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Permanent Payload Operator Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on engineering judgment, is comfortable operating in a ... Experience supporting spacecraft, payload, or other complex system integration and tests.

Pae

Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on engineering judgment, is comfortable operating in a ... Experience supporting spacecraft, payload, or other complex system integration and tests.

All JobsPermanent Payload Operator JobsPermanent Payload Operator Jobs in Spring, TX

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 near Spring, TX are hiring for Permanent Payload Operator jobs?

Cities near Spring, TX with the most Permanent Payload Operator job openings:

Permanent Payload Operator jobs near you

Test Engineer

Amentum

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!
We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.
We are seeking a Test Engineer to join the JETSII Contract with ERC, a teammate company. The Test Engineer will support ongoing and future work for the ECTS team. This role will develop requirements, develop a testing plan and execute test plans while also supporting growth into future operations development, staffing, training, and mission readiness efforts.
This position is suited for an engineer who can work across hardware integration, test planning and execution, logistics coordination, procedure development, and cross-functional team alignment. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on engineering judgment, is comfortable operating in a dynamic project environment, and can grow with the program as ECTS transitions into expanded operational readiness and mission execution support.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Support test activities with emphasis on thermal, electrical, pressure systems and mechanical components associated with the project.
  • Coordinate with engineering, integration and test, operations, logistics, quality, safety, and project stakeholders to plan and execute assigned work.
  • Develop, update, and maintain engineering products such as work packages, procedures, test plans, readiness documentation, status products, and closeout materials.
  • Help identify, track, and resolve technical, schedule, integration, and execution issues affecting vehicle and ground activities.
  • Support pre-test, test, and post-test activities, including pathfinding, rehearsals, configuration coordination, anomaly resolution, and lessons learned capture.
  • Contribute to integrated test readiness and mission support planning for system activities.
  • Provide day-to-day coordination and clear communication across multiple organizations to ensure work remains aligned to program priorities, milestones, and mission objectives.
  • Grow into broader responsibilities supporting future operations staffing, certification, and surface mission readiness.

Requisition Qualifications:
This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.
  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or in a related area.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field emphasis on electrical, thermal, pressure systems and mechanical engineering.
  • Experience supporting complex aerospace, flight hardware, test, integration, operations, or vehicle/system development activities.
  • Experience working across multiple disciplines to coordinate technical work and drive execution.
  • Experience developing or supporting engineering documentation, procedures, plans, or readiness products.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-moving environment.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Requisition Preferences:
  • Experience with NASA or human spaceflight/project engineering processes.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft, payload, or other complex system integration and tests.
  • Experience with hardware handling, transportation, GSE, pathfinding, or environmental/functional test campaigns.
  • Experience supporting readiness reviews, anomaly resolution, or integrated test execution.
  • Experience with operations concept development, console operations, training development, or certification planning.
  • Familiarity with configuration-controlled environments and disciplined engineering execution.
  • Ability to balance near-term execution needs with longer-range program grow

Why Join Our Team?
In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also ave:
  • Excellent personal and professional career growth
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
  • Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
  • Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
  • Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
  • Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions
Work Environment
Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
Physical Requirements
Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
Equipment and Machines
Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
Attendance
Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Other Essential Functions
Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
#JETS #JETSII
Compensation Details:
EN1-EN4
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
07/18/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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