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Payload Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Collaborates with the payload's integration and test engineers, test team responsible engineers, payloads program leadership, and payload customers to define and implement vehicle payloads ...

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA Β· On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description 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 ...

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA Β· On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description 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 ...

As a Solutions Consultant supporting Payload accounts, you'll partner with Sales and cross-functional teams to craft and deliver consultative strategies that showcase Payload's value within Figma.

Payload Software Engineer

Irvine, CA Β· On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

Payload Software Engineer At ICEYE, we design, build and operate the largest fleet of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites in the world. Using advanced technology, our constellation collects ...

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA Β· On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description 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 ...

Collaborates with the payload's integration and test engineers, test team responsible engineers, payloads program leadership, and payload customers to define and implement vehicle payloads ...

Systems Engineer, Digital Payload

Tempe, AZ Β· On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

This role owns end-to-end digital payload architecture, system performance, requirements, technical budgets, verification strategy, and long-term payload evolution. The successful candidate will ...

The Role As a Principal Mission Payload Engineer within National Security Programs, you'll serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners as we integrate advanced ...

Systems Engineer, Digital Payload

Tempe, AZ Β· On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

This role owns end-to-end digital payload architecture, system performance, requirements, technical budgets, verification strategy, and long-term payload evolution. The successful candidate will ...

The Role As a Principal Mission Payload Engineer within National Security Programs, you'll serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners as we integrate advanced ...

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Payload information

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$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do payload jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 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 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 functionsβ€”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.
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Cities with the most Payload job openings:

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What other helpful pages are available for Payload?

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Infographic showing various Payload job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Payload Systems Engineer

Mojave, CA

Stratolaunch
Aerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingΒ β€’Β 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Stratolaunch is seeking a Sr- or Staff-level Systems Engineer to oversee and support the Talon-A air-launched, hypersonic vehicle payloads mechanical, structural, and materials requirements and integration. An ideal candidate will have experience in vehicle integration and test, ideally with structural and/or materials focus. This role involves interfacing with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, program management, and payload customers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Overseeing and contributing to payload mechanical, structural, and materials requirements and integration
  • Collaborates with the payload's integration and test engineers, test team responsible engineers, payloads program leadership, and payload customers to define and implement vehicle payloads integration, test, and data collection activities
  • Requirements development and tracking
  • Ensures vehicle payloads are tested in a manner to meet customer requirements
  • Participates in test planning, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), test execution, vehicle troubleshooting and post-test data reviews
  • Architects and optimizes data review methodology, as well as data review and data analysis tools
  • Sets standards for test planning and documentation and ensure those standards are met
  • Coordinates internally with multi-disciplinary team and externally with customers
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, and integrity in the fulfillment of commitments

QUALIFICATION & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility 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.

Required Qualifications

  • Knowledge of, and direct experience with, at least two of these disciplines (listed in order of priority): Systems Engineering, Mechanical Systems, Materials, Electrical and Avionics Systems, Propulsion Systems, GNC and Flight Controls, and Aerodynamics
  • Experience contributing to the systems engineering content for a major technical review such as System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review or Critical Design Review
  • Previous systems engineering experience
  • Previous technical experience with Mechanical, Structural, and/or Materials Engineering
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Excellent written & verbal communicationΒ 
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance

Required Skills

  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
  • Familiarity with CAD (Solidworks preferred)
  • Familiarity with configuration management systems such as Jira
  • Familiarity with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in small, dynamic engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities
  • Familiarity with structures, avionics, instrumentation, software, fluid systems, and/or liquid rockets (listed in order of priority)
  • Experience maintaining aerospace industry standards for vehicle configuration and changes
  • Experience with air-launched hypersonic vehicle development
  • Experience with technical risk identification, management, and mitigation
  • Experience defining, managing, and verifying requirements for hypersonic vehicles with hot-structure airframes
  • Current DOD Secret security clearance

Preferred Skills

  • Experience programming (Matlab, Python)
  • Experience with CAD (Solidworks preferred)
  • Experience with configuration management systems such as Jira
  • Experience with requirement management systems such as Jama, Cameo, DOORS, etc.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEΒ 

  • Sr-level ($120,500-158,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Staff-level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • This position is located in Mojave, CA.
  • Travel estimated to be <10% in support of the program

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