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Satellite Payload Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Principal Mission Payload Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design ... Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ...

New

K2 Space

Principal Mission Payload Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... The Role As a Principal Mission Payload Engineer within National Security Programs, you'll serve as ...

K2 Space

Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design ... Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ...

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Satellite Payload Engineer information

What is a satellite payload engineer?

Satellite Payload Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and test the payload systems of satellites, which are the instruments and equipment responsible for the satellite’s main mission, such as communication, imaging, or data collection. They work closely with other engineering teams to ensure that the payload meets mission requirements, operates reliably in space environments, and integrates seamlessly with the satellite bus. Their role is critical in both commercial and scientific satellite missions, and they are involved from the conceptual design phase through to integration, testing, and in-orbit support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite payload engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Payload Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF/microwave systems, and satellite communications, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, RF simulation software (such as CST or HFSS), and industry standards for satellite payloads is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing, testing, and optimizing satellite payloads that meet mission requirements and ensure reliable space operations.

What are the most common challenges faced by satellite payload engineers during integration and testing phases?

Satellite Payload Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring that all payload components operate seamlessly within tight physical, power, and data constraints. Integration and testing phases require meticulous coordination with systems engineers and test teams to troubleshoot interface issues, electromagnetic compatibility, and thermal management. Additionally, unexpected anomalies may arise that require real-time problem-solving and effective communication across multidisciplinary teams. These phases are fast-paced and detail-oriented, offering valuable opportunities to develop expertise in both technical troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration.

What is the difference between Satellite Payload Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectSatellite Payload EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
Primary FocusDesign, develop, and test satellite payloads such as sensors and communication equipmentOversee overall satellite system integration, including subsystems and payloads
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering; certifications varyBachelor's or master's in aerospace or systems engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, and satellite development sitesDesign offices, integration labs, and mission operation centers
Industry UsageUsed by satellite manufacturers, aerospace firms, and government agenciesUsed by satellite operators, integrators, and aerospace companies

While both roles require aerospace engineering knowledge and similar credentials, Satellite Payload Engineers focus on payload-specific design and testing, whereas Satellite Systems Engineers oversee the entire satellite system integration. Both roles are essential in satellite development and often collaborate closely.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Payload Engineer jobs in California?

For Satellite Payload Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Satellite Payload Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Satellite Payload Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Satellite Payload Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Satellite Payload Engineer job openings:

Satellite Payload Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Payload Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Principal Mission Payload Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

K2 Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about K2 Spaceexternal

$175K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

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 over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion 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 in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward 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 high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.

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 payload capabilities onto K2's satellite bus platform. You'll support the entire program lifecycle – from early proposal phases through spacecraft design, development, integration, test, and on-orbit operations.   

In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop integration and test plans that ensure successful mission execution.  You will also represent K2 Space in critical customer engagements, design reviews, and verification milestones.  

A Principal Mission Payload Engineer, you will apply yourself to shaping the way that Mission Payload Engineering does business both internally and externally. 

The ideal candidate has strong multi-disciplinary engineering skills, hands-on experience, and excellent communication abilities to effectively collaborate with National Security customers and stakeholders.       

Responsibilities  

  • Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle.  Support initial proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit commissioning.   
  • Serve as the primary customer interface for payload integration.  Lead technical discussions, represent K2 Space in design reviews, and ensure customer requirements are understood and met.  
  • Development, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation. Define mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces, ensuring clear technical alignment between payload and bus teams.  
  • Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans.  Develop testing strategies to ensure compliance with mission and interface requirements, and oversee final sell-off with internal and external stakeholders.    
  • Coordinate cross-functional integration efforts.  Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ensure seamless payload integration. 
  • Assist in training new team members. 
  • Develop common process workflows and tools to make an efficient operation.  

Qualifications  

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.  
  • 5+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.  
  • 2+ years of technical project management and/or systems engineering experience.  
  • Hands-on experience with developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.  
  • Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads.   

Nice to Have  

  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline.  
  • Experience working directly with National Security customers.  
  • 10+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.  
  • Hands-on spacecraft or aerospace integration and test experience, including environmental testing, verification and troubleshooting.   
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver results across multiple parallel priorities.  
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.  
  • Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred; willing to pursue and maintain a clearance if not already cleared.  

Compensation and Benefits:  

  • Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $230,000 + 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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