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Payload Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · 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 ...

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · 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 ...

SAIC

NRO Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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 ...

Blue Origin

Senior Payload Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$156K - $219K/yr

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 ...

Figma

Solutions Consultant, Payload

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

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.

ICEYE US-SkyFi

Payload Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$155 - $175/hr

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 ...

SAIC

Principal RF Payload Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$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 ...

Stratolaunch

Payload Systems Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

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 ...

Boeing

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $182K/yr

Senior Payload Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is seeking a Senior Payload Design Engineer (Level 4) to support our Out-of-Production (OoP) Payloads ...

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All JobsPayload Jobs

Payload information

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$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.
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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.

NRO Payload Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 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


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 acquiring a new satellite and payloads for the future GEOINT space architecture. The candidate will support acquisition activities and provide space vehicle and payload design expertise for protection capabilities. Qualified candidates must possess demonstrated satellite/payload technical expertise and be able to work both independently and in a team-based environment.
Key duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
• Assist with the execution of satellite and payload design trade studies. Evaluate system and payload designs, as necessary, to determine if the proposed design and supporting protection capabilities are adequate to meet required performance thresholds.
• Assess protection capabilities technical performance and modeling and simulation results.
• Assess Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and identify risks to program plans and schedules, and support development of acquisition plans.
• Assist in managing requirements development, flow-down and traceability. Assist with ensuring compliance to interfaces and design standards.
• Support the development of requirement documents and acquisition plans.
• Participate as a technical advisor during Government source selections to evaluate development contractor proposals and provide down-selection recommendations to source selection authorities.
• Following selection of a development contractor, participate in monitoring and evaluating payload design constraints as the payload matures through its phases. Identify technical design risks and potential impacts to program plans.
• Expect Travel within the U.S. approximately 10% of the time.
Qualifications
• B.S. Engineering with 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 years or more experience; PhD and 9 years or more experience.
Qualifications:
• Remote sensing satellite acquisition experience, specifically writing and evaluating requirements, and assessing development contractor performance.
• Expertise with imaging sensor functionality and performance.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct analysis and evaluations - able to synthesize large amounts of data/information concisely.
• Ability to apply technical expertise and summarize information/findings for presentation to Government leadership.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to be flexible to adjust to dynamic technical guidance.
About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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