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Permanent Payload Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

InvestedintheMission

Mechanical Engineer

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... payload * Use fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer knowledge as required to design ... S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or ...

New

SpaceX

Mechanical Engineer

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

... payload * Use fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer knowledge as required to design ... S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or ...

Cimarron

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programmer

TX · On-site

$32 - $43/hr

... deliver payloads at a lower cost. This position supports 2nd shift , working a 4 on / 3 off ... S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for consideration at this time. * Ability to lift ...

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Permanent Payload Operator information

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Payload Operator jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Payload Operator jobs in Texas are:

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

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

Permanent Payload Operator jobs near you

Director of Mechanical Engineering

Galaxy Technology Hires LLC

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Director, Structures

Austin, Texas – Relocation Assistance Provided

 

The Company

Our client's mission is an end-to-end responsive space company on a mission to make space accessible—launching, landing, and operating anywhere, anytime. With small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles, they support the full lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. By leveraging advanced carbon composite structures, proprietary propulsion technologies, and shared components across our fleet, they accelerate innovation, enhance reliability, and deliver payloads more affordably.

The Job

The Director, Structures owns delivery of qualified, reliable, flight-ready structures across launch vehicles and spacecraft. You will provide leadership and technical authority for all aspects of structural design, analysis, and architecture, with ultimate responsibility for performance, reliability, and scalability. This is a hands-on leadership position that spans the full hardware lifecycle—from early concept and design, through manufacturing, integration, test, and flight.

You will build and lead a high-performing structures team, mentoring and developing engineers while driving execution discipline across design, analysis, build, test, and fleet reliability. Success in this role means ensuring structural solutions are technically sound, manufacturable, and delivered on schedule—through close collaboration with Propulsion, Avionics/Software, Manufacturing/Test, Quality/Reliability, Supply Chain, and Programs.

Functions

  • Provide vision and leadership for the design, development, manufacturing, and integration of all structural aspects of vehicles
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a multi-discipline team of engineers and technicians, including Responsible Engineers (REs), ensuring professional development and performance accountability
  • Serve as chief architect of integrated airframe and tank structures, driving major design trades, reviews, and decisions
  • Establish and maintain department standards, processes, and documentation, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and internal best practices
  • Define and manage budget, headcount, schedules, and deliverables for the Structures Engineering department
  • Oversee hardware development, qualification test definitions, and acceptance criteria
  • Coordinate and align closely with program leadership to ensure structural milestones support program priorities and company objectives
  • Build and maintain supplier and subcontractor relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery of structural components
  • Support cross-functional collaboration with Mechanical, Propulsion, Avionics, and Production teams to optimize workflow and resolve conflicts
  • Address high-level design issues, solve complex problems, and ensure designs are technically feasible and manufacturable
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance engineering quality, reliability, cost efficiency, and lead-time reduction

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in aerospace structures (launch vehicles or spacecraft) with 5+ years leading teams that delivered flight hardware
  • B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related field
  • Demonstrated ownership of structural design/analysis and qualification test through flight
  • Proficiency in FEM and hand analysis; materials/allowables; fracture/mechanisms fundamentals; test planning and data reduction
  • Track record as a player-coach: hands-on design/analysis/test involvement while leading teams to delivery
  • Experience running change control, nonconformance, and configuration management at speed

Preferred Skills

  • 15+ years of professional experience in structures or mechanical engineering
  • Leadership of multi-program or multi-site structures organizations
  • Hands-on composites manufacturing and testing oversight experience
  • Experience designing structures for cryogenic environments
  • Experience with high-rate production, reusability, and post-flight teardown/failure analysis
  • Experience with aerospace standard structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, Shigley's, etc.)
  • Familiarity with AS9100, NASA/DoD standards, and human-rating or CLPS-class rigor

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company is governed based on 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