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Permanent Payload Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Avionics Test Engineer, Optical

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 to design ... The satellite bus is the platform - the payloads are the mission. As an Optical Avionics Test ...

SwiftCruit

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... payloads * Collaborate with Mission Operators and Engineers across the company to identify and ... S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected ...

K2 Space

Senior Avionics Test Engineer, Optical

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 to design ... The satellite bus is the platform - the payloads are the mission. As an Optical Avionics Test ...

K2 Space

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

... payloads * Collaborate with Mission Operators and Engineers across the company to identify and ... S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected ...

K2 Space

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... payloads * Collaborate with Mission Operators and Engineers across the company to identify and ... S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected ...

Space Kinetic

CNC Machinist

El Segundo, CA

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a ... We are seeking an experienced Setup CNC Machinist / Operator to support multi-axis machining in a ...

Karman Space & Defense

VTL Machinist- 2nd Shift

Brea, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic ... Adequate years of CNC operating experience as determined by Karman. Physical Requirements

Impulse Space

Senior Mission Design Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... payloads * Experience operating spacecraft in orbit * Broad familiarity with the space industry ... S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in ...

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Permanent Payload Operator information

What is the difference between Permanent Payload Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectPermanent Payload OperatorCrane Operator
Required CertificationsPayload handling, safety, and equipment operation certificationsCrane operation licenses and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, warehouses, shipping yardsConstruction sites, shipping ports, industrial facilities
Industry UsageLogistics, shipping, manufacturingConstruction, shipping, heavy lifting

Both roles involve equipment operation in industrial settings, with overlapping certifications and work environments. The main difference is that Permanent Payload Operators focus specifically on handling payloads in logistics and shipping contexts, while Crane Operators operate cranes for lifting heavy materials in construction and industrial projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a permanent payload operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Permanent Payload Operator, you need strong technical aptitude in aerospace operations, attention to detail, and typically a background in engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with satellite control software, telemetry systems, and industry certifications such as a Remote Sensing or Space Operations license are often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, situational awareness, and clear communication are vital soft skills for responding to anomalies and collaborating with mission teams. These skills ensure safe, precise payload management and mission success in the high-stakes environment of space operations.

What are some typical challenges permanent payload operators face when managing satellite operations, and how can they prepare for them?

Permanent Payload Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining seamless communication with multiple satellites, troubleshooting real-time anomalies, and adapting quickly to rapidly changing mission parameters. These professionals must stay alert during shifts—sometimes outside regular hours—and work closely with engineering and mission control teams to ensure payload performance. Staying updated on payload software, understanding telemetry, and developing strong problem-solving skills help operators handle these scenarios effectively and minimize mission risks.

What is a permanent payload operator?

A Permanent Payload Operator is a professional responsible for managing and controlling the payload systems on spacecraft, satellites, or other aerospace vehicles. They ensure that scientific instruments, communication devices, or cargo are properly operated and monitored during missions. Their duties include real-time payload operation, troubleshooting, data analysis, and coordination with mission control teams. Permanent Payload Operators are typically employed by space agencies, private aerospace companies, or research organizations for ongoing or long-term missions.

What does a Permanent Payload Operator do?

A Permanent Payload Operator is responsible for installing, securing, and maintaining payloads on aircraft or spacecraft, ensuring proper placement and safety standards. They often operate specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols, working in environments that require attention to detail and technical skills. Certification and knowledge of aerospace safety procedures are typically required for this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Permanent Payload Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Permanent Payload Operator job openings:

Permanent Payload Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Permanent Payload Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Avionics Test Engineer, Optical

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others - with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
K2's plan doesn't stop at satellite buses. Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 to design, test, and deploy-at-scale ambitious optical payloads in MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space on unprecedented timelines. The satellite bus is the platform - the payloads are the mission.
As an Optical Avionics Test Engineer, you will be pivotal in developing production test hardware and software to deliver optical avionics through ATP and QTP. You will be working alongside the Optical team to interface with ambitious optical payloads, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.
Responsibilities
  • Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support optical payload development testing
  • Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Python, Rust, C++ for Linux platforms
  • Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs
  • Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level
  • Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of optical avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle
  • Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules
  • Design and build optical tables with automated active alignment for high-rate optical testing

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 2+ years of experience with test hardware design and software scripting
  • Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, or Rust)
  • Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures

Nice to Have
  • Experience with design and testing of optical systems
  • Experience with camera automation and quantitative image processing (ex. beam profiling), power meters, and laser interlocks.
  • Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment
  • Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing
  • Understanding of the failure modes of electrical and optical systems in space environments
  • Demonstrated ability to own electrical or optical hardware test systems within an integrated engineering team
  • Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $150,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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