payload Systems Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Lead Payload Systems Engineer Status: Full Time Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA / Moriarty, NM Reporting To: Director of Payload Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building ...

New

Capital Factory

Payload Systems Engineer III

Longmont, CO · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

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

SCEYE INC

Lead Payload Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Lead Payload Systems Engineer Status: Full Time Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA / Moriarty, NM Reporting To: Director of Payload Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building ...

New

Saic

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

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 in ...

Seasats

Payload Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA

$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 vessels ...

Saic

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160 - $200/hr

Position Summary The RF Payload Engineer will support advanced space systems with a focus on RF payload development, integration, and production testing. This role contributes to the development ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Vitesse Systems

Payload Systems Engineer III

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Vitesse Systems is looking for a Payload Systems Engineer III 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

$120 - $170/hr

Description SAIC is seeking a Payload Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in a dynamic NRO System Program Office (SPO) at ...

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 vessels ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPayload Jobs

Payload information

See salary details

$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do payload jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Satellite Payload Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 225 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613701

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-07

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Satellite Payload Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of an SAIC Prime Program supporting  the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

Note: Qualified candidates must have an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a Poly to be considered. 

As a Satellite Payload Engineer, you will support technical efforts requiring deep expertise in satellite payload architecture, SAR payload development, SAR processing and image formation, and end‑to‑end image chain performance. You will apply hands‑on satellite hardware experience and radar payload system knowledge to assess performance, resolve issues, and ensure seamless integration across space and ground segments. You will also drive enterprise‑level trade studies to define and refine requirements for future satellite capabilities, supporting mission success across the full lifecycle.

Job Responsibilities to include.

  • Evaluate satellite payload requirements compliance by working with the Prime contractor to analyze evidence, assess technical adequacy, and drive closure of open issues.
  • Review test plans and results to evaluate payload performance at the unit, subsystem, and system levels, including SAR and radar payload components.
  • Perform detailed analysis of SAR processing chains, image formation algorithms, calibration/validation data, and payload‑to‑ground data flow.
  • Assist with understanding and resolving anomalies, performing root cause analysis, and identifying corrective actions, including evaluating technical and schedule impacts.
  • Identify and assess emerging technical and programmatic risks at the enterprise, system, and subsystem levels, and collaborate with Prime and Subcontractor teams to develop and evaluate mitigation strategies.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with Prime and Subcontractor counterparts, functional teams, and subject matter experts to ensure effective collaboration.
  • Evaluate entrance and exit criteria for major program reviews, such as Pre‑Ship Reviews.
  • Support trade studies to define and further develop requirements for future satellite systems, including next‑generation SAR and radar payload capabilities.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree and fourteen (14) or more years of relevant experience; Master’s degree and twelve (12) or more years; PhD or JD and nine (9) or more years.
  • Active Top Secret /SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly
  • SAR Payload Development — experience supporting the design, development, integration, verification, or performance assessment of SAR payloads.
  • SAR Processing & Image Formation — strong understanding of SAR algorithms, image formation techniques, calibration/validation processes, and mission data processing chains.
  • Satellite Hardware— hands‑on experience with payload hardware, test equipment, unit‑ or subsystem‑level integration, environmental testing, or hardware troubleshooting.
  • Radar Payload Systems — experience  in radar payload architectures, RF chains, waveform design, performance modeling, and radar‑to‑ground data interfaces.
  • Strong interpersonal, leadership, team-building, and analytical problem‑solving skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in a government/contractor environment.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply